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The 2026 general election is Tuesday, November 3. Early voting begins Thursday, October 15!
Voting is so crucial — it’s one of the most impactful ways you can make a difference in the existing political structure. Our communities need to be protected and need to thrive — we need to create an environment where that is possible. Registering to vote — and then turning up at the polls — is one terrific step toward that vision of racial justice and equity. The future of North Carolina depends on your vote!
View the Equality North Carolina Action Fund PAC’s 2026 endorsements.
The deadline to register to vote for the 2026 general election is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 9. If you miss the deadline, you may still register and vote using same-day registration during the early voting period, October 15–31.
To use same-day registration, you must meet all voter eligibility requirements and provide proof of residence. You must have lived in the county where you are registering for at least 30 days before Election Day.
Verify Your Voter Registration: Not sure if you're registered to vote? Check the voter database.
When you vote, you will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID with a photo that reasonably resembles you. The address on your ID does not have to match your voter registration record.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or other acceptable photo ID, you can get a free voter photo ID from your county board of elections. You must already be registered to vote in order to get your free voter ID.
You can also obtain a free voter ID from your local DMV or local board of elections. You don’t need to be registered to vote in order to get this.
If you don’t have an acceptable photo ID when you vote, you may still cast a provisional ballot and complete an ID Exception Form or provide an acceptable ID to your county board of elections by the applicable deadline.
Get comprehensive information on voter ID requirements on the State Baord of Elections website.
Your gender identity or gender presentation does not affect your right to vote. North Carolina’s voter ID law requires election officials to determine whether the photo on an acceptable ID reasonably resembles the person presenting it. A gender marker is not required for purposes of the photo ID requirement.
Resolving Voting Difficulties: If you’re facing voter intimidation or other issues while trying to vote:
Early voting begins Thursday, October 15 and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.
During early voting, registered voters can vote at any early voting site in their county. Eligible voters who missed the October 9 registration deadline may also use same-day registration at an early voting site.
Find Early Voting Locations: Need to find where to vote early? Search for early voting locations and hours through the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
If you are in line at your assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Unlike early voting, you must vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day.
Locate Your Polling Place: Need to find your polling place? Search for your voter record and assigned polling place.
Have questions that aren't answered here? Our friends at Democracy NC operate the NC Election Protection Hotline, 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683).
For the latest hotline hours and additional election protection resources, visit Democracy NC’s Election Protection page.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
21c Museum Hotel, Durham
111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701