Voter Guide: Information about registration, deadlines, poll locations, mail-in voting and more | CNN Politics

VoterGuide

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North Carolina

Population

10,488,084

Voting-Age Pop.

7,413,181

Last Presidential Election (2016)
Clinton 47 %
Trump 50 %
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Important Dates

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Election Date

Nov 3, 2020

Registration Deadline

Oct 9, 2020

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The deadline to register to vote in North Carolina is 25 days before the election.


If an application is received after the deadline, it will still be timely if it is postmarked on or before the voter registration deadline.

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USPS recommends mailing your ballot no later than October 27.

Source: USPS.com

Info Icon Key Election Information

  • Online Registration

    Yes
  • Early Voting
    Yes
  • Same-Day Registration
    No
  • ID Required
    No

Voter Resources

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Register to vote today

Ahead of Election Day, make sure you’re registered to vote and your voting record is up to date. Check out state resources here.

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Mail Outline Icon Absentee/Mail-In Voting

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Absentee/Mail-In Voting

All registered North Carolina voters may request an absentee ballot for the November 2020 general election.

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Mail Outline Icon Is this state automatically sending an absentee or mail-in ballot? Chevron Icon

  • No, residents of North Carolina must register for an absentee ballot for the general election.

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Mail Outline Icon Is this state automatically sending an absentee or mail-in ballot?

No, residents of North Carolina must register for an absentee ballot for the general election.

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Requests must be received by: Oct 27, 5pm Chevron Icon

  • A completed absentee request form must be received by the county board of elections no later than 5pm on the Tuesday before the election.


    The state board strongly recommends voters request a ballot as soon as possible to avoid problems due to postal delays and to allow time to resolve any possible issues with your request.

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Requests must be received by: Oct 27, 5pm

A completed absentee request form must be received by the county board of elections no later than 5pm on the Tuesday before the election.


The state board strongly recommends voters request a ballot as soon as possible to avoid problems due to postal delays and to allow time to resolve any possible issues with your request.

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When will I receive my ballot? Chevron Icon

  • Sept 4: Your county board of elections will mail your ballot to you, beginning Sept 4.

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When will I receive my ballot?

Sept 4: Your county board of elections will mail your ballot to you, beginning Sept 4.

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Mail Send Icon Return ballot in person: Received by Nov 3, 5pm Chevron Icon

  • The return envelope with the ballot enclosed must be returned to the county board of elections no later than 5pm on Election Day.

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Mail Send Icon Return ballot in person: Received by Nov 3, 5pm

The return envelope with the ballot enclosed must be returned to the county board of elections no later than 5pm on Election Day.

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Mail Send Icon Return ballot: Postmarked by Nov 3; Received by Nov 6, 5pm Chevron Icon

  • Absentee ballots received after 5pm on Election Day will be counted only if they are postmarked on or before Election Day and received by mail no later than 5pm on Nov 6.


    Ballots without a postmark must be received by Election Day.

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Mail Send Icon Return ballot: Postmarked by Nov 3; Received by Nov 6, 5pm

Absentee ballots received after 5pm on Election Day will be counted only if they are postmarked on or before Election Day and received by mail no later than 5pm on Nov 6.


Ballots without a postmark must be received by Election Day.

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Excuse Icon No excuse required Chevron Icon

  • You do not need to provide a reason/excuse to vote absentee.

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Excuse Icon No excuse required

You do not need to provide a reason/excuse to vote absentee.

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Checklist Icon Election Rules & Requirements

Early Voting

Can you vote early in this state?

Yes

Any registered voter or eligible individual may cast an absentee ballot in person during the early voting period. In 2020, the in-person early voting period begins Oct 15 and ends Oct 31.

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Same-Day Registration

Can you register on Election Day?

No

Persons who are not registered in a county may register at one-stop sites (early voting sites) during the early voting period. Upon completion of registration, the newly registered voter can immediately vote at that same one-stop site.

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Voter ID Requirements

Is an ID required to vote?

No

Photo ID is not required.

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Additional Voting Resources

Check Registration Icon Voter eligibility Chevron Icon Accessibility Icon Voting accessibility Chevron Icon Military Icon Military/overseas voting Chevron Icon Rules Icon Additional rules & requirements Chevron Icon

COVID-19 Icon Covid-19 Voting Resources

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Covid-19 Voting

Voting resources regarding Covid-19 are developing.

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Info Icon US Elections FAQ

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US Elections, Explained

What you should know about what's happening with the 2020 election and how it all works.

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This guide is part of Citizen by CNN, a civic engagement platform that convenes people around issues that matter to them, helping them stay informed and engaged in the political process.

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Citizen and the Voter Guide are just one example of the many ways CNN Politics connects you to the tools and resources you need to participate in the 2020 presidential election.

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