Early voting in the 2024 primary election is underway, and requested absentee-by-mail ballots should start showing up in mailboxes across North Carolina this week.
North Carolina holds an important national position in 2024 as a battleground state for the presidential election. Political expert Chris Cooper told BPR in December that the governor’s mansion and the attorney general elections are both expected to be two of the most watched – and most expensive – races in the country.
The primary election will solidify which candidates from each party will show up on your ballot in November for these important offices, as well as for federal, state and local elected positions. Here’s the full list of candidates on the ballot.
“We encourage all eligible primary voters to plan how, when, and where you will cast your ballot, and to make sure you have an acceptable form of photo ID for voting,” Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections said in a press release.
Here’s what you need to know to make a plan.
Unaffiliated voter? Choose a primary ballot
In the primary election, voters will select nominees from a political party to move on to the Nov. 5 general election. In primaries, voters affiliated with a political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party. Unaffiliated voters may choose the ballot of any one party that has a primary (Democratic, Libertarian, or Republican) or a nonpartisan ballot, if available in their jurisdiction.
The Green Party and No Labels Party do not have NC primaries in 2024. You can find out more about the upcoming election here.
Your photo ID is required this year
The 2023 election was the first time that North Carolinians were required to show photo ID to vote. Residents can get a photo ID for free at their county board of elections office or local DMV.
Voters without photo identification can sign an exception form and cast a provisional ballot. Learn more about the requirements here.
Know the deadlines for the 2024 NC Primary
- February 9: Voter registration deadline (at 5 p.m. EST)
If you are registering to vote by mail, forms must be postmarked by February 9 and received in the office by February 14. - February 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day voter registration available.
You can register and vote with same-day registration during early voting. You will need to provide an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence. - February 27: Absentee ballot request deadline (at 5 p.m. EST)
- March 2: In-person early voting ends (at 3 p.m. EST)
- March 5: Primary Election Day
Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.
Register to vote
The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is February 9 at 5 p.m. If you are registering to vote by mail, forms must be postmarked by February 9 and received in the office by February 14. You can register and vote with same-day registration during early voting from February 15 to March 2. You will need to provide an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence.
Check your voter registration
If you don’t know if you are registered to vote or need to update your voter information, find out through the North Carolina State Board of Elections voter search tool. Registered voters can also use the voter search tool to find a sample ballot.
Vote absentee-by-mail, early or on Election Day
- How to vote absentee-by-mail: In North Carolina, any registered eligible voter can request, receive, and vote an absentee ballot by mail. According to the NC Board of Elections website, the form can be accessed online or on paper.
- Early Voting: In-person early voting begins on February 15 and ends at 3 pm on March 2, with same-day registration available. Voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. You will need to provide an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence.
- Election Day: Voters who cast their ballot in person on Election Day must go to their assigned polling place. Find your polling place here. Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.
- Voter Assistance and Curbside Voting: Voters who need assistance can ask for help at their polling place if they meet these qualifications. Curbside voting is also available for those who qualify.
