Be an unstoppable voter
North Carolina is having an election this year for local, state, and federal positions. The winning candidates will create policies that affect your life. Vote in the Primary AND General Elections!
PRIMARY ELECTION: Pick who’s on the ballot for the General Election
Early Voting will be Thursday, February 15-Saturday, March 2, 2024
Primary Election Day will be Tuesday, March 5, 2024
GENERAL ELECTION: Pick who represents you in the years to come
Early Voting will be Thursday, October 17-Saturday, November 2, 2024
Election Day will be Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Voting questions? Visit ncvoter.org or call 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683)
8 Back-Up Plan. If you go to the wrong precinct and do not have time to get to your correct precinct, you can cast a provisional ballot. If you are told that you cannot vote a regular ballot for another reason, you have the right to vote a provisional ballot. Ask for it! You also have the right to ask for an ID exception form if you aren’t able to obtain an ID when voting. If you are denied a provisional ballot, call 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-9683) immediately.
PRO TIP Review your sample ballot and nonpartisan voter guides at ncvoter.org for more on your local races.
10 Check your registered party affiliation and vote accordingly. In an NC Primary Election, you must vote in the primary for the party with which you are registered. Unaffiliated Voters in NC can choose the party’s primary in which to vote: Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian. (Green Party and No Labels Party have not opened their primaries to unaffiliated voters).
Paid for by Democracy North Carolina. Not affiliated with any political party or candidate.
Updated January 2024
TOP 10 TIPS FOR VOTING
- Register.You can register to vote at your current address—online or by print form—25 days before Election Day, or in person at an Early Voting site (but NOT on Election Day). A 17-year-old may register and vote in the Primary Election if they will be 18 by the General Election on November 5, 2024. Update your registration if you move. For more rules visit ncvoter.org/register
- BRING YOUR ID. You now need to show an NC driver’s license or other “acceptable photo ID” to vote with a regular ballot (not a provisional one) due to a ruling by the NC Supreme Court. A free ID can be obtained at your local County Board of Elections. Learn more, including what types of IDs are acceptable and exceptions, at www.gotidnc.org.
- Vote Early. Many counties offer Early Voting. You can register AND vote on the same day during the 17-day Early Voting period ONLY. Just fill out a form at your county’s EV site, and show one of the following with your name and address: a government-issued photo ID or document, pay stub, utility bill, bank statement, or student ID with a school document showing your name and address. Find your site at ncvoter.org/voteearly.
- Election Day. Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Primary Election Day (March 5, 2024) and General Election Day (November 5, 2024). Vote at your assigned polling location, NOT an Early Voting location. Visit ncvoter.org/lookup to find your Election Day polling location. Lines are longest 7-9 a.m. and 4-7:30 p.m. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m. you can vote. Stay in line!
- Vote by Mail. Any registered voter may vote by mail (also known as “absentee” voting). Learn the latest rules about what you’ll need and who can help you vote by mail at ncvoter.org/absentee.
- Been Locked Up? If you have been convicted of a felony, you get back your right to vote once you have completed your sentence, including probation, post-release supervision, and parole. Fines, fees, and restitution alone do not make you ineligible to vote. You just register and vote like any eligible voter, and you don’t need a special document that says your rights are restored. Please call 877-880-VOTE for the latest rules. Learn more at: ncvoter.org/notlockedout
- Back-Up Plan. If you go to the wrong precinct and do not have time to get to your correct precinct, you can cast a provisional ballot. If you are told that you cannot vote a normal ballot for another reason, you have the right to vote a provisional ballot. Ask for it! If you are denied a provisional ballot, call 888-OUR-VOTE immediately.
- Assistance. A close family member may help you vote; voters with a disability or difficulty reading may get help from anyone (except their employer or union agent). You have the right to vote curbside from your vehicle if you can’t reach the voting room due to age, a physical or mental disability, or you have COVID-19 symptoms, can’t wear a mask, or have a medical condition that puts you at greater risk of COVID. Problems voting curbside? Call 888-OUR-VOTE.
- Vote Your Entire Ballot. Remember, you’re not just voting for the President – judicial and local elections can have a direct impact on your life. You can take a cellphone or paper list into the polls to help remember your choices for each elected office, but no photos are allowed. If you mess up your ballot, just ask for a new one.
- Check your registered party affiliation and vote accordingly. In an NC Primary Election, you must vote in the primary for the party with which you are registered. Unaffiliated Voters in NC can choose the party’s primary in which to vote: Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian. (Green Party and No Labels Party have not opened their primaries to unaffiliated voters).