NC’s 2026 Primary Election is March 3rd

Eligible North Carolina citizens can register to vote in two ways:

1. Online or in person at the DMV:

   • Existing N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) customers may submit an online voter registration application.

     • Learn more: Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV.

     Note: Certain agencies, including the DMV, must offer voter registration services.

     • Learn more: National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

2. By mail:

• Fill out the appropriate form below and submit it by mail:

  • NC Voter Registration Application in English (fillable PDF).

  • NC Voter Registration Application in Spanish (fillable PDF).

• Learn more: Complete Your Registration by Mail.

The deadline to register to vote is February 6, 2026.

Unsure if you’re registered? Find out by entering your information into the Voter Search.

During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. This is different than Election Day, when registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. During the early voting period, eligible individuals may also register to vote and vote at the same time.

In-Person Early Voting Dates and Sites

March 2026 Primary Election

• In-person early voting period:

  • Starts: Thursday, Feb. 12.

  • Ends: 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

• Election Day:

  • Tuesday, Mar. 3.

• Find early voting sites and schedules in your county*:

  • Use the Early Voting Site Search, or

  • View the Early Voting Sites for the Mar. 3, 2026 Primary Election (PDF).

*While many counties have finalized their Early Voting schedule, some counties' schedules have yet to be finalized. If you do not see your county listed, or get an error when utilizing the Search Tool, please check back at a later date.

On Election Days, registered voters in North Carolina may vote at their assigned polling place. This is different than early voting, where eligible individuals may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.

Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. The busiest times tend to be early in the morning and just before the polls close. Avoid longer lines by voting at off-peak times

Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot for the 2025 elections, provided that their municipality allows absentee voting. Find details about the 2025 municipal elections at Upcoming Election.

Note: Not all municipalities offer absentee-by-mail voting.

Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official NC Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:

1. Online: Option 1 at the NC Absentee Ballot Portal.

2. On paper: 2025 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form (fillable PDF).

   • After completing, submit the form to your county board of elections or in person or by mail via the U.S. Postal Service, DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is two weeks before Election Day on February 17th.

Find your Election Day polling place by entering your information into the Voter Search, or search using your address with the Election Day Polling Place Search.