Election Day tips: What you need to know before heading to the polls
Tuesday is Election Day for primary race. N.C. Board of Elections has some key tips to help prepare.
Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and if you're in line by 7:30 p.m., you will still be able to vote. Expect the busiest times to be early in the morning and just before closing.
Who can vote in the primary?
Voters registered with a political party can only vote for their party's ballot. For instance, a registered Republican can only vote in the Republican primary. Some political parties in North Carolina might not have a primary ballot.
Unaffiliated voters, on the other hand, can pick one party's ballot to vote for or choose a nonpartisan ballot if it's an option. However, they can't vote in more than one party's primary.
Second primary?
If no candidate gets the required vote percentage to win in a contest on the ballot, a runner-up can request a second primary to take place on May 12, 2026. After the primary, voters can check back on this page to see if any contests will have a second round.
Important tips for voters
Need to register or update your registration? See how to register or updating registration.
Check your registration: Voters can check to make sure their registration information is accurate and up to date using the Voter Search tool. There, you can also find your polling place, absentee ballot information, and more.
Find your sample ballot: All eligible, registered voters will find their sample ballot(s) in the "Your Sample Ballot" section of their Voter Search profile when they become available. For even-year elections, sample ballots are typically available 50 days before Election Day.
Don't forget your photo ID: North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote. Learn more here.
Three ways to vote: Follow the links below to learn about the voting methods available to voters.
1. Vote early in person
2. Vote in person on Election Day
3. Vote by mail
