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.
Your voting options
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, statewide offices, city and county governmental offices, judicial 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 its sample ballot available to voters. If you are already registered, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search tool and, after entering your information, select “Sample Ballots.”
- Research your Ballot: There are a number of voting resources available to help you learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot, such as your local newspaper or an independent newspaper/magazine. In addition, there are a number of great non-partisan resources available online. One non-partisan resource we recommend is from the League of Women Voters is Vote411.
- Bring your notes: After you have researched your ballot, you do not need to memorize your choices; we encourage you to bring your notes into the voting booth. While it is advisable to print them out, you may bring 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. Remember, voters are required to show a photo ID.
If you plan to both register and vote during the early voting period, please note the following registration requirements:
NC State Students
- Bring your Wolfpack One Card.
- Follow the instructions on Proof of Residence Using MyPack Portal to show an Address Verification letter 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
Option 2: Absentee Voting
In North Carolina, any registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot for the 2026 general election. Voting absentee means you fill out a ballot at home and mail it or submit it in person, rather than voting at your polling place or an early voting location.
There are three primary steps to absentee vote: request, complete, and return a ballot. Voters are responsible for following all guidelines and policies for absentee voting set out by their county board of elections and the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Who can vote absentee?
In North Carolina, all registered voters may vote absentee. This means you fill out a ballot at home and mail it or submit it in person, rather than voting at your polling place or an early voting location. You must request an absentee ballot from your county board of elections.
How do I vote absentee?
To vote absentee in North Carolina, there are three primary steps:
- Request a Ballot
- State law requires voters to request an absentee ballot using an official NC Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
- Online: NC Absentee Ballot Portal
- Paper: 2026 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form (fillable PDF)
- After completing the paper form, mail it (via U.S. Postal Service, DHL, FedEx, or UPS) or submit it in person to your county board of elections.
- State law requires voters to request an absentee ballot using an official NC Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
- Complete a Ballot
- Next, fill out your ballot. You must mark your ballot in the presence of a notary public or two witnesses. They should observe that you mark the ballot, not how you vote.
- Then, seal your ballot in the return envelope and sign your name on the back. Also, have each witness or notary public sign the envelope (they should sign their name, print their name, and write their full address on the back). If you received assistance, have the assistant sign the envelope as well.
- Next, place a copy of an eligible photo ID in the clear sleeve on the back of your ballot envelope.
- Lastly, place the completed and sealed ballot envelope inside the absentee return envelope and seal it.
- Return a Ballot
- There are two ways for you to return your ballot:
- Mail your ballot
- Include correct postage on your ballot return envelope.
- Your ballot must be received by your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
- Important Note: There is no longer a grace period for ballots received after Election Day.
- Submit your ballot in person
- You can return your ballot to your county board of elections office or to an early voting site in your county.
- If you are returning to your county board of elections office on Election Day, it must be received by 7:30 p.m.
- Important Note: You cannot return your ballot to a polling place on Election Day.
- Mail your ballot
- There are two ways for you to return your ballot:
How can I request an absentee ballot?
State law requires voters to request an absentee ballot using an official NC Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
- Online: NC Absentee Ballot Portal
- Paper: 2026 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form (fillable PDF)
- After completing the paper form, mail it (via U.S. Postal Service, DHL, FedEx, or UPS) or submit it in person to your county board of elections.
Was my absentee ballot counted?
If you are registered to vote in North Carolina, you can track its status through an online 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 U.S. Vote Foundation.
Absentee Voting Dates and Deadlines
Option 3: Election Day Voting
On Election Day, registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. You cannot vote on Election Day at an early voting location or on-campus at NC State. Remember, voters are required to show a photo ID.
Polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line at 7:30 p.m., you will be able to vote. To avoid long lines, vote at off-peak times. Typically, early in the morning and just before the polls close are the busiest times to vote.
Find Your Election Day Polling Place
If you plan to vote on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. To find out where that is, use the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search tool and enter your information.
- Important Note: There is no Election Day polling place on NC State’s campus.
Photo ID Requirements
Voters will be required to show photo ID for the upcoming general election. You will be asked to present valid photo ID when you check in to vote at your polling place.
- Important Note: The NC State Wolfpack One Card is a valid photo ID for voting for both students and employees.
Voters with Disabilities and Curbside Voting
If you qualify for voter assistance or curbside voting, you may ask for help at your polling place. Every polling place in North Carolina offers curbside voting for those who are unable to enter the polling place without physical assistance due to age or disability.
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Last Reviewed On: 7/7/2026