As Primary Election Day approaches on Tuesday, March 3, it marks the final opportunity for registered voters to make their voices heard in this critical election. Here are essential tips for those planning to vote on Election Day:
Understand Primary Election Rules
Primary elections serve to select each political party’s candidates for the upcoming general election in November. This year, both the Democratic and Republican parties are conducting primaries. Voters registered with these parties will receive the corresponding primary ballot. Unaffiliated voters have the option to participate in one of the party primaries or choose a nonpartisan ballot, if available. Green Party or Libertarian Party voters can only vote on a nonpartisan ballot, which is available in jurisdictions holding referenda or nonpartisan elections, such as school board elections in even years.
Locate Your Sample Ballot
To find your sample ballot, use the State Board’s Voter Search tool. This tool provides details on the contests you’ll be voting on. Unaffiliated voters will notice multiple ballot styles and can choose one at check-in.
Visit Your Designated Polling Place
On Tuesday, over 2,600 polling stations will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. For polling place details, use the Voter Search tool.
Bring a Photo ID
Voters must present a photo ID at the polling place. While many use a driver’s license, several other forms of ID are accepted. For a complete list, visit BringItNC.gov. Voters without an ID can show it at their county board of elections by noon on Friday, March 6, or submit a form explaining the absence of an ID.
Act Quickly for Absentee Ballots
The deadline for your county board of elections to receive absentee ballots is 7:30 p.m. on March 3. If delivery by mail is uncertain, you may drop it off in person at your county board or an early voting site by 3 p.m. on February 28. Alternatively, you can choose to vote in person on Election Day.
Provisional Voting Options
If your name is not on the voter list, you can request a provisional ballot. Check the status of your provisional ballot about 10 days post-election using the Provisional Search tool. Learn more about Provisional Voting.
Registration Rules on Election Day
In North Carolina, voter registration on Election Day is generally not permitted. However, exceptions are made for individuals who become eligible due to recent U.S. citizenship or restored voting rights after a felony conviction.
Request Assistance If Needed
Curbside voting is available for those who cannot enter polling places due to age or disability. Inside, election workers can provide help upon request. More information is available at Help for Voters with Disabilities.
Maintain Peace at the Polls
All parties involved in the election are urged to respect others’ rights. Election officials are prepared to manage any disruptions to the voting process. Intimidating voters is illegal, and any harassment should be reported immediately. Interfering with election officials is also a criminal offense.
Stay Updated on Election Results
Election results will be available on the State Board’s Election Results Dashboard. For timing on when to expect unofficial results, refer to the Election Night Reporting Timeline.
For more details on voting on Election Day, visit Vote in Person on Election Day.
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