2024 Election Voter's Guide: What to know about early voting in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina's in-person early voting period for the 2024 General Election runs from Thursday, Oct. 17 at 8 a.m. until Saturday, Nov. 2. at 3 p.m.
Voters in numerous North Carolina counties will elect their next mayor, county commissioners, city council members, and boards of education members. You can find that information on your local Board of Elections site or State Board of Elections site.
Where to Vote
You can find early voting site locations and hours in your county here, as well as here.
Any voter who qualifies for assistance can ask for help at their polling place. For more information on help for voters with disabilities, click here. Curbside voting is also available for those eligible.
Voters who received an absentee ballot may deliver their ballot to their county board of elections office or to an election official at an early voting site during voting hours.
When are the polls open?
- Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays - 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Sundays - 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Best Time to Vote
According to Wake County, lines are historically shortest on the first days of early voting. The busiest times are around lunchtime on weekdays and the last three days of the early voting period.
If you vote in Wake County you can check wait times here and if you live in Durham click here to check wait times.
Important Voter Tips
Make sure to bring your photo ID. North Carolina voters will be required to show their ID when checking in to vote.
Make sure you're registered. You can check here to see if you are.
Same-day registration is available during early voting, while this is not available for most voters on Election Day.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins
Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).
Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
Nov. 5: General Election Day.
Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).
Keep in mind voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for the military and those overseas.
Under NC law, all early votes, either by mail or in person, are considered absentee votes. You can track your ballot status using the Voter Search database in the section 'Voter History'. This may not show up until up to a few weeks after Election Day.
Other Resources
- Voting Equipment by County
- View your sample ballot
- How to vote early in-person
- How to vote in person on Election Day
- How to vote by mail
