North Carolina voters started early voting on Thursday, Oct. 15, and by the end of the first weekend 485,531 people had already cast their ballots. Including absentee voters, that represents 6.67% of the state’s registered voters.
Early‑voting schedule and locations
County election boards set the specific hours and sites for early voting, but state law requires every county to offer weekday voting from Thursday, Oct. 15 through Friday, Oct. 30, between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. In addition, each county must hold a final Saturday voting session on Oct. 31, the day before Election Day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year the final Saturday falls on Halloween.
While the weekday schedule is mandatory, counties may choose whether to provide early voting on the first two weekends of the period and may set their own weekend hours. Voters can confirm exact times and locations on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website or through their county’s election‑board site.
Changes to Sunday voting
Only 17 of the state’s 100 counties are offering early voting on at least one Sunday this cycle, a sharp decline from the 40 counties that did so in the 2022 midterms. The drop follows a 2024 law that moved election‑appointment authority from the governor to the state auditor, resulting in many county boards shifting from Democratic to Republican majorities in mid‑2025. New Republican‑controlled boards have reduced Sunday voting, though most counties still provide at least one Saturday early‑voting day during the first two weekends.
What you need to bring
North Carolina law requires a valid photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms include a North Carolina driver’s license or non‑driver ID, a U.S. passport, student or public‑employee IDs, military or veteran ID cards, tribal enrollment cards, or any government‑issued photo ID. New residents who registered within 90 days may use an out‑of‑state driver’s license or non‑driver ID.
Voters lacking a photo ID can obtain a free one from their county election board by providing name, birthdate and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Some counties issue the ID on the spot; others mail it.
Finding your ballot and avoiding lines
Sample ballots are available online via the State Board’s voter‑search tool. Voters can practice filling them out or print a completed version using the absentee‑ballot portal. Many counties post online wait‑time estimates; historically, the busiest days are the first and last few days of the early‑voting window and weekends. Casting a ballot on a weekday usually offers the shortest lines.
No registration required for early voting
Voters do not need to pre‑register for early voting. Those who missed the regular registration deadline can take advantage of same‑day registration during early‑voting hours, provided they present proof of residence such as a driver’s license, government‑issued photo ID with current address, or a utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, or similar document.
Special circumstances
Voters who have moved within the same county more than 30 days before the election may vote as usual, but should inform election officials of their new address to receive the correct ballot. Those who moved to a different county less than 30 days before Election Day are not eligible to vote in the new county but may vote at their previous residence.
Voters with physical disabilities may request curbside voting, signing a statement that they cannot enter the polling place without assistance. They may also receive help from a family member or friend, subject to approval by the chief judge.
Phone use and provisional ballots
Phones may be used for research while voting, but taking photos, videos, or “ballot selfies” is prohibited. Voters may also not use phones to communicate with others inside the polling place.
If a voter’s name does not appear on the registration list or another issue arises, they may cast a provisional ballot. The ballot will be reviewed later to determine its validity. Voters can seek assistance from on‑site election officials, the county election director, or the State Board of Elections at (919) 814‑0700. Nonpartisan hotlines such as 888‑687‑8683 (English) and 888‑839‑8682 (Spanish) are also available.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
