ELECTION PORTAL
In a democracy, elections not only are the process by which we select our Representatives in Government, but the way in which we have a public conversation as an electorate and a community. It is important to have the arts play a role in that conversation so they will remain a priority after the election and be considered at all levels of government.
2024 Primary Elections
- Friday, Jan. 19: County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.
- Friday, Feb. 9: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).*
- Thursday Feb. 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.
- Tuesday, Feb. 27: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).*
- Saturday, March 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
- Tuesday, March 5: Primary Election Day.
- Tuesday, March 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).*
*Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.
2024 General Election
- Friday, Sept. 6 County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.
- Wednesday, Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).
- Tuesday Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.
- Tuesday, Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).
- Saturday, Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: General Election Day.
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).
Election FAQ
Do I need a photo ID to vote?
YES!! Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. Most voters will simply show their driver’s license. But there are many other acceptable photo IDs. If a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they can get one for free from their county board of elections. Learn more at Get a Free Voter Photo ID. Voters can also get a free ID card from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Find more information under “No-Fee ID Cards” at State IDs | NCDMV.
All voters will be allowed to vote with or without a photo ID. If a voter cannot show photo ID when voting in person, they can still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form. If absentee-by-mail voters are unable to include a copy of their photo ID with their ballot return envelope, they can also fill out an ID Exception Form with their ballot. Find more information under ID Exceptions below.
How do I register to vote?
The deadlines to register are:
- The voter registration deadline is Friday, February 9, 2024 (5 p.m.), for primary elections taking place on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
- The voter registration deadline is Wednesday, October 11, 2024 (5 p.m.), for general elections taking place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Can I vote by mail?
Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot. No special circumstance or reason is needed. However, you must request an absentee ballot one week before election day; otherwise, you have to physically vote in-person. Arts NC strongly suggests that voters request an absentee ballot as soon as possible to allow ample time for USPS delivery. (Note: You must be registered to vote before you can request an absentee ballot.)
Your completed and SIGNED absentee ballot which must be RECEIVED by your county board of elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. (Note: State law previously provided for a grace period if your ballot was postmarked on or before Election Day and received within three days after the election. That is no longer the case.)
How do I find out which district I am in?
If you are already registered to vote at your current address, you can find out by going to the NC Public Voter Search page. Enter your name and birthdate and select your county and you will get information about your precinct, NC House and Senate districts, US Congressional district, as well as county and municipal information and the location of your polling place.
Who is running in my district?
You can look up who is running in your county at your Local Election Board. Or go to the North Carolina State Board of Elections site. You will be able to find candidates on the ballot for each office by County and how to contact their campaign.