How to Vote in North Carolina

Flag of North Carolina
“Esse Quam Videri”— To Be Rather Than to Seem
Capital: Raleigh Nickname: The Tar Heel State Admitted: 1789 (12th state) Electoral Votes: 16
State Bird: Northern Cardinal State Flower: Dogwood
Registration Deadline 25 days before Election Day; same-day registration available during early voting
Voter ID Required Photo ID requested
Early Voting Yes
Absentee / Mail-In No-excuse
Polling Hours 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Electoral Votes 16

Voter Registration in North Carolina

The voter registration deadline in North Carolina is 25 days before Election Day; same-day registration available during early voting.

North Carolina does not currently offer online voter registration.

North Carolina does not have automatic voter registration.

In North Carolina, eligible residents can pre-register to vote at age 16.

Register to vote in North Carolina →

Voter ID Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina requires Photo ID requested identification to vote.

Early Voting in North Carolina

Yes — North Carolina offers early voting.

Begins 19 days before Election Day; includes at least one Saturday and one Sunday

Absentee & Mail-In Voting in North Carolina

Absentee and mail-in voting in North Carolina: No-excuse.

Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by mail without providing a reason

Polling Hours in North Carolina

Polls in North Carolina are open 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

Voting Rights & Restoration in North Carolina

Felony voting rights in North Carolina: After completion of sentence.

After You Vote in North Carolina

Your vote matters — and you have the right to confirm it was received and counted.

Track your ballot: Visit the North Carolina Secretary of State elections website to check the status of your ballot.
Verify your registration: Confirm your voter registration is still active at CanIVote.org or Vote.org.
Voted by mail? Use USPS Informed Delivery to track your ballot envelope in transit.
Provisional ballot? Keep your receipt — most states let you check its status online within 7–10 days.
Need help? Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Register to Vote in North Carolina →