You must put your NC driver's license number, state ID number or the last four digits of your social security number on the absentee application. One notary public or two witnesses must be in your presence when you mark your absentee ballot. They should only observe you marking your ballot, not how you vote.
COVID-19 info
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
North Carolina absentee ballot deadlines
Request deadlines
- In Person: Received by 5pm 7 days before Election Day.
- By Mail: Received by 5pm, 7 days before Election Day.
- Online: Received 7 days before Election Day.
Ballot deadlines
- Voted ballots are due: If in person, 5pm on Election Day. If by mail, postmarked on Election Day.
North Carolina absentee ballot rules
Any registered North Carolina voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail.
North Carolina absentee ballot directions
- Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
- Sign and date the form. This is very important!
- Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
- All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. If it's close to the deadline, call and see if your Local Election Office will let you fax or email the application.
- Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
- Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.
Tracking your ballot
You can track your ballot directly with your state.Once you receive your ballot...
- Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
- Sign and date where indicated.
- Mark the ballot in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public.
- Seal the ballot and complete the Absentee Application and Certificate on the back of the envelope.
- Have the witnesses or notary complete and any certification portion of the envelope.
- Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
Offsite links
- State Election Website
- Local Election Office: This is the government office responsible for running elections in your region. These are the best people to contact if you have any questions at all about voting in your state.
- Find your polling place
- Absentee ballot tracker tool
- Learn more about absentee voting
- Learn more about early voting
- Learn more about voter ID
- State Election Code