2026 General Election - Vote by Mail (Absentee Ballot)

Any registered North Carolina voter may vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. Voters are encouraged to request their ballot as early as possible to allow enough time to receive, complete, and return it. An acceptable photo ID (or a completed Photo ID Exception Form, if eligible) must be included with the returned ballot. The ballot return envelope must also be properly completed and witnessed according to the instructions provided.

Important 2026 Absentee Ballot Dates

• September 4, 2026 – County Boards of Elections begin mailing absentee ballots to voters who have requested one.
• October 20, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) – Deadline to request an absentee ballot.
• November 3, 2026 (7:30 p.m.) – Deadline for your completed absentee ballot to be received by your County Board of Elections. Ballots received after 7:30 p.m. on Election Day will not be counted. Ballots may also be returned in person to your county board of elections or any early voting site in your county before the deadline.

Reminder: Mail your ballot early or return it in person to avoid postal delays. You cannot return an absentee ballot to your Election Day polling place.