October 2026
Early voting runs from Thursday, Oct. 15 to Saturday, Oct. 31. Election Day is November 3. Make sure you have a plan to vote. Learn how to register, vote by mail, and exercise your rights as a voter with a disability. Keep this newsletter for reference throughout voting season and when you head to the polls.
4 Ways to Vote
- EARLY VOTING: Thursday, Oct. 15 to Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. This is the most popular way to vote; it offers flexible days and places for voting. You can register and vote at the same time only during Early Voting. Find the Early Voting sites in your county:
- ELECTION DAY: Nov. 3, 6:30am – 7:30pm. If you are in line by 7:30 PM, the location must stay open until you vote. Find your polling place and review your personal ballot at Voter Search.
- VOTE BY MAIL: Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You do not need a reason. Learn more at our Simple Guide to Voting by Mail. Follow the directions very carefully to ensure your vote is counted. Act early and allow for slow mail. The rules have changed. Now, your ballot must be received on or before Nov. 3 (not be postmarked by). See ncvoter.org/absentee-ballots or Vote By Mail for more information.
- BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED VOTERS: If you are a blind or visually impaired voter in North Carolina, you may request, mark, and return an accessible absentee ballot online through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal.
Important Dates
Vote by Mail
Started September 4, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline
October 9, 2026
Early Voting Starts
October 15, 2026
Vote by Mail Request Deadline
October 20, 2026
Early Voting Ends
October 31, 2026
Election Day
November 3, 2026
Voting Resources!
Accessible Voting
View DRNC’s many voting resources, including how to register to vote. You can also learn about your voting rights and what to do if you have a problem at the polls.
Voter Registration Repair
Tens of thousands of North Carolinians got a notice about their voter registration. Learn what it means, check to see if you are on the list and how you can fix your registration before Election Day. Find out more The Voter Registration Repair Project
Voter Photo ID Requirements
You now need to show an NC driver’s license or other “acceptable photo ID” to vote in this state. Visit NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to learn about the voter photo ID requirement in North Carolina, including acceptable photo IDs and the procedure for in-person and absentee by mail voting. Learn more NC Photo ID Requirements to Vote
North Carolina Absentee Voting
Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You do not need a reason. Read DRNC’s simple guide to voting by mail. Or watch our new video to find out more. North Carolina Absentee Voting: A simple Guide to Voting by Mail
Look Up Where to Vote
Use these resources to find out where you can vote based on your address:
Early voting sites Early Voting Sites
Voting on Election Day Vote in Person on Election Day
Look Up Your Ballot
Find out what will appear on your ballot before you get to the polls! What’s on the Ballot?
Voting on Constitutional Amendments
There are 3 state constitutional amendments up for a vote in North Carolina this election. Whether you're a first-time voter, a longtime voter, or helping others in your community get ready for Election Day, everyone should find clear, accessible, nonpartisan information about what's on the ballot. Learn more and prepare to vote informed.
Voting Guides
Non-Partisan Voting Guides
Disability Rights NC, Democracy NC, Common Cause, El Pueblo and other nonprofit groups work together to produce non-partisan voting guides to help ensure our communities can cast an informed ballot. 2026 Nonpartisan Statewide Voter Guide North Carolina
Sheriff Guide
This non-partisan guide is produced by Disability Rights NC and You Can Vote using information provided by Ballot Builder. 2026 Sheriff Voter Guides
What to Do If You Have Problems on Voting Day
Questions or Problems? If you need help or have a problem voting, contact your county Board of Elections or DRNC’s voting hotline at 888-WE-VOTE-2 (888-936-6832).
GET HELP
RESOURCES
Check out our library of resources.
CAREERS
About Us
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We are North Carolina’s protection and advocacy system, dedicated to advancing and defending the rights of people with disabilities.
Disability Rights North Carolina
801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 118 Raleigh, NC 27607
919-856-2195 | 877-235-4210 (toll free)
919-856-2244 (fax) | TTY callers, dial 711
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