Voter registration deadlines approaching for NC municipal elections

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reminding residents that deadlines to register to vote in upcoming 2025 municipal elections are quickly approaching.

Voters must register at least 25 days before an election to vote on Election Day. In Southeastern NC, the municipal election is November 4, so the deadline to register to vote is October 10 at 5 p.m.

Who Can Vote in Municipal Elections

To vote in a municipal election, a voter must reside within the city, town, or village holding the election. Working or having a mailing address within city limits does not qualify someone to vote unless they live within the official municipal boundaries.

Voters can confirm whether they are eligible using the State Board’s Voter Search tool.

Missed the Deadline? Early Voting Offers Another Option

Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadline may still register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period, if their municipality offers early voting. Early voting locations and schedules will be available on the State Board’s Early Voting Site Search tool.

How to Register

There are multiple ways to register:

• Online through the NCDMV: Residents with a North Carolina driver’s license or ID may register or update their registration online via the DMV website.

• In person at DMV or other state agencies offering voter registration services.

• By mail: Download a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish, complete and sign it, and return it to your county board of elections.

If mailed applications are received after the deadline, they must be postmarked on or before the deadline to be considered timely. Applications sent by fax or email must be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline date, and a hard copy must follow within 20 days before the election.

Same-day registration is not allowed on Election Day unless the voter becomes newly eligible by becoming a U.S. citizen or having rights restored after a felony conviction.

Voter Eligibility Requirements

To register, a person must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be at least 18 years old by the date of the general election (16- and 17-year-olds may preregister)

• Live in the county of registration for at least 30 days before the election

• Not be currently serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole

Updating Your Registration

Registered voters can update their address or party affiliation online through the NCDMV’s voter registration service. Name changes must be signed and submitted by fax or email.

If moving to a different county, the form must be returned by mail or in person.

Updates can also be made during early voting.

For full information on registration, click here.