Early In-Person Voting Begins Thursday

In-person early voting for North Carolina’s March 3 primary election begins Thursday and runs through 3 p.m. Feb. 28, giving voters in all 100 counties an opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day.

The early voting window allows eligible residents to vote at any site within their county rather than a single assigned precinct. Also, it enables same-day registration for those who missed the standard deadline. State officials say the option has become widely used — in the 2022 statewide primary, 39% of ballots were cast during early voting, compared with 59% on Election Day and 2% by mail.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections released guidance highlighting key reminders for voters heading to early voting sites.

Early voting basics Voters can cast ballots at any early voting location in their home county between Feb. 12 and Feb. 28, while Election Day voting on March 3 is limited to assigned polling places.

Know your ballot Sample ballots are available through the state’s voter search tools, allowing residents to review contests ahead of time and speed the voting process. Officials note the primary determines party nominees who will appear on the November general election ballot.

Party rules for primariesVoters registered with a political party may vote only in that party’s primary, while unaffiliated voters can select one party’s ballot or a nonpartisan option where available.

Same-day registration available Residents who missed the registration deadline may still register and vote during early voting by attesting to eligibility and providing documentation showing their name and address, such as a government document or utility bill.

Updating registration Voters checking in may update their name or address within the same county, but they cannot change party affiliation during a primary at early voting sites.

Bring photo identification State law requires voters to present an acceptable photo ID when checking in. Election workers verify the photo and name against registration records.

Options if ID is unavailable Those without an acceptable ID may complete an exception form or cast a provisional ballot and present identification later at their county elections office.

Free voter IDs offered Registered voters lacking ID can obtain one at no cost through county boards of elections or state motor vehicle offices.

Assistance at the polls Voters who need help due to disability or other reasons may bring someone to assist or request curbside voting, according to elections officials.

Rules inside the voting booth Photographing or videotaping a completed ballot is prohibited under state law, though voters may consult information on personal devices as long as they are not communicating or recording.

Respectful conduct required Election authorities emphasize that voter intimidation is illegal and encourage anyone experiencing harassment to notify poll officials immediately.

Early voting remains open statewide through Feb. 28, with absentee ballot requests due Feb. 17 and Election Day polls scheduled for March 3. 

For more details, visit the NC State Board of Elections website.