2024 NC Primary Election FAQ: Voting questions answered
The early voting period for the 2024 primary election begins Thursday, Feb. 15, and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.
Posted — UpdatedThe early voting period for that primary election begins Thursday, Feb. 15, and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.
Confused about how to vote? We’ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common questions.
Who can vote in North Carolina?
All citizens of the United States who are 18 years old by election day are eligible to vote in their home county.
Register to vote in North Carolina
Enter your address to look up your voter record or find directions to make sure you are registered.
The registration deadline is Feb. 9, 2024, to vote in the primary election taking place on March 5, 2024.
You’ll need to prove where you live with at least one of the following documents that has your current name and address:
- A North Carolina driver's license
- Other government photo ID
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address.
- A current college or university photo ID paired with proof of campus habitation.
What primary can I vote in?
You vote in the primary of the party you're registered with or, if you're registered unaffiliated, you can pick which party's ballot to vote on election day.
- If you're registered as a Republican you can only vote in the Republican primary.
- If you're a Democrat, you can only vote in the Democratic primary.
- If you're registered with a third party, you can only vote in that party's primary.
- If you're registered unaffiliated, you get to pick your primary.
How to vote by mail in North Carolina
If you want to vote by mail, it is a three-step process:
- North Carolina driver license number
- North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles-issued identification card number;
- or last four digits of your Social Security number.
3. Mail-in ballot deadline: Ballots must be received by must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, March 5, to count in the North Carolina primary election, and by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 for the general election.
Early voting in North Carolina
ID is required to vote in North Carolina
North Carolina voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. The 2024 races for governor and president are the first time many likely voters will encounter that requirement.
The simplest form of voter ID is a valid North Carolina driver's license.
When is election day?
North Carolina will hold a statewide primary election on March 5. The general election takes place on the first Tuesday in November.
Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and everyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.
How long does it take to vote?
If you choose to vote on Election Day (March 5, 2024, for the primary election), polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and anybody in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot. Lines are generally longest early in the morning and in the final hour or two, so vote in the middle of the day for a shorter wait.
Where do I vote on election day?
North Carolina will hold a statewide primary election on March 5, 2024. The general election takes place on the first Tuesday in November.
Who is running for election in 2024?
Races on the ballot include:
- President
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Governor and council of state
- U.S. Representative
- State legislative seats
- State Supreme Court and Appellate Court seats
- Many counties have elections for boards of commissioners and boards of education.
- A number of municipalities also have elections for mayor and seats on the municipal governing board.
Enter your home address for a look at the candidates on your ballot. Compare them side-by-side and even print and save to refer to when you cast your vote.
What if I have problems casting a ballot?
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