Voting and Coronavirus

Your Vote and Safety Count

Your state and county elections officials remain hard at work to make voting as accessible and safe as possible for North Carolina’s more than 7 million registered voters. Election officials have been asked to create and implement plans to minimize viral spread at polling locations, including encouraging mask-wearing, social distancing requirements, and sanitation protocols.

There is not currently a statewide stay at home order or universal mask mandate in place. Your local rules and regulations may differ depending on county policies, municipal ordinances, and restrictions imposed by private businesses. To protect yourself and those around you, the State Board strongly encourages voters, observers, and electioneers to wear a mask indoors and maintain physical distancing.

Not all municipalities permit absentee-by-mail or in-person early voting during the 2021 municipal elections. Find the election dates and options available at the 2021 Municipal Voter Tool. Please review your sample ballot in advance of voting in person to reduce time at your polling place. Sample ballots are available through the Voter Search tool. Find details about municipal elections at Upcoming Election.

In-Person Voting Guidelines

If you plan to vote in-person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) recommend the following protective measures:

• All North Carolinians are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Information can be found at Find Your Spot, Take Your Shot. For guidance on vaccinations, please refer to our Interim Guidance for Individuals Who Have Been Vaccinated Against COVID-19 and Recommendations for Protecting Each Other.
• Wear a face mask when you go to vote and keep it on throughout the voting process. Free masks will be available at all early voting sites and Election Day precincts for voters who do not bring one.
• While at your polling location, stay 6 feet apart from others, including other voters if you have to wait in line.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after voting at your polling location. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will be available at every voting place.
• Consider voting at off-peak times, such as mid-morning, to avoid crowds.
• Stay home if you do not feel well. Voters are encouraged to isolate away from people if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you or a household member is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, contact your health care provider about getting tested. If you do visit a voting site when you are experiencing symptoms, vote curbside rather than entering the voting place.