@NCCapitol

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 Updated
Voting in Raleigh
By
WRAL staff
North Carolina joins 15 other states in holding primary elections on March 5.

The 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.

If you don't see your question here, send it to the NC Capitol team. We'll keep updating these questions and answers through Election Day.

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.

Those who are 17 can vote in a primary election – in North Carolina on March 5, 2024 – if they will be 18 by the time of the general election in November. 16- and 17-year-olds may preregister to vote and will automatically be registered when their 18th birthday rolls around.
You don't have to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, but you must show an approved form of photo identification when you cast your vote.

Register to vote in North Carolina

Enter your address to look up your voter record or find directions to make sure you are registered.

You can also look yourself up in the state’s voter search tool.
If you are not already registered, you must fill out the North Carolina Voter Registration Application. You can do that online, with a login from the North Carolina DMV or you can complete the form and mail it in.

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.
The registration deadline is Feb. 9, 2024, to vote in the primary election taking place on March 5, 2024.
If you’re not registered by then you can take advantage of same-day registration at an early voting site during the early-voting period (Feb. 15 through March 2), but you must do that in person.
If you are not registered, you won't be able to vote on primary election day, March 5.

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:

1. Request a ballot to be mailed to you. Your ballot request must include your date of birth and one of the following to verify your identity:
  • North Carolina driver license number
  • North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles-issued identification card number;
  • or last four digits of your Social Security number.
2. Return your completed ballot and a copy of your photo ID — by mail or in person — to your county board of elections or drop it off at any early voting site in your county or on Election Day to your county board of elections.

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

The early voting period for the 2024 primary election begins Feb. 15 and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Locations and hours vary by county. You can look up your county’s early voting locations online or enter your address for the WRAL Voter Guide.
You don’t need an excuse, which some states require, to vote early in person in North Carolina. Just look up your county’s early voting sites and hours and go.

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.

You can also vote with one of dozens of other acceptable forms of ID, including many school and college IDs, military or veterans photo ID or tribal enrollment cards with photo.

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?

It depends, but North Carolina has 17 days of early in-person voting.

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.

Your polling place is based on your home address and should be listed on your voter registration card. You can also look it up online.

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?

If you've experienced or observed a problem casting your ballot with absentee mail-in voting, early voting, or voting on Election Day, let us know. WRAL News will look into the issue and contact you if we're able to help. You can also contact the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.