In NC, 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.
If you have outstanding monetary obligations (fines, fees, restitution) and that’s led to extended probation, parole, or post-release supervision, you can still vote.
You can register or re-register even if ALL of the following apply:
- You are serving a term of extended probation, parole, or post-release supervision;
- You still have outstanding fines, fees, or restitution as a result of your felony conviction;
- You do not know of another reason that your probation, parole, or post-release supervision was extended.
If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact Forward Justice via email vote@forwardjustice.org, or by calling 877-880-8683.
If you’ve been convicted of a MISDEMEANOR: you never lose your right to vote.
“You can register and vote, even if you’re in jail. See the back of this flyer to learn how to register. Need help? A near relative can also help you request, witness, and return your ballot. More info and forms at demnc.co/absentee.
You can register and vote, even if you’re still in jail. Register, and complete and mail an absentee ballot request form (available at demnc.co/absentee) so it arrives at your county’s board of elections at least a week before the election. Provide an address on your registration form (and absentee request) where you can receive mail – either the jail, your home, or the home of a near relative who can help you vote (spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, stepparent, or stepchild).
Got questions?
Call or text Democracy North Carolina at 888-OUR-VOTE or visit ncvoter.org
How to Register & Vote
REGISTER ONLINE OR BY MAIL
GO ONLINE to demnc.co/register to find steps to register to vote online or by downloading a mailable registration form.
MAIL or deliver the form to your county board of elections at least 25 days before Election Day. Find your county board at demnc.co/yourboe.
CONFIRM your registration by visiting demnc.co/lookup or look for a postcard in the mail from your county showing your registration was received and other info
SAME-DAY REGISTRATION AND VOTING
You can register to vote in-person at any Early Voting site in your county – and vote there, too. You can only do this during Early Voting (NOT on Election Day).
To register during Early Voting, show the poll worker one of these with your name and current address: a utility bill, vehicle registration, a bank or payroll statement, or any document from a government agency; NC driver’s license; a student ID with a college document showing your address. The document may be a digital image on your cell phone.
Some election laws are being challenged in court and rules could change before you vote.
For the latest on where or how to vote, call or text 888-OUR-VOTE or visit ncvoter.org.