North Carolina absentee voting begins amid uncertainty over ballot rules

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — Absentee ballots began going out to North Carolina voters Friday, kicking off the 2026 general election and making the state the first in the country to send out ballots for the November midterms.

But there is still uncertainty over the rules that could govern those ballots, with a legal fight now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for new federal requirements for mail-in ballots, including new envelope markings, unique barcodes and a U.S. Postal Service online portal.

States and voting rights groups have pushed back, arguing the federal government is stepping into an area generally controlled by the states.

In North Carolina, State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes says the state is prepared to move forward.

“North Carolina is in a very good position. We have already been in consultation with the postal service; we do that in the normal course to make sure that our mailings are compliant with USPS-approved envelope design, so we believe that we are prepared on that front,” said Hayes.

The State Board of Elections also approved new guidelines Friday for how counties handle returned absentee ballots in a split vote.

One provision would require officials to “spoil” a ballot if the inner envelope is not properly sealed. Another would establish new rules for who can return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter.

Board member Siobhan Millen expressed reservations about the changes.

“Sneaking in a whole new provision about if Aunt Betty brings in your absentee ballot, they’re going to spoil it if she’s not of close enough relation. Instead of it being vague like it is now, now the new rule that we’re just about to pass says spoil and reissue,” said Millen.

After the vote, Millen urged voters to pay close attention to the instructions when submitting an absentee ballot.

“Be very clear and careful to seal everything, especially the inner envelope and also the outer envelope, follow all the directions, give yourself plenty of time, and you may want to consider dropping it off at your county board of elections if that is available to you,” said Millen.

A key deadline for North Carolina voters is October 20, when requests for absentee ballots are due, with completed ballots required to reach county election offices by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.