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North Carolina elections in 2026

This page lists North Carolina statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in North Carolina​

Start with the official North Carolina voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

North Carolina voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You may apply to register to vote online. Once completed, the application is sent to the N. C. State Board of Elections, which handles voter registrations. If there are any issues with the application or if more information is needed, your county board of elections will contact you to complete the process.
  • November 3, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N. C. G. S. A. § 163-865.

Online​

You may apply to register to vote online. Once completed, the application is sent to the N. C. State Board of Elections, which handles voter registrations. If there are any issues with the application or if more information is needed, your county board of elections will contact you to complete the process

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides

Deadlines

In Person​

In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N. C. G. S. A. § 163-865

Military Overseas: Available

To register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot, UOCAVA citizens may complete a FPCA or FWAB and send the form to their county board of elections

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Once you have completed and mailed your changes to your local board of elections, allow two to six weeks for delivery of your voter identification card.

Absentee and early voting in North Carolina​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • September 4, 2026 — Absentee Ballots Available: Absentee ballots must be available and distributed to military and overseas voters. For more, see Vote by Mail.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides.
  • October 15, 2026 — In-person early voting begins: Early voting starts the Third Thursday preceding an Election Day.
  • October 20, 2026 — Absentee ballot request deadline: Absentee ballot request deadline
  • October 31, 2026 — In-person early voting ends: Early voting ends 3 p. m. on the last Saturday before election. **Note: ** The original date is October 31, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 33
  • November 3, 2026 — Absentee ballot return deadline: Absentee ballot return deadline (7: 30 P. M)
  • November 3, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N. C. G. S. A. § 163-865.

Voter ID requirements in North Carolina​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: North Carolina voter ID requirements.

North Carolina election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — March 3, 2026​

Statewide and Federal primaries are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each even-numbered year to select the nominees of the major political parties for partisan offices - NC ST 163-1, 163-213-2. Presidential primary

Important dates​

  • February 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.
  • February 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides.
  • February 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You may apply to register to vote online. Once completed, the application is sent to the N. C. State Board of Elections, which handles voter registrations. If there are any issues with the application or if more information is needed, your county board of elections will contact you to complete the process.
  • February 12, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting starts the Third Thursday preceding an Election Day.
  • February 28, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends 3 p. m. on the last Saturday before election. **Note: ** The original date is February 28, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - February 30
  • March 3, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N. C. G. S. A. § 163-865.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • September 4, 2026 — Absentee Ballots Available: Absentee ballots must be available and distributed to military and overseas voters. For more, see Vote by Mail.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides.
  • October 9, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You may apply to register to vote online. Once completed, the application is sent to the N. C. State Board of Elections, which handles voter registrations. If there are any issues with the application or if more information is needed, your county board of elections will contact you to complete the process.
  • October 15, 2026 — In-person early voting begins: Early voting starts the Third Thursday preceding an Election Day.
  • October 20, 2026 — Absentee ballot request deadline: Absentee ballot request deadline
  • October 31, 2026 — In-person early voting ends: Early voting ends 3 p. m. on the last Saturday before election. **Note: ** The original date is October 31, which is a Saturday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - October 33
  • November 3, 2026 — Absentee ballot return deadline: Absentee ballot return deadline (7: 30 P. M)
  • November 3, 2026 — Same day registration only during the early voting period: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N. C. G. S. A. § 163-865.

Official North Carolina election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.