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2026 Elections
How to Vote in North Carolina: 2028 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in North Carolina for the November 7, 2028 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at North Carolina's official election site
Election Day
November 7, 2028
Quick Answer
- Register By
- 25 days before Election Day
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Oct 15, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- 2nd Tuesday before Election Day at 5 p.m.
- Polls Close
- 7:30 p.m. ET
- Election Day
- November 7, 2028
Build your North Carolina voting plan
Choose how you plan to vote and we'll narrow the checklist below to the steps and dates that apply to you.
- 1
Register to vote online
25 days before Election Day Same-day registration is available during early voting only — NOT on Election Day.
Official source →See rule
- 2
Register to vote by mail
25 days before Election Day Same-day registration is available during early voting only — NOT on Election Day.
Official source →See rule
- 3
Same-day registration
Same-day registration is available during early voting only — not on Election Day.
Official source →See rule
- 4
See rule
- 5
See rule
- 6
Nov 7, 2028
What's on Your North Carolina Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of North Carolina's U.S. House seats are on the 2028 ballot. View North Carolina's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
On the ballotThe November matchup: Michael Whatley (R) vs Roy Cooper (D).
Supreme Court of North Carolina
On the ballot1 seat is on the 2028 ballot. Local judges may be on your ballot too. See the candidates and how North Carolina chooses judges →
To see every race you will vote on — including judges and local measures — check your sample ballot from your county or local election office, starting at North Carolina's official election site.
Find your North Carolina representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in North Carolina
To vote in the November 7, 2028 general election, register by 25 days before Election Day.
North Carolina also allows same-day registration during early voting only — not on Election Day.
Same-day registration is available during early voting only — NOT on Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at North Carolina's official site.
Early Voting in North Carolina
Early voting opens ≈ October 15, 2026 — Third Thursday before Election Day. It runs through 3 p.m. last Saturday before Election Day.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at North Carolina's official election site.
Voting by Mail in North Carolina
Any registered voter in North Carolina may request a mail ballot — no excuse required. Request deadline: 2nd Tuesday before Election Day at 5 p.m..
Return rule: Must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Track your ballot: look up your record at North Carolina's voter portal to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Details and request forms are at North Carolina's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in North Carolina
A photo ID is required to cast a regular ballot. A voter without one casts a provisional ballot and must return with acceptable ID (typically within a few days) for it to count.
See the full list of accepted ID at North Carolina's official election site.
Poll Hours in North Carolina
Polls are open until 7:30 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
See how North Carolina's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at North Carolina's official election site.
When North Carolina Certifies Its Results
Election-night totals are unofficial. The count becomes official in two steps:
- Local: County boards of elections — by about November 13, 2026. 11 a.m. on the 10th day after the election.
- Statewide: State Board of Elections — November 24, 2026 on the 2026 calendar. Deadline for the state canvass to begin; certification follows.
Certifying is a required step, not a second vote on the result. What happens if a local board won’t sign off, every state’s deadlines and how a result can be challenged are on how election results are certified.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in North Carolina?
25 days before Election Day Confirm the exact date at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register.
Can I vote early in person in North Carolina?
Yes. Early voting opens around October 15, 2026 (Third Thursday before Election Day) and runs through 3 p.m. last Saturday before Election Day.
Do I need ID to vote in North Carolina?
A photo ID is required to cast a regular ballot. A voter without one casts a provisional ballot and must return with acceptable ID (typically within a few days) for it to count.
When do polls close in North Carolina?
Polls close 7:30 p.m. ET on November 7, 2028.
How do I vote by mail in North Carolina?
Request a ballot (no excuse needed) — 2nd Tuesday before Election Day at 5 p.m.. Must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Is it too late to register to vote in North Carolina?
25 days before Election Day Confirm at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register.
How do I track my mail ballot in North Carolina?
Look up your voter record at North Carolina's voter portal (https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/) to see when your ballot was mailed, received and accepted.
Where can I see a sample ballot for North Carolina?
Your county or local election office publishes sample ballots before each election. They list every race you will vote on, including judges and local measures. Start at North Carolina's official election site (https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register).