Register to Vote
Registering to vote is an exciting and important process in a democracy! If you’re registering to vote for the first time, or simply updating your previous registration, please take a few minutes to review the following:
Voter Registration Form
If you know what to do, and you are ready to get started, click here to access the voter registration form or click here to register to vote online if you are an existing customer of the North Carolina DMV. Please continue down for more information on the registration process, how to submit the form and more.
Who can register to vote?
The following are the requirements for registering to vote in North Carolina:
- You are a citizen of the United States of America
- You are 18 years of age, or will be 18 years of age by the date of the next election. You may register to vote if you are 16 years of age or older, and if you’ll turn 18 by Election Day.
- You have been a legal resident in the county where you will vote for at least 30 days before the date of the next election.
- You must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or parole). If a prospective voter has previously been convicted of a felony, their citizenship rights must be restored. For more information on voting rights for those in the North Carolina criminal justice system, click here.
When is the registration deadline?
Click here to learn more about voter registration deadlines. The civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.
Out-of-State and Non-Local Students
Consider voting in Wake County! If you are an out-of-state student living in Wake County, we encourage you to consider registering to vote and participating in local, statewide, and general elections in North Carolina. Most students spend between 4-6 years in the area, so we invite you to exercise your voice here!
The absentee ballot process is mandated by state and local boards or commissions. Out-of-state and non-local students are encouraged to check with their location’s board of elections or equivalent office to ensure they are following all policies and procedures for submitting an absentee ballot. In most cases, absentee ballots must be requested weeks prior to the election date. Click here for a helpful tool to figure out what you need to vote absentee.
How do I register to vote?
Online Registration for DMV Customers
Those who are existing customers with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (those with a North Carolina driver’s license or other valid ID issued by the North Carolina DMV) may register to vote or update their registration online. Click here to learn more about online voter registration.
Register and Vote at 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. If you plan to register and vote during the early voting period on location, please note the following requirements:
NC State Students
- Bring your student ID
- Click here to follow the instructions to show a 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.