It’s that time again – North Carolina voters will head to the polls for the state’s primary election, when political parties choose their nominees for the November general election. State election officials are urging voters to make a plan now – whether they intend to vote early, by mail or on Election Day.
The primary will be administered by the North Carolina State Board of Elections in coordination with county boards of elections across the state.
Election officials set several deadlines ahead of the primary:
• Voter registration deadline: Voters must have been registered by the state’s deadline, which for this year’s primary was Feb. 6.
• Early in-person voting: Early voting generally begins on Feb. 12 and runs through 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m.
• Absentee ballot request deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot has already passed. It was Tuesday, February 17, two weeks before Election Day.
• Election Day: On March 3, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Voters in line at 7:30 p.m. are allowed to cast a ballot.
In 2026, North Carolina will hold its primary election on March 3, 2026, and general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
To vote in North Carolina’s primary election, a person must:
• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old on or before the date of the general election.
• Have resided in North Carolina and in the voter’s precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day.
• Not be serving an active felony sentence, including probation or parole.
North Carolina holds partisan primaries. Voters registered with a political party may vote only in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose which party’s primary ballot to cast, if the party allows it.
Eligible residents may register to vote online, by mail or in person at their county board of elections office. Registration forms are also available at many government agencies, including Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices.
If a voter misses the standard registration deadline, North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period. To register and vote at an early voting site, a person must provide proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or government document showing the voter’s name and current address. It’s important to note same-day registration is not available on Election Day.
North Carolina law also requires most voters to show photo identification when voting in person. Acceptable forms of ID include:
• A North Carolina driver’s license.
• A state-issued identification card.
• A U.S. Passport.
• Certain student or government employee IDs that meet state criteria.
Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may obtain a free voter photo ID from their county board of elections. Those who are unable to present ID at the polls may complete an ID exception form and cast a provisional ballot, which will be reviewed by election officials.
Absentee-by-mail voters must include identifying information with their ballot materials as required by law.
North Carolina offers three ways to cast a ballot in the primary – early in-person voting, absentee voting by mail and Election Day voting.
During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any designated early voting site in their county of residence. Hours and locations vary by county and are set by local election boards. Same-day registration is available only during this period.
Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests must be submitted by the statutory deadline. Completed ballots must be returned to the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. State law includes witness requirements for absentee ballots, and voters should carefully follow all instructions provided with their ballot.
On Election Day, voters must cast their ballot at their assigned polling place. Polling locations can be found through the State Board of Elections or by contacting the county board of elections. Voters should bring an acceptable photo ID.
Primary ballots may include races for U.S. House, statewide judicial offices, seats in the General Assembly and local contests. In some districts, a candidate must receive at least 30 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election, known in North Carolina as a “second primary.” Because many districts in the state lean strongly toward one party, some races may effectively be decided in the primary.
Election officials recommend that voters:
• Verify their registration status and polling place location.
• Review a sample ballot in advance.
• Confirm early voting sites and hours.
• Allow extra time at the polls, particularly during peak hours.
Voters with questions may contact their county board of elections or visit the State Board of Elections website for up-to-date information. Making a plan ahead of time, officials say, can help ensure a smooth voting experience and that every eligible ballot is counted.
This primary election will designate the match ups for this November’s midterm elections, and will serve as a litmus test of where the Tar Heel state – and the entire nation – stand in response to the current administration’s policy direction. It’s critical you and your loved ones make a plan to go to your polling place to cast your ballot to make your voice heard.