What to know before voting on NC primary election day
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Primary Election Day in North Carolina is Tuesday, marking the final chance for registered voters to cast ballots in this election.
State election officials are reminding voters of key rules and deadlines before polls open statewide.
More than 2,600 polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters who are in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Primary elections determine each political party’s nominees for the November general election. This year, the Democratic and Republican parties are holding primaries. Voters registered with those parties will receive their respective party’s ballot.
Unaffiliated voters may choose to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary, or select a nonpartisan ballot if one is available in their jurisdiction. Registered Green Party and Libertarian Party voters may vote only a nonpartisan ballot, if one is available. Nonpartisan ballots are typically used for contests such as school board races or referendums.
Voters can review their sample ballot using the State Board of Elections’ online Voter Search tool, which lists contests specific to their address. Unaffiliated voters will see multiple ballot styles and choose one when checking in at their polling place.
Photo identification is required. Most voters use a North Carolina driver’s license, but other forms of photo ID are accepted. Voters without an ID may present it at their county board of elections office by noon Friday, March 6, or complete a form explaining why they cannot show ID.
Absentee ballots must be received by county boards of elections by 7:30 p.m. on March 3. Voters concerned about mail delivery may return absentee ballots in person to their county board office during business hours. Voters also may choose to discard an absentee ballot and vote in person on Election Day.
If a voter’s name does not appear on the voter list at their polling place, they may request a provisional ballot. About 10 days after the election, voters can check the status of a provisional ballot through the state’s online Provisional Search tool.
North Carolina generally does not allow voter registration on Election Day. However, individuals who became eligible after the regular registration deadline, such as new U.S. citizens or people whose rights were restored following a felony conviction, may register and vote on Election Day.
Curbside voting is available for voters who cannot enter a polling place due to age or disability. Voters who need assistance inside a polling place may request help from an election worker.
State officials also emphasize that voter intimidation and interference with election officials are crimes. Voters who feel harassed are encouraged to notify an election official immediately.
Unofficial results will be posted on the State Board of Elections website on election night.
