Forsyth County residents who wish to vote by mail in the Nov. 3 general election must request their absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The deadline is listed on the county’s 2026 election calendar and is enforced by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, which requires county election offices to receive completed, signed paper requests by that time.

How to request a ballot

Voters have two options for submitting a request:

• Online: Use Option 1 of the NC Absentee Ballot Portal to complete the request electronically.
• Paper form: Download the official 2026 paper request form, fill it out, and mail it or deliver it in person to the Forsyth County Board of Elections.

The Forsyth County elections office is located at the Government Center, 201 N. Chestnut St., Winston‑Salem. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, callers can reach the office at 336‑703‑2800.

What happens after you request a ballot

Requesting a ballot is only the first step. Once the ballot arrives, voters must complete it and return it according to the instructions that accompany the voting materials. North Carolina law requires the voter to mark the ballot in the presence of two witnesses or a notary. The witnesses confirm that the voter marked the ballot, not the choices made on it. Voters must also provide a copy of an eligible photo ID or complete a Photo ID Exception Form if they cannot supply the ID.

Returning the completed ballot

For standard absentee‑by‑mail voting, the finished ballot must be received by the Forsyth County Board of Elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. A postmarked envelope does not satisfy this deadline; the ballot must be in the board’s possession by the stated time.

Special circumstances

Military and overseas voters follow separate procedures outlined by the state board and should consult those guidelines for their specific situation. Voters who need disability‑related assistance can also refer to the state’s detailed vote‑by‑mail guidance or contact the county elections office for help.

Key reminders

• Submit your request by 5 p.m. on Oct. 20 to ensure it is processed.
• Mailing a request on the deadline does not guarantee timely receipt.
• Complete the ballot in front of two witnesses or a notary, and include the required ID documentation.
• Return the finished ballot by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3; a postmark alone is insufficient.

By meeting these deadlines and following the state’s instructions, Forsyth County voters can safely exercise their right to vote by mail and have their voices heard in the upcoming election.

Original reporting: Winston-Salem Chronicle — read the source article.