NC Absentee Voting Begins: What Voters Need to Know

North Carolina's 2026 general election is underway, with absentee ballots now being mailed across all 100 counties ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.

North Carolina became the first state to begin mailing absentee ballots for the 2026 general election on Friday, Sept. 4. 

State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes said county election offices are prepared.

“Our county workers are ready,” Hayes said. “They have received adequate guidance and support from the State Board.”

Hayes said ballots have undergone extensive review and include a new security marking designed to prevent absentee ballots from being improperly processed through early-voting or Election Day tabulators.

The start of absentee voting comes as election officials monitor federal litigation involving new U.S. Postal Service ballot-mail procedures. Hayes said North Carolina was already following USPS best practices and that state officials would issue additional guidance if the litigation requires changes.

“These are active legal proceedings, and we will allow the courts to resolve them,” Hayes said.

The State Board also voted 3-2 on Sept. 4 to approve revised guidance for county officials handling returned absentee ballots. The guidance covers ballot deficiencies, correcting certain problems, spoiling and reissuing ballots, and in-person ballot returns. Related permanent rules remain delayed for legislative review.

For voters, the most important requirement is the deadline: An absentee ballot must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. A postmark alone is not sufficient. Election officials recommend mailing ballots as early as possible.

Voters may also return absentee ballots to their county board of elections or to an early-voting site in their county during early voting. Voters should carefully follow the instructions for sealing the ballot envelope and completing witness and photo ID requirements.

The regular voter registration deadline is Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. In-person early voting runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. The regular deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“Our state and county election officials are prepared,” Hayes said. “Our systems have been tested and reviewed.”

You may look up your sample ballot using the online voter search tool. For more details, visit NCSBE.gov.