What You Need To Know About Early Voting In North Carolina
Early voting has begun in North Carolina. Since this is a general election and a Presidential race, turnout is expected to be higher than normal.
Board of Elections officials say North Carolinians typically vote early. For example in 2020, officials say 200,000 people went to the polls early. They expect that number to be even more for the 2024 election. Meanwhile, in Georgia NBC News reports more than 300,000 people have already voted. Like North Carolina, Georgia is considered a key battleground state.
As folks head to the polls, it’s always good to be armed with knowledge of your rights and what to expect. Below is an overview to prepare you.
Voting in North Carolina
- The 2024 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
- Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.
- Registered voters can find their polling place and sample ballot here: Voter Search.
Same-Day Registration Instructions:
- Be a US citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old by November 5, 2024.
- Live in North Carolina and the precinct where you’ll vote for 30 days before Election Day.
- You are not currently serving a felony sentence and you are not currently on probation or parole for a felony conviction. People who have felony convictions have their rights reinstated after sentence is complete (including probation & parole) but must re-register to vote.
- Not claim the right to vote in another state.
New Requirements for Voting in North Carolina
Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. Most voters will simply show their driver’s license. But there are many other acceptable photo IDs.
If a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they can get one for free from their county board of elections. Learn more at Get a Free Voter Photo ID.
Voters can also get a free ID card from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.
Voter Photo ID Requirements:
In 2024, YOU CAN VOTE WITH OR WITHOUT ID! If you have an ID, bring it with you when you go to vote.
If you don’t have an ID, ask for the Photo ID Exception Form when you go to the polls. Your ballot will count if you properly complete the Photo ID Exception Form.
Note: Voter Photo ID is about your face! The address on your ID does not have to match your voter registration!
Click HERE to see the full list of accepted IDs.
Proof Of Address Documents:
In 2024, citizens registering to vote for the first time in North Carolina must provide either the last 4 digits of their social security number or a NC drivers license or DMV ID number on their voter registration form to confirm their identity. The address on your driver’s license or NC DMV does not have to match the address on your voter registration. If the address on your ID does not match your voter registration, you will be required to show an additional document for proof of address.
If the address on your photo ID does not match the address on your voter registration (or if you are using a passport or other document that does not list an address), you must bring one of the following documents with you to Early Voting to show your current address:
- Utility Bill
- Payroll Stub
- Government Document
- Bank Statement
- Student ID or student web portals
These documents can be online (on your phone) or a paper copy, and should state your name and current address.
No changes can be made to your voter registration on Election Day!
