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VOTING IN NORTH CAROLINA

Voter Eligibility - Who Can Vote?​

Under federal law, if you move within 30 days of a presidential election, you are allowed to vote for President and Vice President in your former state of residence, either in person or by absentee ballot.
  • Minimum Age To Vote: Must be at least 18 years old or will be 18 by the date of the next general election.
  • Minimum Age To Register To Vote: You must be at least 16 to register to vote.

To register to vote in the State of North Carolina, an individual must meet the following qualifications:

  • You are a United States citizen;
  • Must be a resident of the county, and prior to voting in an election, must have resided at his or her residential address for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election..
  • Prior to voting, must be a resident of the county for at least 30 days prior to election day.
  • Must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or on parole). If previously convicted of a felony, the person’s citizenship rights must be restored. Citizenship and voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence. No special document is needed.

Ways To Register To Vote​

By Mail​

Once completed, the application should be printed, signed and then mailed to the county board of elections in the county where the applicant resides

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.

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 information is needed, your county board of elections will contact you to complete the process

Same Day Voter Registration​

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period ONLY. N.C.G.S.A. § 163-865

How Do I Know I'm Registered?​

  • Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk.
  • Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment.
  • Once you have completed and mailed your changes to your local board of elections, allow two to six weeks for delivery of your voter identification card.

Military and Overseas Citizens​

Other ways to register to vote​

Voter Identification​

  • Voter Identification Law Enacted? NO

North Carolina voters are not required to show identification​

  • Voters are not required to show ID for elections. However, Same-day registrants must attest to their eligibility and provide proof of where they live. A voter attests to their eligibility by completing and signing a North Carolina Voter Registration Application.

Same-day registrant must prove their residence by showing any of the following documents with their current name and address:​

  • North Carolina driver’s license
  • Other photo identification issued by a government agency. Any government-issued photo ID is acceptable, provided that the card includes the voter's current name and address.
  • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing the voter’s name and address.
  • A current college/university photo identification card paired with proof of campus habitation.

Voter Information Lookup​

  • Voter Information Lookup Tool​

  • Use this tool to:​

    • Check Your Voter Registration Status
    • Check Your Polling Place Location
    • Check Early Voting Location
    • View Your Sample Ballot
    • Check The Status Of Your Absentee Ballot
    • And more