Early Voting for 2026 Primary Election Kicks Off Across North Carolina

Early in-person voting for the 2026 primary election is underway and will continue through 3 p.m. on February 28 in all 100 North Carolina counties. Statewide, 319 early voting sites will be open for voters to cast their ballots in the primary, where they will select candidates to move on to the general election in November.

While early voting is most popular in general elections, it is increasingly used during primaries as well. In the 2022 primary, 39% of voters cast their ballots during the early voting period, 59% voted on Election Day, and 2% submitted ballots by mail.

Election officials are offering several tips to help voters navigate early voting efficiently:

1. Early Voting Locations: Eligible voters may vote at any early voting site within their county. To find sites and hours, voters can use the Early Voting Sites Search tool or view the Early Voting Sites PDF for the March 3, 2026 Primary Election.

2. Sample Ballots: Sample ballots are available through the Voter Search tool. While the State Board of Elections does not provide detailed candidate information, many candidates maintain websites and social media accounts. Reviewing the ballot in advance can help streamline the voting process.

3. Primary Ballot Rules: In a partisan primary, voters registered with a political party may only vote their party’s ballot. Unaffiliated voters may select any one party’s ballot or a nonpartisan ballot if available in their jurisdiction.

4. Same-Day Registration: Individuals who missed the February 6 registration deadline may register and vote simultaneously during early voting. Voters must attest to eligibility and provide proof of residence, such as a driver’s license, government document, paycheck, utility bill, or bank statement showing current name and address.

5. Updating Registration: Voters may update their name or address at an early voting site within the same county. Party affiliation cannot be changed during a primary election at early voting sites.

6. Photo ID Requirement: Voters are required to present a valid photo ID when checking in. Accepted forms include driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs. Those without an ID may either complete a form explaining why they cannot provide one or show their ID at the county board of elections by noon on March 6. Free voter photo IDs are available at county boards of elections during early voting.

7. Voter Assistance: Voters who need help may bring an eligible person to assist them or request assistance from election officials. Curbside voting is also available for individuals unable to enter the polling place.

8. No Ballot Photos: North Carolina law prohibits photographing or videotaping voted ballots. Electronic devices may be used to access candidate information, but voters may not use them to record or communicate their voted ballot.

9. Peace at the Polls: All voters are asked to respect the rights of others to participate. Intimidating or harassing any voter is a crime, and those who experience such behavior should notify an election official immediately.

   
   

Early voting provides a convenient opportunity for North Carolina voters to participate in the democratic process ahead of Election Day. For more information on early voting locations, hours, and voter resources, visit the State Board of Elections website at Vote Early in Person.