Voter Resources
Be Ready to Vote in the 2026 General Election
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
North Carolina voters will choose candidates for federal, state and local offices and vote on three proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution.
The League of Women Voters provides nonpartisan information to help every eligible voter make a plan and cast an informed ballot.
Important 2026 Dates
October 9, 5 p.m. — Regular voter registration deadline
October 15 — In-person Early Voting begins; same-day registration is available
October 20, 5 p.m. — Deadline to request an absentee ballot
October 31, 3 p.m. — In-person Early Voting ends
November 3 — Election Day; polls are open 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
November 3, 7:30 p.m. — Deadline for county boards of elections to receive absentee ballots
Not registered by October 9? Eligible voters may still register and vote at any Early Voting site in their county during Early Voting, October 15–31. Proof of residence is required for same-day registration.
Make Your Voting Plan
Vote Early
In-person Early Voting runs October 15–31. During Early Voting, registered voters may vote at any Early Voting site in their county.
Eligible voters who missed the October 9 registration deadline may also register and vote at the same time during Early Voting.
FIND EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS & HOURS
Vote on Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place.
FIND YOUR ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE
Vote by Mail
Any registered North Carolina voter may request an absentee ballot. No excuse is required.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. October 20, but voters are encouraged to request and return ballots as early as possible.
Know What's on Your Ballot
VOTE411: Your Personalized Voter Guide
Get ready to vote with VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters' free, nonpartisan election resource.
Enter your address to see the races on your ballot, compare candidates' responses to League questions and find the voting information you need to make your plan.
VOTE411 does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
"I have used the guide since I became an American citizen and started to vote. Thank you for helping me understand the issues important to our community. " – a VOTE411 user
"Was a first-time user and found it easy to use and very helpful in making my choices. I use it almost every day during early voting to point friends/family/voters towards a single location with nonpartisan info… It is indispensable!" – a VOTE411 user
View Your Official Sample Ballot
Want to see exactly what will appear on your ballot? Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search. Find your voter record and scroll to “Your Sample Ballot.”
Three Constitutional Amendments Are on the Ballot
North Carolina voters will decide three proposed amendments to the state Constitution in November.
Learn what each amendment would do and explore League resources designed to help voters understand what's on the ballot.
LEARN ABOUT THE 2026 NC CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSALS
Be Ready to Vote
Bring Your Photo ID
North Carolina voters will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. Voters casting an absentee ballot by mail generally must include a photocopy of an acceptable ID.
Don't have an acceptable photo ID? You can still vote. Voters who are unable to show an acceptable photo ID may complete an ID Exception Form.
Free voter photo IDs are also available from county boards of elections.
LEARN ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA'S PHOTO ID REQUIREMENT
Additional Voting Resources
Voting with a Disability
North Carolina provides accessible voting options, including curbside voting for eligible voters, assistance at voting sites and accessible absentee voting for blind or visually impaired voters.
Voting After a Felony Conviction
People who have completed a felony sentence, including any probation, post-release supervision or parole, are eligible to register and vote in North Carolina.
LEARN ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS AFTER A FELONY CONVICTION
Military and Overseas Voters
Special registration and absentee voting options are available for military members, their families and U.S. citizens living overseas.
MILITARY & OVERSEAS VOTING INFORMATION
Questions or Problems Voting?
If you have questions about voting or experience a problem while trying to vote, contact the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline:
English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
For League voter information, contact:
communications [at] lwvnc.org ()
Learn More About North Carolina Elections
Want to understand more about how North Carolina elections work?
Explore our videos and educational resources about election administration, ballot counting, recounts and election security.
- About Election Security in North Carolina
- How Are Hand to Eye Recounts Handled During North Carolina Elections
- What Happens During Canvass in North Carolina
- How Absentee and Early Voting Ballots Are Tabulated in North Carolina
- What Happens to Unused Absentee Ballots in North Carolina
- About Absentee-by-Mail Voting in North Carolina
Don't Have a Valid Voter ID?
Voter ID laws continue to evolve across the country, with many states adopting new or stricter requirements in recent years. If you're voting in North Carolina this fall, make sure you're prepared.
If you will be eligible to vote by the November 3, 2026 General Election but do not have a current North Carolina ID or driver's license, our friends at VoteRiders can help—for free.
VoteRiders is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that helps eligible voters obtain the ID they need to vote. They can assist with getting a state ID or driver's license, requesting and paying for documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card, and even providing free transportation to the DMV or Social Security office.
Call or text 866-ID-2-VOTE (866-432-8683)
Learn more: VoteRiders.org/infoNC
Questions about voting in North Carolina? Reach out to communications [at] lwvnc.org for assistance.
