Elections 2026: Voting in the November Election

Elections 2026: Voting in the November Election

September 30th, 2026

By Kerri Erb, Chief Program and Policy Officer

North Carolina’s 2026 general election is Tuesday, November 3. Voters will choose members of Congress, state lawmakers, judges, local officials, and decide proposed changes to the North Carolina Constitution.

The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Our goal is to help autistic adults and families understand voting rights, voting options, and where to find reliable election information.

Important dates

• October 9, 5 p.m.: Voter registration deadline
• October 15: Early voting begins; same-day registration is available
• October 20, 5 p.m.: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot
• October 31, 3 p.m.: Early voting ends
• November 3: Election Day; polls are open 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
• November 3, 7:30 p.m.: Deadline for mail-in ballots to be received

Military and overseas voters have different deadlines.

What is on the ballot?

Your ballot depends on where you live. It may include races for:

• U.S. Senate and U.S. House
• NC Senate and NC House
• NC Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
• Local judges and district attorneys
• County and local offices

Voters will also decide three proposed changes to the North Carolina Constitution. These concern voter photo ID, the maximum state income tax rate, and limits on local property tax increases.

You can review the exact races and questions on your sample ballot before voting.

View Your Sample Ballot

Register and check your registration

To register in North Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 by Election Day, and have lived in your county for at least 30 days before the election.

The regular registration deadline is 5 p.m. October 9.

Already registered? Check that your registration and address are correct, especially if you have moved.

Check Your Voter Registration

If you miss the October 9 deadline, you may register and vote at the same time during early voting, October 15–31. Same-day registration is not available on Election Day.

Photo ID

North Carolina voters are asked to show photo ID.

Common options include an NC driver’s license, NC DMV ID card, U.S. passport, or free voter ID from a county board of elections.

If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you can still vote by completing an ID Exception Form.

Learn About Voter ID

Three ways to vote

You can request a mail-in, or absentee, ballot online or by paper form. The deadline is 5 p.m. October 20.

Request a Mail-in Ballot

When completing your ballot:

• Follow the instructions that come with it.
• Have two adults witness you complete it or use a notary.
• Include a copy of an acceptable photo ID or an ID Exception Form.
• Make sure required signatures are included.

If you need help because of a disability, you may choose someone to help you request, complete, or return your ballot, subject to some limits.

Your completed ballot must be received by your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. November 3. A postmark alone is not enough.

Early voting runs from October 15 through October 31.

You may vote at any early voting site in your county. You can also register and vote at the same time during early voting.

Find Early Voting Locations

Vote on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

You must vote at your assigned polling place. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you can still vote.

Find Your Polling Place

Getting help when you vote

You have the right to vote privately and to receive help if you need it.

If you have a disability, you may be able to choose someone you trust, such as a friend or support worker, to help you vote. Ask for help when you check in.

Voting locations must also have accessible voting equipment.

If you cannot enter the polling place because of age or a physical or mental disability, you may qualify for curbside voting. A poll worker will bring voting materials to your vehicle. You do not need to provide proof of your disability.

If you live in a facility

If you live in a group home, nursing home, hospital, or other care facility, you can still receive help voting.

Your county’s Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT) may be able to visit your facility and help eligible residents with mail-in voting. Depending on your situation, certain staff members, family members, or guardians may also be able to help.

Find Your County Board of Elections

If you have a guardian

Having a guardian does not automatically take away your right to vote in North Carolina.

A guardian may help with registration, transportation, or requesting assistance. The voter makes their own choices on the ballot.

Tips for autistic voters

Voting may include crowds, waiting, noise, and unfamiliar places. Planning ahead may help.

• Review your sample ballot before voting.
• Bring notes or your sample ballot with you.
• Visit your voting location ahead of time if that would help.
• Consider early voting for more choices about when and where to vote.
• Bring helpful items such as headphones, sunglasses, water, or a fidget.
• Write down the voting steps if knowing what to expect is helpful.
• Bring support if you qualify for voting assistance.

Where to get help

The North Carolina State Board of Elections provides official information about registration, voting locations, mail-in voting, photo ID, and election rules.

Visit the NC State Board of Elections

You can also contact your county board of elections for local voting information.

Disability Rights North Carolina provides nonpartisan information about voting rights for people with disabilities through Access the Vote NC.

Visit Access the Vote NC