RALEIGH, N.C. – In-person early voting for the May 8 primary election begins Thursday (April 19) in North Carolina. The 17-day early voting period – which ends Saturday, May 5 – allows any registered voter to cast an absentee ballot in person at any early voting site in their county. Early voting also offers “same-day registration,” which allows eligible individuals who aren’t yet registered in their county to register and vote at the same time. Statewide, about 290 early voting sites will offer more than 26,000 combined hours of voting before Election Day. To find early voting locations and schedules by county, go here.
Voters should bear in mind that the busiest early voting days are typically the first and last days. Voters are encouraged to check their voter registrations through the State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement’s Voter Lookup tool. Voters may also view their sample primary ballots there. Persons who wish to use same-day registration must complete a voter registration application and show an election official proof of their address in the county. “Proof of address” documents include a North Carolina driver license or other government-issued photo ID, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document showing the voter’s name and address.
Note: The regular voter registration deadline has passed. Voters may no longer change their party affiliation for this year’s primary. In primary elections, unaffiliated voters may choose any one (1) ballot style to vote. Registered Democrats, Libertarians and Republicans may only vote in their political party’s primary. Some voters affiliated with parties may not be eligible to vote in any primary contests.
In addition to in-person early voting, North Carolina offers mail-in absentee voting, and of course, voters may vote on Election Day, May 8.
“This is an important election year, and we encourage all eligible voters to choose the voting option that best fits your busy schedules,” said Kim Westbrook Strach, State Board executive director. “For those who missed the regular registration deadline, early voting offers a chance to both register and vote through May 5.”
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