When does early voting begin in NC? What you need to know ahead of Election Day
The 2024 general election is weeks away, which means early voting begins soon in North Carolina.
During that period, there will be numerous sites across the state where registered voters can cast their ballots ahead of the general election slated for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Here’s everything you need to know about early voting in North Carolina.
When does early voting start in NC?
Early voting in North Carolina begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
Where can you go to vote early in NC
You can use the NCSBE early voting search tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/EVSite to find an early voting site near you.
Just select your county you live in (or the one you’re registered to vote in) from the drop-down menu for a list of early voting sites in your area.
Do I need to bring anything when I vote early in NC?
Yes, you’ll need to bring a photo ID starting this election to vote in North Carolina.
However, you can still vote without showing an ID by filling out an ID Exception Form.
On the form, voters can choose from the following permitted exceptions:
The voter has a “reasonable impediment” to showing photo ID. This means that something is preventing the voter from showing ID.
The voter has a religious objection to being photographed.
The voter was a victim of a natural disaster within 100 days before Election Day that resulted in a disaster declaration by the President or the Governor of North Carolina.
Can I register to vote during early voting in NC?
Yes. If you a live in a county but are not registered to vote there, you can register. After registering, you can immediately vote at the same site. You can also update your name or address when you check into an early voting site.
To register, you’ll have to fill out a North Carolina voter registration application and provide proof of residence. Proof of residence includes any of these documents:
A North Carolina driver’s license
Other photo ID issued by a government agency
A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing the voter’s name and address
For students living on campus, a document from an educational institution with the student’s name and on-campus housing address.
Can I drop my absentee ballot off at an early voting site in NC?
Yes. Absentee ballots can be delivered to an election official at an early voting site while the site is open. Ballots will be kept securely and delivered to the county board of elections for processing.
How to view your sample ballot in NC
If you’re a registered voter, you can view your sample ballot by entering your information into the NCSBE voter search tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup.
Once you’ve entered your information, click “Your Sample Ballot.”
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "When does early voting begin in NC? What you need to know ahead of Election Day."
