Early Voting Starts Feb. 12 — what you need to know

Primary Election Day in North Carolina is March 3, 2026. Early voting takes place from February 12 to 28.

During this primary election, voters will select candidates to run in the general election, for positions including U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, NC House of Representatives, NC judges, Mecklenburg County Board Commissioners and Mecklenburg County Sheriff. (Obviously the specific races depend on your county and district.)

On Election Day you may vote only at your assigned polling place, but during early voting, you can vote at any early voting site in your county. Learn more about Early Voting.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Check on your voting details here. Enter your information and see if you’re registered to vote. If you are, you can also see your polling location for Election Day and your sample ballot.

What If You’re Not Registered to Vote?

If you’re not registered to vote, or you need to change your name or address, you can use same-day registration in person during early voting when you go to vote. Please note that same-day registration is not available for most voters on Election Day, only during early voting.

To take advantage of same-day registration during early voting, you must meet all eligibility requirements and have been residing in the county where you’re registering for at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

You need to show photo ID and proof of residency. See the requirements here.

Showing ID

When you vote you will be asked to show Photo ID. If you can not show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, you can still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form and voting with a provisional ballot. Or you can vote with a provisional ballot and then return to your county board of elections office with your photo ID by noon on the third business day after the election.

Obviously it’s best if you have ID. The most common ID used is a North Carolina driver’s license, but there are some other choices as well. Please read about the ID requirements carefully.

You can get a state ID for free from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. Read how here.