Early voting for North Carolina primary ends Saturday

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The deadline to vote early in North Carolina’s 2026 primary election is 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

State election officials say 319 early voting sites are open statewide for voters selecting candidates who will advance to the November general election.

While early voting is most popular during general elections, it is also widely used in primaries. In 2022, 59% of primary voters cast ballots on Election Day, 39% voted during the early voting period and 2% voted by mail.

In partisan primaries, voters registered with a political party may only vote in their party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose one party’s ballot or a nonpartisan ballot, if available.

Voters who missed the regular registration deadline on Feb. 6 may register and vote at the same time during the early voting period. Same-day registrants must provide proof of residence.

Voters may update their name or address within the same county when checking in to vote, but they cannot change party affiliation during early voting in a primary.

Photo identification is required. Most voters use a driver’s license, but other forms of photo ID are accepted. Voters without ID may complete an exception form or present ID at their county board of elections office by noon March 6.

Registered voters who need a photo ID can obtain one free of charge from their county board of elections office during the early voting period.

Voters needing assistance may bring an eligible person to help them or request assistance from election officials. Curbside voting is available for those unable to enter a polling place.