Voting by mail in NC’s 2026 elections? Here’s everything you need to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Absentee ballots begin mailing to NC voters for the 2026 primary election.
- Registered voters may request absentee ballots via online portal or paper form.
- Deadline to request an absentee ballot is Feb. 17 ahead of the March 3 election
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NC Primary Election 2026
North Carolina’s primary election is March 3, 2026, with early voting starting Feb. 11, 2026. Here are stories on candidates, voting and issues to help voters as they head to the polls.
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Absentee ballots begin going out this week to the over 2,000 North Carolina voters who have already requested them for the 2026 primary election.
While Election Day is March 3, North Carolinians who choose to vote by mail will be able to do so for well over a month beforehand.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal or submit a paper form request to their county board of elections.
A near relative or legal guardian can also request an absentee ballot on behalf of the voter.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Feb. 17.
How do I fill out my absentee ballot?
Voters mark their choices on the absentee ballot the same as any other ballot, and then seal it inside the return envelope that is included with the ballot.
Absentee ballots must be filled out in the presence of either two witnesses or a notary public, who must sign the back of the return envelope after it is sealed. A witness can be anyone 18 years or older who is not a candidate for office.
How do I comply with NC’s voter ID law when voting by mail?
Voters casting their ballot by mail still must comply with North Carolina’s voter ID law.
When completing the absentee ballot, voters must include a photocopy of a valid photo identification in the clear sleeve on the back of the ballot envelope.
Voters who are unable to provide an ID can fill out the yellow Photo ID Exception form included in the ballot package.
How do I send in my ballot?
After sealing the ballot, voters must mail it to their county board of elections office or deliver it in-person to an early voting site or the county board office. A near relative or legal guardian may also drop off your ballot for you.
Absentee ballots cannot be delivered to a polling place on Election Day.
When is the deadline for sending in my ballot?
Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (March 3), in order to be counted.
Previously, state law allowed a three-day grace period for absentee ballots as long as they were postmarked by Election Day — but that law has since been eliminated.
Can I check the status of my ballot after sending it in?
Yes. Beginning 30 days prior to the election, voters can track their absentee ballot online through BallotTrax.
What about military and overseas voters?
The absentee process is different for military and overseas voters, who have more leeway on deadlines due to federal law.
These voters can request an absentee ballot online using the Federal Post Card Application up till 5 p.m. on the day before Election Day.
The FPCA can also be completed on paper and returned via mail, email or fax to the voter’s county board of elections.
Once the absentee ballot arrives, military and overseas voters fill it out like any other ballot and must also comply with the state’s voter ID requirements.
These ballots can be returned online or via email or fax by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. If sent by mail, the deadline is 12:01 a.m. on Election Day.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Voting by mail in NC’s 2026 elections? Here’s everything you need to know."
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