Absentee Voting Begins in North Carolina

North Carolina absentee voting for the 2026 primary officially began yesterday, as county boards of elections across the state started sending out mail-in ballots to voters who requested them. This early mailing gives registered voters the chance to cast their ballots ahead of the March 3 primary.

In Iredell County, election officials with the Iredell County Board of Elections are actively processing requests and mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters. Absentee ballots for the March primary began being sent out yesterday morning, and local voters can still request a ballot until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Absentee voting is available to any registered voter in North Carolina, and no special reason is needed to vote by mail. Once a voter requests a ballot, the board mails it to the address on file, and the voter can complete it at home.

Officials with the Iredell County Board of Elections remind voters that completed ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, March 3, in order to count. Ballots can be sent back by mail or delivered in person to the board’s office or to any early voting location in the county during early voting hours.

Absentee voting provides an important option for people who may be out of the county, have scheduling conflicts, or prefer the convenience of voting from home. Registered voters can also cast their ballots early in person once early voting begins on February 12, 2026, or vote in person on Election Day.

The Iredell County Board of Elections encourages residents to check their voter registration status, request absentee ballots early to allow time for mailing, and contact the board if they have questions about deadlines or procedures. With absentee ballots now in voters’ hands, election officials expect strong participation in the March 3 primary and are reminding voters to make sure their voices are heard before polls close.