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North Carolina’s early voting period for the 2026 midterms starts Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know about how to vote and what to expect.
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The early voting period starts on Thursday, Oct. 15 and ends on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Most polling sites are open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but specific times are determined by each county board of elections. Some counties also offer early voting on weekends.
Voters can find all of their county’s early voting sites and schedules by using the early voting site search tool on the State Board of Elections’ website at vt.ncsbe.gov/EVSite/.
Voters can find a copy of their sample ballot by using the online voter search tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.
After locating your registration by inputting your name and county, scroll down to the section labeled “your sample ballot.” This will show exactly what offices, constitutional amendments and local referenda you’ll see when you show up to vote.
The News & Observer and the Charlotte Observer have also published a voter guide with questionnaire responses from all federal and statewide candidates, as well as local candidates in the Triangle and Charlotte areas.
North Carolina requires voters to show a photo ID when they present to vote.
The state accepts several forms of identification, including a driver’s license, U.S. Passport and certain university student ID cards.
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If you do not have an ID or forget to bring it to the polls, you can still cast a provisional ballot after filling out an ID exception form. Your bipartisan county board of election will accept your provisional ballot unless they unanimously agree that the information provided in the form was false. You can also present an ID to local election officials after casting your provisional ballot to prove your eligibility.
Prospective voters who are not currently registered can do so during the early voting period using same-day registration.
These individuals may show up to any early voting site and announce their intent to register. They will be asked to show photo ID and proof of residence at their current address. This can take the form of a driver’s license (if the address is accurate), a utility bill or bank statement, or certain documents issued by colleges and universities.
Voters who have moved since the last election can also update their address during the early voting period.
Voters can, of course, also cast their ballots in-person on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Election Day voters must cast their ballot at their assigned precinct — rather than any polling site in their county.
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Voters can find their Election Day precinct online at vt.ncsbe.gov/pplkup/.