VOTING INFORMATION

Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and making your voice heard starts with being registered. Whether you’re a first-time voter or updating your information, here’s everything you need to know to register, check deadlines, and cast your ballot.

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In North Carolina, both Democrats and Independents (Unafilliated) voters can cast a ballot in the Democratic primary election.

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Election Dates & Deadlines 

North Carolina’s Democratic Party Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and the General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The deadline to register to vote is 25 days before Election Day. If you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote during the early voting period using same-day registration. Voters can find official election dates, registration deadlines, early voting hours, and absentee ballot information on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.

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Register to Vote

​Eligible North Carolinians can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. The easiest way to get started is through the official North Carolina Voter Registration Portal. If you have a North Carolina driver’s license or state ID, you can register or update your registration online through the DMV. You can also complete a paper form and mail it to your county board of elections. Forms are available in both English and Spanish. If you miss the registration deadline, you may still register and vote in person during the early voting period. Military and overseas voters have separate registration options under federal law, which are explained on the State Board’s website.

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Voter Requiremnts

To register and vote in North Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Wake County for at least 30 days before the election, and 18 years old by Election Day. You cannot vote in another county or state after registering in Wake County, and you must not be serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole. Acceptable IDs include a North Carolina driver’s license, U.S. passport, student or employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections, or a free voter ID card issued by your county board of elections. If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you can still vote by completing an ID Exception Form and casting a provisional ballot. For more details, visit Wake County Board of Elections or Voter ID Information — NCSBE.