Voting Method Options
Voters in North Carolina have three ways to cast their ballots: voting early, submitting an absentee ballot, or voting on Election Day.
Be an Informed Voter
Elections aren’t trivial. The results of the votes cast will play an important part in the policies put in place in the communities you’re a part of, so it’s important to have a plan and be prepared before you step into the voting booth. Depending on the election and where you live, your ballot may have federal offices, state-wide offices, city and county governmental offices, judiciary elections, state constitutional amendments, and/or local bond referendums. But don’t worry, it’s easy to prepare by following these steps:
- Review your Sample Ballot: Prior to the election, the North Carolina State Board of Elections makes available to voters their sample ballot. You can retrieve this by visiting this link and selecting “Sample Ballots.”
- Research your Ballot: There are a number of voting resources out there for you to utilize to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot, such as your local newspaper, or independent newspaper/magazine. In addition, there are a number of great non-partisan resources to also access online. One non-partisan resource we recommend is from the League of Women Voters is Vote411.org.
- Bring your notes: After you have researched your ballot, you do not have to worry about memorizing your choices, we encourage you to bring your notes into the voting booth. While it is advisable to print them out, you are able to bring in your phone. Just be sure not to use it to take any photos or have any other electronic communication as that is not permitted while in the voting enclosure.
Option 1: Early Voting
Early voting is commonly also called “One-Stop (Early) Voting.” This is because individuals may register and vote at the same time during the early voting period. Registered voters ARE required to show an ID. For more information on this requirement, click here.
If you plan to both register and vote during the early voting period on location, please note the following registration requirements:
NC State Students
- Bring a valid photo ID (such as your WolfPack OneCard)
- Bring a proof of residence. Click here to follow the instructions to show your address verification letter from your MyPack Portal on your mobile device, or print it out and bring it with you to the polls.
Faculty, Staff and Other Voters
- Bring a proof of residency document that includes your name and current address. Common documents include:
- North Carolina driver’s license
- Photo identification from a government agency
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document
For more information about the requirements for participating in one-stop early voting, read more here.
Early Voting at NC State
NC State University is proud to host an early voting site in Talley Student Union for the upcoming general elections from February 15 to March 2, 2024. Check back soon for more information on parking and directions to Talley!
Option 2: Absentee Ballot Voting
In North Carolina, absentee voting includes Early Voting, voting by mail, and voting from another state or abroad to your registered county. It means that rather than voting at a polling place, you’re filling out a ballot at home and mailing it in or submitting it in-person to an Early Voting site. All registered voters are qualified to vote absentee if they choose. Voters are responsible for following all guidelines and policies for absentee voting set out by their registered Board of Elections.
Who can vote absentee?
In North Carolina, all registered voters may vote absentee. Voting absentee is the process by which voters cast their ballots via the mail. Absentee ballots must be requested from your board of elections.
How do I vote absentee?
State law requires that voters submit the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form and you must do so by February 27th by 5:00pm, but it is advisable to request sooner. Ballots must be delivered to your county Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, March 5th 2024. Drop-boxes are not permitted under North Carolina Law.
Where do I request an absentee ballot form?
Click here to request a form and find out more information about voting absentee.
Was my absentee ballot counted?
If you are registered in North Carolina, the State Board of Elections launched a virtual portal for tracking your absentee ballot. Click here to visit the portal.
How do I vote by mail as an out of state student?
To learn about your state’s deadline and processes you must visit your state’s board of elections or secretary of state website. A helpful resource you may wish to consult is the US Vote Foundation
Option 3: Election Day Voting
Voters WILL be required to show photo ID for the 2024 Primary Election. This is a change from previous elections, and the decision will remain in place until further order of the court. For more information visit the State Board of Elections website here.
Voters who plan to vote on Election Day must vote at their designated precinct. To find out where that is, visit NCSBE and click the blue “Launch the Voter Search” button.
Questions?
Have questions or concerns about Pack the Polls, this site, or voting in general? Send us a message at packthepolls@ncsu.edu or submit a question to our Google Form and we will respond to you as soon as possible!