Voting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Updated August 26, 2024
1. How can I check my voter registration?
It’s easy! Just go to VOTE411.org, click the Check Your Registration link, pick your state and follow the directions. In NC, this takes you to the State Board of Elections Voter Search tool. Enter your information and then click on your name to see your voting jurisdictions/districts, where to vote on Election Day, a link to NC’s Early Voting Site Search, your voting history and more.
2. What is the deadline to register to vote in an election?
You must be registered to vote 25 days before an election. For the 2024 General Election this date is October 11, 2024. If you miss this deadline, you can register and vote on the same day during Early Voting, which starts on October 17 and ends at 3 pm on November 2 this Fall.
3. Who is eligible to register and vote in NC?
To vote in NC, an individual must:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be a resident of your county and have resided at your current residential address for at least 30 days prior to voting.
Be at least 18 years old by the next election date. (16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register and a 17-year-old may vote in a Primary if they will be 18 on or before Election Day).
Rescind any previous voting registration in another county or state.
Note: Per Supreme Court of NC order (April 2023), NC residents convicted of felonies must complete their sentences—including any prison time and any period of probation, post-release supervision or parole—before they regain the right to vote. Click here for more information from the NC State Board of Elections.
4. What are my options for voting?
All NC voters can elect to vote Absentee-By-Mail or at Early Voting or on Election Day. Pick whichever method is best for you!
5. Do I have to bring any identification to vote?
Yes. NC voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote. Voters who vote by mail will be asked to include a photocopy of an acceptable ID when returning their ballot by mail.
There are several types of acceptable photo IDs (such as an NC driver’s license) AND there are voting options if a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID. For detailed information about these rules go to the NC State Board of Elections webpage on voter ID here.
6. What options do college students have to vote?
College students who are registered NC voters can:
Vote in their home jurisdiction.
Vote Absentee-by-Mail (the student or their parents may request the absentee ballot).
Change their voter registration to their campus address if they meet the criteria of the jurisdiction where they attend college.
College students from outside of NC who attend an NC college can:
Vote in accordance with the rules of their home jurisdiction.
Change their voter registration to their NC address as long as they live at that NC address for at least 30 days before the election.
More for Gen Z and Millennial Voters here.
7. What can I do at Early VotinG?(October 17 – 3 PM November 2 for the 2024 General Election)
Register to vote.
Vote.
Update your name and physical or mailing address
Obtain voting assistance for physically disabled or elderly voters (curbside voting, ADA Ballot or/and request assistance from an Election Official who has sworn an oath to assist without bias).
Note that Party Affiliation may NOT be changed at Early Voting.
8. What do I need to do to vote Absentee-by-Mail? (Now – 7:30 pm November 5 for the 2024 General Election).
Voting by mail in NC takes three steps—request, complete and return a ballot.
a. Request an Absentee Ballot at NC Absentee Ballot Portal or by filling out the 2024 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form in English (or Spanish). You will be required to provide your date of birth and either your NC Driver’s License number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number. More detailed instructions can be found here.
b. Complete your ballot—Detailed instructions can be found here, and include marking your ballot in the presence of a notary or two witnesses, signing the ballot (both voter and witnesses), including a copy of your photo ID and sealing your ballot.
c. Return your ballot—By mail ($1.77 postage or three Forever Stamps) or in person. Ballots must be received by your County Boad of Elections by 7:30 pm on November 5, 2024. More detailed instructions can be found here.
9. How can I find out where to vote?
Early Voting locations and locations used on Election Day are different for many voters.
Early Voting locations and schedules vary by county and may not be the same for every election. NC voters can vote at any of their county’s Early Voting locations during the early voting period. Your NC voter registration information contains a link to NC’s Early Voting Site Search.
Your voting precinct location for Election Day is also included with your voting registration information. Here is a link to NC’s Polling Place Search.
10. How can I find out about upcoming elections?
NC voters have an election of some kind every year. The races on your ballot depend upon your voting districts. Your voter registration information contains dates for your upcoming elections (see How can I check my voter registration? above). About a month before each election, go to VOTE411.org, click on the Find What’s On Your Ballot box, enter your address and you will see the races and candidates on your ballot.
11. How can I learn about the candidates on my ballot?
About a month before each election, go to VOTE411.org, click on the Find What’s On Your Ballot box, enter your address and you will see the races and candidates on your ballot. Candidates are invited to share their biographical information (picture, social media sites and contact information) and answer questions to help voters learn about their stances on various issues. The information shared on VOTE411 comes directly from the candidates. Also, see Local Candidate Events here.
12. Where can I find more information about voting and elections?
VOTE411.org (check it out!)
Your home county’s Board of Elections website
Still have a question?
Contact us here.