Skip to main content

How to Vote in North Carolina

Find information about Election Day, deadlines for voter registration in North Carolina and more. Explore frequently asked questions below.

Visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website for the most up-to-date information. 

 

When is the next election in North Carolina? 

North Carolina will hold its statewide general election on November 5, 2024. 

Learn about offices up for election and more. > 

 

What is the deadline to register to vote in North Carolina? 

In North Carolina, voters must register at least 25 days before a regular election. The deadline to register to vote in the general election is October 11, 2024.

Learn more on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. > 

 

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Eligible voters may register to vote during early voting in person at a polling place in their county. Same-day registration is not available for most voters on Election Day. 

Learn more about same-day registration. > 

 

How do I register to vote in North Carolina? 

You can register to vote by mail-in application and through voter registration agencies, like the DMV. If you miss the voter registration deadline, you may register at the polls during early voting periods

Learn more on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. > 

 

Am I registered to vote in North Carolina? 

Find out if you are registered to vote by entering your information into the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Voter Search tool

 

Do I need an id to vote in North Carolina? 

In North Carolina, voters will be asked for photo identification to vote at the polls and for voting by mail. There are many acceptable types of photo ids, and the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles is offering “no fee” id cards.  

See current lists of acceptable ids on the North Carolina Board of Elections website. If unsure, voters should confirm the eligibility of their id with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. 

Learn more on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. > 

 

How do I vote early?  

In-person early voting for the November 5, 2024 statewide general election begins October 17, 2024 and ends November 2, 2024 at 3 PM.  

In North Carolina, voters may vote early in-person at any early voting site in their county.  

Find early voting locations for your county. > 

 

Who is on the ballot?  

To find your sample ballot, review your voter record and corresponding “Your Sample Ballot” section.  

Find your voter record in Voter Search. > 

 

Can I vote by absentee ballot in North Carolina? 

The deadline to request an absentee ballot in North Carolina is October 29, 2024 at 5 PM. Absentee ballots must be returned by 7:30 PM on November 5, 2024. 

Voters may request an absentee ballot through the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Portal

Learn more about absentee-by-mail voting in North Carolina. > 

Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections, www.ncsbe.gov

More From PBS North Carolina

Every Friday night, turn to PBS NC to uncover the week’s top stories with experienced journalists and thoughtful analysis from reliable experts.

Fridays on PBS NC

6 PM PBS News Hour
7 PM Black Issues Forum
7:30 PM ncIMPACT
8 PM Washington Week with The Atlantic
8:30 PM State Lines

Watch these shows and more on PBS NC, and streaming online and on the free PBS App.

Explore News & Public Affairs Shows
  • PBS NewsHour hosts Geoff Bennett and Amna Nawaz
  • Grid image
  • Black Issues Forum with Executive Producer Deborah Holt Noel and host Kenia Thompson
  • State Lines text stacked with an outline of NC in between, superimposed over an image of the NC capitol building lit up at night.
  • Washington Week logo over a background image of the White House
  • Grid image

STREAM ANYTIME, ANYWHERE