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The state Board of Elections had agreed to a legal settlement to extend the absentee-ballot receipt deadline to Nov. 12, set up ballot drop boxes and make it easier for voters to fix mistakes on their absentee ballots. However, a judge has temporarily stopped it from taking effect.
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Five easy steps to vote by mail in
North Carolina
Updated Oct 12, 2020
Register to vote
Your deadline to register online is October 9. You can register here.
If registering by mail, make sure it's postmarked by October 9, or received by October 31 if done in person!
Get your ballot
If you're a registered voter in North Carolina, you should be receiving an application in the mail. This is not your ballot! Make sure your application is in before the deadline so you can receive an actual ballot.
Make sure your application is received by October 27 whether returning it in person, by mail, or applying online.
Fill in your ballot
Make sure you completely fill in your selections and double-check everything you write in.
Not sure where to research candidates and referendums? Resources like BallotReady provide clear, non-partisan explanations for everything.
Sign and seal
Most ballots have specific instructions on how and where to sign and seal both ballot and envelope. Read the instructions carefully.
You may be required to obtain a witness signature.
Mail in or drop off ballot
In North Carolina, your voted ballot must be returned to your County Board of Elections or an Early Voting site.
Make sure to drop your ballot off by November 2.
If sending by mail, your ballot needs to be postmarked by November 3, but you want to send it as soon as possible to allow ample time for processing.
