Early Voting Begins Across North Carolina Ahead of November Midterm Elections

North Carolina voters can begin casting their ballots Thursday, Oct. 15, as in-person early voting opens statewide ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The early voting period runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, giving eligible residents an opportunity to vote before Election Day.

A total of 370 early voting sites will be available across the state, with locations and operating hours varying by county. During early voting, registered voters can cast their ballots at any early voting site within their county of registration, offering more flexibility than voting on Election Day, when residents must visit their assigned precinct.

The election will feature races for the U.S. Senate, all 14 of North Carolina’s U.S. House seats, the North Carolina General Assembly, state appellate courts and local offices. Depending on their location, voters may also decide contests involving county commissioners, sheriffs, school boards and statewide ballot questions.

Before heading to a voting site, residents should verify their registration information, review their sample ballot and confirm local early voting hours through the North Carolina State Board of Elections or their county board of elections.

North Carolina also allows eligible residents to register and vote at the same time during early voting. Individuals who missed the regular voter registration deadline can complete the process at an early voting location in their county. They must provide proof of their current residence, such as a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or lease, and meet the state’s eligibility requirements, including residency in their county for at least 30 days before Election Day.

Same-day registration is not available on Election Day for most voters, making the early voting period particularly important for those who still need to register or update their information after moving.

Voters must generally present an acceptable photo identification document, such as a North Carolina driver’s license or U.S. passport. Those without an acceptable ID can ask election officials about available alternatives.

Additional accommodations are available for voters who need assistance. Curbside voting is offered to eligible individuals who cannot enter a polling place without physical assistance because of age or disability. Voters may also request assistance from authorized individuals or poll workers.

Early voting ends Oct. 31. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polling places will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with voters required to report to their assigned precinct.

North Carolinians can visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website to find early voting locations, check registration status and review election information before casting their ballots.