The countdown to Election Day is on. Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to cast your ballot on or before Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Registration guidelines

Date you need to know: Friday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.

You must be registered to vote in the 2026 election. Use the NC State Board of Elections’ voter search tool to check if you’re registered. If your status as a voter is “inactive,” you can update your address and registration information with the board of elections.

If you need to register, you must do so by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, unless you plan to vote early (more on that below). Check that you meet eligibility requirements first, then complete a voter registration form. Mail it to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office (741 Kenilworth Ave.) or return it in person. If you opt for mail, it must be postmarked by the Oct. 1o deadline.

Absentee by mail voting

Dates you need to know: Tuesday, Oct. 20 + Tuesday, Nov. 3

If you prefer not to vote in person, you have the opportunity to vote by mail using an absentee ballot. The deadline to request a ballot by mail or online through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Be sure to read the form instructions carefully and submit all required accompanying documentation. If you request a ballot but opt to vote in person, you can still do so during early voting or on Election Day.

According to new absentee voting laws, the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections must receive your absentee ballot no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. That means you’ll need to deliver it in person or make sure it is mailed in advance. You can track your ballot using BallotTrax.

Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 17 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2nd. | Photo via WCNC

In-person early voting

Dates you need to know: Thursday, Oct. 15-Saturday, Oct. 31

Unlike Election Day, you can cast your ballot at any of the 25 early voting sites in Mecklenburg County. In-person early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 15 at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. on Oct. 31 — the Saturday before Election Day.

Same-day registration is available during early voting. That means you can register to vote and cast your ballot at the same time. You’ll need to show a valid photo ID and provide a document that shows your current address.

Election Day

Date you need to know: Tuesday, Nov. 3

Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to cast a ballot. If you want to avoid long wait times, the NC Board of Elections recommends finding a time during the day instead of voting close to opening or closing hours.

You’ll need to visit your assigned polling site if you plan to vote on Election Day. You can find that location using the State Board of Elections’ Election Day polling place search tool, the voter search tool, or on your voter registration card.

If voters are in line at 7:30 p.m., they will still be allowed to vote on Nov. 5. | Photo via Mecklenburg County

At the polls

When you show up to vote in person during early voting or on Election Day, you will need to show an acceptable form of photo ID. You can still cast a ballot without one, but you will need to fill out an ID exception form or bring your ID to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office prior to the canvass. Voters 65 and older can use an expired ID if it was valid on their 65th birthday.

You might be asked to vote on a paper ballot or a touchscreen. Precinct officials can guide you through the process to make sure your ballot is inserted correctly into the tabulator.

All voting sites are handicap accessible. Certain relatives and poll workers can assist voters inside polling sites. Those who can’t get inside to cast their votes because of age or disability can alert a precinct official. They can vote from their car (known as curbside voting).

Who’s on your ballot?

Unlike in primary contests, you can cast your vote for any candidate on your ballot, regardless of your or the candidate’s party affiliation.

The easiest way to find out who you can vote for is to find your sample ballot using the voter search tool. The webpage also outlines your jurisdictions, which determine which candidates you’ll see on your ballot. This tool is available to registered voters.

All voters can see a sample ballot of all contests in Mecklenburg County. This will give you an idea of who might appear on your ballot. Be aware that specific contests depend on your jurisdiction.

Resources

The NC Board of Elections has everything you need to know about the voting process, including useful voter tools and forms.

The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections is your local resource. The office is available by phone (704-336-2133) or email.