Public Comment Portal: 2026 Rulemaking - Absentee Voting
Comment on Proposed Rules
The State Board of Elections invites the public to comment on several proposed rules that will govern how county boards of elections should proceed when a deficiency with a returned absentee ballot is identified by county board staff. These new rules will provide appropriate safeguards in the implementation of state laws regarding the completion of absentee applications and submission of absentee ballots. Read the Notice of Text.
Proposed rules:
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0201: Definitions – This rule provides definitions for terms used in the other rules.
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0501: Review for Deficiencies – This rule directs county board staff to review for deficiencies when an absentee ballot is received.
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0502: Curable Deficiencies – This rule identifies deficiencies that can be cured and directs the county board staff and voter processes to do so.
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0503: Non-Curable Deficiencies – This rule identifies deficiencies that cannot be cured and will result in the ballot being cancelled and reissued, if there is enough time to do so.
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0504: Irregularities That Do Not Require Further Action from the Voter – This rule identifies irregularities that must be documented but which do not require a cure process or the ballot to be reissued.
- Proposed rule 08 NCAC 18 .0505: Irregularities That Require Further Action – This rule identifies irregularities that must be documented and the voter contacted to determine whether the issue can be cured or must result in the ballot being spoiled and reissued.
The public comment period opens May 15, 2026, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on July 14, 2026. Submitted comments will be compiled and provided to the State Board for its review before its final consideration of the proposed rules.
For more information about the rulemaking process, please visit Rulemaking.