Register to vote on paper
Key dates
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Voter Registration Deadline
October 9, 2026
Register to Vote in NCMust be registered by this date to vote on Election Day. Missed the deadline? You can still register and vote on the same day during early voting.
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Early voting starts
October 15, 2026
Early VotingRegister and vote on the same day! Vote at any early voting site in your county!
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Early voting ends
October 31, 2026
Early VotingLast chance to use same-day registration and vote at any early voting site in your county.
Who can register
Be a U.S. citizen
Citizenship documents are not required to register.
Be at least 16 years old to preregister
Must be 18 years old by Election Day to vote in a general election. 17-year-olds can vote in a primary election if they will be 18 by Election Day for the general election. Learn more
Live in North Carolina and in the precinct where you’ll vote for 30 days before Election Day
Not be serving a felony sentence, including any period of probation, post-release supervision, or parole
People with felony convictions have their voting rights reinstated after their sentence is complete (including probation and parole), but they must re-register to vote.
Not claim the right to vote in another state
Note
Citizens registering to vote in North Carolina for the first time must confirm their identity by providing either the last four digits of their Social Security number, their NC drivers license number, or their NC DMV ID number in box 3 on their voter registration application.
How to register
See if you’re already registered
- Use the NC State Board of Elections Voter Search tool to see if you’re already registered.
- Pro tips! Enter only your first and last name. Entering other info can make it harder to find your registration. If you use a nickname, have ever changed your name, or have a hyphenated last name, try searching for different versions of your name.
- If your name comes up, make sure you’re registered at your current address.
- If your name doesn’t come up or you’re registered at an old address, it’s time to register or update your registration by re-registering!
Download and complete the application
- Download the application
- Descargue el formulario de inscripción para votar
- Watch the tutorial video and refer to our tip sheets (see below) to learn how to correctly fill out the application.
- Make sure you complete all required sections (in red), fill out the form using a black ink pen, and sign and date the form at the bottom.
Note: Citizens registering to vote in North Carolina for the first time must confirm their identity by providing either the last four digits of their Social Security number, an NC DMV drivers license number, or an NC DMV ID number in box 3 on their voter registration application.
Return your completed application
- Return the completed paper registration application to your county board of elections.
- Find your county board of elections.
