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 their sample ballot available to voters. If you are already registered, visit the State Board of Elections Voter Search page and after adding your information, select “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.
• 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, visit our Voting at Talley Student Union page.

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 your student ID
• 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

For more information about the requirements for participating in one-stop early voting, visit North Carolina State Board of Elections Voting Early in Person page.

Early Voting at NC State

NC State University is proud to host an early voting site in Talley Student Union for the upcoming primary election from Feb. 12-28, 2026. 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. Ballots must be delivered to your county Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Drop-boxes are not permitted under North Carolina Law.

Where do I request an absentee ballot form?

Request a form and find out more information about voting absentee on the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voting by Mail page.

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.

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 Primary and General 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 North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter ID page.

Voters who plan to vote on Election Day must vote at their designated precinct. To find out where that is, use the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search page and enter your information.

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!