Election Day tips: What you need to know before heading to the polls

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- 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.

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.

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