Voter Registration in North Carolina

Attention: Voter information and identification requirements may change prior to an election. Please check the Board of Elections website to make sure you have the most current information.

Voter Registration in North Carolina

North Carolina offers several ways to register to vote; keep reading for more details on voter registration, deadlines, and changing your registration information.

Voter Eligibility in North Carolina

To register to vote in NC, you must be:

  • A citizen of the United States.
  • A North Carolina resident.
  • At least 18 years old by the date of the next general election.

When you register to vote in a North Carolina county, you give up your voter registration in the county or state where you previously lived.

NOTE: Convicted felons must complete their incarceration, parole, and probation, before they are eligible to register to vote. At the end of the supervised release your voting rights are automatically restored.

Register to Vote in North Carolina

You can register to vote in North Carolina:

  • By mail.
  • In person.
  • By e-mail.
  • By fax.

Whichever method you choose, you'll begin by completing the North Carolina Voter Registration Application.

By Mail

To register to vote by mail:

In Person

Many state agencies provide voter registration services. You can register to vote in person at:

  • A North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, as long as you are also conducting DMV business, such as:
  • Social Services offices.
  • Public Health (WIC) offices.
  • Disability Services Agencies.
  • The Department of Mental Health Services.
  • The Employment Security Commission (ESC).
Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

By E-Mail or Fax

You can fax or e-mail the Voter Registration Application to your county Board of Elections office.

However, you must also submit your original signature in person or by mail.

NC Voter Registration Deadlines

The NC voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day.

You will be eligible to vote in an upcoming election as long as your application is received or postmarked by the deadline.

Military & Overseas Voter Registration

North Carolina also offers voter registration and voting methods for NC residents who are:

  • Stationed outside of NC in the military (or as military dependents).
  • Overseas during an election.

These NC residents can register and vote using either:

The FPCA has complete ballot that includes local elections, while the FWAB is simpler but offers a limited ballot. The FPCA is the preferred option for voters, while the FWAB is typically considered a backup method.

Regardless of which application you choose, you must physically sign it and return it to the Board of Elections by the deadline. You can send your form:

  • By mail:
      NC
    State Board of Elections
    P.O. Box 27255
    Raleigh, NC 27611
  • By e-mail: ABSENTEE@ncsbe.gov
  • By fax: (919) 715-0351.

Absentee Registration & Voting

If you're a permanent North Carolina resident but currently out of state, you still can register to vote by mail, email, or fax.

You can also apply to vote absentee. This applies to residents who will be out of state on Election Day or who otherwise won't be able to make it to the polls (for example, hospital patients).

To apply for an absentee ballot, complete and submit the State Absentee Ballot Request Form in person or by mail, fax, or e-mail to your county Board of Elections office.

Your Board of Elections office must receive your application on or before the deadline for your method of returning the ballot.

Changing Your NC Voter Registration

You can easily change your address on your voter registration card with the County Board of Elections.

You can also change your name, party affiliation, and other information.

Once you have completed the change you can verify your information using the NC Checking Your Registration Status online tool

Change Your Voter Address

Your options for updating your registration are determined by where you're moving: inside or outside of your current county. See below for more information.

NOTE: If you move more than 30 days before the election, you'll need to update your address (or register in your new county) at least 25 days before the election. At that point, you may be given a new polling location.

If you move within the 30 days prior to an election, you can still vote in your old polling location, regardless of where you moved.

If you've failed to update your registration by election day, you may still be able to vote at your new polling location but you may be asked to cast a provisional ballot.

Moving Within Your County

If you are moving within a county, you can change your voter registration card by sending ONE of the following to your county Board of Elections office:

  • A new completed Voter Registration Application.
    • You can also submit this form in person at an agency named above.
  • The completed address change section on your voter identification card.
  • A letter that includes your new address and your signature.

Moving to Another County

If you are moving to a different county, you must re-register to vote.

See " Register to Vote in NC" above.

Change Your Voter Name or Party

To change your name, political party affiliation, or other information, send ONE of the following to the countyBoard of Elections:

  • A new Voter Registration Application.
    • This can also be completed in person at an agency mentioned above.
  • The update form on your voter registration card.
  • A letter that includes the new information and your signature.

Replacing a Lost NC Voter Registration Card

If you've lost your voter registration card, you can still vote; you won't need it to cast your ballot. However, you can contact your county Board of Elections for a replacement card.

Forms

76
Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Federal Post Card Application
If you're a U.S. citizen living out of your voting jurisdiction, use this form to register to vote AND/OR request an absentee ballot.
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