Voting in fall 2026
The 2026 North Carolina general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Whether you’re voting for the first time or have participated in many elections,
now is a good time to make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot.
UNCSA has gathered voter information and resources to help faculty, staff and students navigate voter registration, voting options and important deadlines.
Important election dates
- Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration is available
- Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.: Absentee ballot request deadline
- Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.: In-person early voting ends
- Nov. 3: General Election Day; polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.: Absentee ballot return deadline
Deadlines differ for military and overseas citizen voters.
Make your voting plan
Check your voter registration. Use the N.C. State Board of Elections Voter Search to confirm that your registration is accurate and up to date. You can also use the tool to find your Election Day polling place, view your sample ballot when available and find absentee ballot information.
Need to register or update your information? Visit the N.C. State Board of Elections website to learn how to register or update your registration. If you miss the Oct. 9 registration deadline, eligible voters may register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period.
Know your voting options. North Carolina voters may:
- Vote early in person from Oct. 15–31. During early voting, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.
- Vote in person on Election Day on Nov. 3. Election Day voters must vote at their assigned polling place.
- Vote by mail. Any registered North Carolina voter may request an absentee ballot; no excuse is required.
Remember your photo ID. North Carolina voters will be asked to show an acceptable form of photo identification when voting.
UNCSA student and employee ID cards are approved by the N.C. State Board of Elections for use as photo ID during the 2026 elections. This means UNCSA students and employees may use their UNCSA photo ID when voting anywhere in North Carolina..
Visit the N.C. State Board of Elections voter ID webpage for information about acceptable IDs and ID requirements.
Find more voting information
Visit the UNCSA voting webpage for election dates, voter registration information, voting FAQs and additional resources relevant to the UNCSA community.
For official North Carolina election information, including voting locations, sample ballots, registration information and voting requirements, visit the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Voting outside North Carolina? Visit USA.gov’s state and local election offices directory to find official voter registration and election information for your state.
Contact: Sasha Hartzell
Sept. 9, 2026