Poll hours: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
North Carolina poll hours for the next listed election are 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m..
State Election Guide
North Carolina election dates and voter deadlines
North Carolina 2026 election calendar with upcoming election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, poll hours, and official sources.
Before You Vote
Key voting questions
How can I find my polling location?
Use the North Carolina election office lookup or contact your local election office before Election Day.
What's on the North Carolina ballot in 2026?
North Carolina's current statewide calendar includes North Carolina General Election 2026 on November 3, 2026. Local ballots may include additional races, questions, or measures.
Who can vote in primaries in North Carolina?
North Carolina is a PARTIALLY CLOSED election system. In this system, state law permits political parties to choose whether to allow unaffiliated voters or voters not registered with the party to participate in their nominating contests before each election...
Election Calendar
North Carolina current and upcoming election dates
North Carolina General Election 2026
November 3, 2026
November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of the month of November
Poll hours: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Official North Carolina General Election 2026 source
Key deadlines
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Absentee ballots available
Absentee ballots must be available and distributed to military and overseas voters. For more, see Vote by Mail.
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Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment
Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides.
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Voter Registration Deadline In Person
In North Carolina, the civilian voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. North Carolina is one of the States that have enacted same day registration only during the early voting period.
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Voter Registration Deadline Online
You may apply to register to vote online. Once completed, the application is sent to the N.C. State Board of Elections, which handles voter registrations. If there are any issues with the application or if more...
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Early voting begins
Early voting starts the Third Thursday preceding an Election Day.
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Absentee ballot request deadline
Absentee ballot request deadline
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Early voting ends
Early voting ends 3 p.m. on the last Saturday before election. Please confirm schedule adjustments with your local election office.
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Absentee ballot return deadline
Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 P.M)
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Same day registration only during the early voting period
Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N.C.G.S.A. ยง 163-865.
Election Day Rules
Voting on Election Day in North Carolina
Time off for voting
Confirm North Carolina time-off-for-voting rules with state election officials or your employer before Election Day.
Voting at the polls on Election Day
Vote at your assigned polling place and review North Carolina voter ID or check-in requirements before you go.
Can I register at the polls on Election Day?
Register before the listed North Carolina deadline unless state or local election officials confirm an Election Day registration option for your address.