Upcoming Election

Overview

On this page, find details about the 2022 statewide primary, including a table of dates and deadlines. Also, review the information about how to track redistricting.

2022 Statewide Primary

In North Carolina, the statewide primary is Tuesday, May 17, 2022. During this election, voters can choose which candidates they prefer to be on the general election ballot in November. The purpose of a primary is to narrow the field of candidates for the general election.

Races on the ballot include:

  • The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
  • The N.C. General Assembly.
  • The N.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

Additionally, many voters will find municipal contests on their ballot due to rescheduled municipal elections. This applies to voters in municipalities that delayed their 2021 elections to finalize new electoral districts. This also applies to voters who live in cities and towns that conduct their elections during even-numbered years.

Who Can Vote in the Primary?

Registered voters across the state can vote in the primary. However, voters affiliated with any political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party. Unaffiliated voters can choose the ballot of candidates for any party: Democratic, Libertarian, or Republican.

How Winners are Determined

Each candidate that wins in each contest on their party’s ballot will become a nominee. The nominee will appear on the ballot in the general election contest. To become the party’s nominee, the candidate must win by at least 30% of the vote plus one.

There May Be a Second Primary

If no candidate reaches the total necessary to become the nominee in a contest on the ballot, a second primary may be held on July 5 or July 26. The date will depend on whether a federal office is involved. Voters can revisit this page after the primary to confirm a second primary.

Dates and Deadlines

The civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. Find out how to register.

2022 Statewide Primary Date or Deadline
March 28, 2022: The date by which the boards of elections must make available absentee ballots, barring any action by the State Board or the courts to postpone that date, under N.C.G.S. 163-227.10(a).
April 22, 2022: Civilian voter registration deadline for the 2022 statewide primary.
April 28, 2022: One-stop, in-person early voting period begins for the 2022 statewide primary, under N.C.G.S. 163-227.2(b).
May 10, 2022: Deadline for civilians to submit an absentee ballot request form for the 2022 statewide primary.
May 14, 2022: One-stop, in-person early voting period ends at 3 p.m. for the 2022 statewide primary, under N.C.G.S. 163-227.2(b).
May 17, 2022: Election Day for the 2022 statewide primary and civilian absentee ballot return deadline.

Revisit this page after the statewide primary for additional 2022 election dates and deadlines, including those for the November general election, rescheduled municipals, and a second primary, if applicable.

Voting Details

For information about each voting method available to voters during the statewide primary, follow the links below.

Redistricting: How to Track

On Nov. 4, 2021, the N.C. General Assembly ratified the following redistricting bills and associated maps:

Districts define who officials represent during their terms in office: It is possible that your districts could change. In 2022, voters can confirm their districts ahead of the May primary by entering their information into the Voter Search.

Track local elections: Find 2022 local election dates at a district, county, and municipal level at the Local Voter Tool. These include about 35 municipalities that rescheduled their 2021 elections to 2022 to finalize their electoral districts.

Related Content

https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election