Election Day will be September 12 (Primary), October 10 or November 7, 2023, depending on where you live. The vast majority of NC elections will be on Nov. 7; 10 counties will have no elections in 2023.
Early Voting Dates and Times also Vary. To check your county’s election details, visit demnc.co/votelocal
Voting questions? Visit ncvoter.org or call 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683).
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. A 17-year-old may register and vote if they will be 18 by Election Day. Update your registration if you move. For more rules, visit demnc.co/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, beginning in the 2023 municipal elections due to a ruling by the NC Supreme Court. Learn more, including what types of IDs are acceptable and exceptions, at www.gotidnc.org.PRO TIP Check now to make sure your registration is current so you’re ready to vote at demnc.co/lookup.
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 Early Voting 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 Early Voting site at demnc.co/voteearly.
Vote by Mail. Any registered voter may vote by mail (also known as “absentee” voting). Due to the voter ID ruling, mail-in absentee voters must send a copy of an identity document with their ballot request or with the returned ballot OR an affidavit noting lack of access to a method to attach an electronic or physical copy of the identification card to the written request as a reasonable impediment. Learn the latest rules about what you’ll need and who can help you vote by mail at demnc.co/absentee.
Been Locked Up? If you are convicted of a felony, you automatically 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: demnc.co/notlockedout
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.
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.
Vote Your Entire Ballot. 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.
Vote In-Person Safely. Officials are planning precautions at in-person sites, including masks, sanitizers, single-use pens, and social distancing procedures.
Election Day. Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Vote at your polling location, NOT an Early Voting location. Visit demnc.co/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!