Charlotte, North Carolina, January 13, 2026
North Carolina has started mailing absentee mail-in ballots to registered voters for the upcoming primary election. Voters can request ballots with no excuses required, allowing them to participate in selecting party representatives for the general election. The distribution began and important deadlines are set for requesting and returning ballots, ensuring voters adhere to election guidelines to ensure their participation.
Charlotte, North Carolina –
Absentee Ballots Now Being Mailed for North Carolina’s March 2026 Primary Election
North Carolina has commenced sending absentee mail-in ballots to registered voters who have submitted requests for the upcoming March 3, 2026, primary election. This marks a critical phase for voters across the state to participate in selecting candidates who will represent their respective parties in the November general election. The distribution of ballots began on January 12, 2026. All registered North Carolina voters are eligible to request an absentee ballot, with no specific reason or excuse required to vote by mail.
Understanding the Absentee Voting Process
To participate in the primary election by mail, voters must first formally request an absentee ballot. The official North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form is required for this process. This form can be submitted either through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal online, which is considered the most straightforward and accessible method, or by completing a paper form. Paper forms must be submitted to the voter’s county board of elections either in person or by mail. It is important to note that paper requests cannot be sent via fax or email.
Key Deadlines for Voters (State-level)
Voters are strongly encouraged to act promptly due to several important deadlines approaching for the March 2026 primary:
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is February 17, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.. The request form must be *received* by the county board of elections by this time; a postmark on this date does not count.
- Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, March 3, 2026. Ballots sent by mail must arrive by this deadline, as a postmark alone will not validate the submission.
Eligibility and Requirements for Absentee Ballots (State-level)
Any registered voter in North Carolina is permitted to vote absentee by mail. Once a ballot is received, voters must carefully follow the instructions provided. A crucial step involves having either one notary public or two witnesses present when marking the ballot. These individuals should observe the act of marking the ballot but not the voter’s choices.
Additionally, a copy of an acceptable photo identification must be included with the return envelope of the absentee ballot. If a voter does not possess an acceptable photo ID, they may complete a Photo ID Exception Form, which will be provided with the absentee ballot packet, and submit it with their ballot. Instructions for this requirement are included with the absentee ballot materials.
Understanding the Primary Election (State-level)
Primary elections serve as an essential step in the democratic process, allowing voters to choose their preferred candidates from each party who will then compete in the general election. This ensures that the candidates who advance to the general election reflect the preferences of their party’s voters. For the 2026 election cycle in North Carolina, several significant offices are at stake. Voters in the primary will have the opportunity to weigh in on one highly anticipated U.S. Senate seat and all congressional seats, among other races.
Additional Voting Options (State-level)
Beyond absentee voting by mail, registered North Carolina voters have other avenues to cast their ballots for the March 2026 primary:
- In-Person Early Voting: This option allows any registered voter to cast an absentee ballot in person at designated early voting sites within their county. For the 2026 primary, in-person early voting is scheduled to run from February 12 through February 28. During this period, same-day registration is also available for those who missed the standard registration deadline. However, there will be no early voting on the first weekend, February 14-15. Voters can find specific early voting locations and hours for their county through official election resources.
- Election Day Voting: On Primary Election Day, March 3, 2026, polling places across North Carolina will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Any voter who is in line at their assigned polling place by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballot. Voters can locate their assigned polling place and view a sample ballot using the State Board of Elections voter search tool.
Voter Registration Information (State-level)
To participate in the March 2026 primary, voters needed to be registered by the deadline of February 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.. Individuals who missed this deadline still have the opportunity to register and vote during the in-person early voting period through same-day registration. To register to vote in North Carolina, individuals must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years old by the general election (17-year-olds can vote in a primary if they will turn 18 by the general election), and have resided in the county of registration for at least 30 days prior to the election.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did North Carolina begin sending absentee ballots for the March 2026 primary? (State-level)
North Carolina began sending absentee mail-in ballots to voters who requested them for the March 2026 primary election on January 12, 2026.
What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot for the March 2026 primary? (State-level)
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the March 2026 primary election is February 17, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. The request form must be received by the county board of elections by this time.
What is the deadline to return a completed absentee ballot for the March 2026 primary? (State-level)
Completed absentee ballots for the March 2026 primary election must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, March 3, 2026.
Is a photo ID required to vote absentee in North Carolina? (State-level)
Yes, voters must include a photocopy of an acceptable photo identification with their absentee ballot return envelope or complete a Photo ID Exception Form.
Do absentee ballots require witnesses or a notary in North Carolina? (State-level)
Yes, one notary public or two witnesses must be present when marking an absentee ballot in North Carolina.
When is Primary Election Day in North Carolina for 2026? (State-level)
Primary Election Day in North Carolina for 2026 is Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
What is the voter registration deadline for the March 2026 primary? (State-level)
The voter registration deadline for the March 2026 primary was February 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Can I register to vote on the same day during early voting? (State-level)
Yes, same-day registration is available during the in-person early voting period, which runs from February 12 through February 28, 2026.
Key Features of the North Carolina March 2026 Primary Election (State-level)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Election Day | March 3, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Sending Starts | January 12, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | February 17, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (must be received) |
| Absentee Ballot Return Deadline | March 3, 2026, by 7:30 p.m. (must be received) |
| Voter Registration Deadline | February 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. |
| In-Person Early Voting Period | February 12 – February 28, 2026 |
| Eligibility for Absentee Voting | Any registered North Carolina voter, no excuse required |
| Photo ID Requirement | Required for absentee ballots, or Photo ID Exception Form |
| Witness/Notary Requirement | One notary or two witnesses for marking absentee ballot |
| Same-Day Registration | Available during in-person early voting period |
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