You can register to vote if…
- You are a US citizen AND
- You are 16 or 17 years old to pre-register and you are 18 by Election Day to vote AND
- You live at your NC address for 30 days before Election Day AND
- You are not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
You will need: The last four digits of your Social Security number OR an NC drivers license number OR a DMV ID number, your full legal name, date of birth, NC residential address, a valid mailing address, phone number, signature and date.
Serving a misdemeanor?
You can vote if:
- You are awaiting trial for a misdemeanor charge
- You have been convicted of or are currently serving a sentence for a misdemeanor
- You are in jail for a misdemeanor charge
You do not lose your right to vote while on papers for a misdemeanor.
Serving a felony?
- If you’ve been charged with a felony but not yet convicted, you can vote!
- If you are currently serving a felony conviction — including probation, parole, or post-release supervision — you are not yet eligible to vote. You can vote when the terms of your sentence are completed.
- Once the period of supervision is over, you automatically regain the right to vote, even if you have remaining fines and fees associated with the felony sentence. You must register to vote, even if you were registered prior to your conviction.
Voter Photo ID: Rules for voting with or without ID
- If you have an approved ID, bring it with you to vote!
- The address on the ID does not have to match your voter registration.
- You Can Vote if you don’t have an approved ID. Complete the Photo ID Exception Form.
Unexpired or expired for one year or less:
- NC Drivers License
- NC DMV issued non-driver ID
- US passport or passport card
- NC Student ID *
- NC government employee ID *
- FREE ID from county board of elections
- Out-of-state driver license **
* Some restrictions apply
** Only if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election
Any of the following, regardless of expiration:
- US military or Veteran ID
- Tribal ID
- ID card from US or NC government public assistance program
Over 65? ID is valid for life if it was unexpired on your 65th birthday.
Need help voting?
You can bring someone inside to assist you OR remain in your vehicle to use curbside voting (only voters unable to get inside polling location can use curbside voting).
Can’t get to the polls or need extra time voting?
Any registered voter can vote absentee by mail in North Carolina. It’s a two-step process:
- Request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Requests are due 7 days before Election Day. You must return your completed ballot by Election Day.
- Return your completed ballot by Election Day. You can return your ballot to an Early Voting site or your County Board of Elections. Follow all instructions and deadlines carefully to make your vote count! Be sure to include witness signatures and addresses plus a copy of your photo ID or the Photo ID Exception form.
Learn more: Vote By Mail
Stay in line!
If you are in line at the time when polls close, stay in line! If you believe you have registered but your name is not on the rolls or if you are told that you are in the wrong precinct, you can vote with a provisional ballot and receive follow-up instructions.
