/ Voter Guide

Voter Guide

Review the following voting information for answers to frequently asked questions and to prepare for voting in upcoming elections.

Eligibility to vote

You can vote if:

  • You are a US Citizen AND
  • You are 16 or 17 to pre-register and you are 18 by Election Day to vote AND
  • You live at your NC address for 30 days before Election Day AND
  • You are not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole.

2025 NC Election

Early Voting Period

October 16 - November 1

Election Day

November 4

Voter identification

You will be asked to show a photo ID when you go to vote. If you have an approved ID, bring it with you to vote. For more information and a list of approved IDs, visit youcanvote.org/voter-id.

AppCards printed on or after August 10, 2023 will be the new voter ID card design (white background/10 year expiration date). If you would like a replacement card to make sure your AppCard is compliant with the new guidelines, you can complete a Replacement Card form at the AppCard Office to cover the card cost. If replacement cost is a financial hardship, you can seek out other “no fee” options from the NCDMV or the Watauga County Board of Elections.

What’s on my ballot?

Elected officials on your ballot make decisions that impact you and your community. Find out what positions influence what issues in your community. Learn more about what is on the your ballot and who is on your ballot, as well as why local elections matter.

You Can Vote has partnered with Branch Politics to create a new, interactive, online tool where voters can access trusted, nonpartisan information about the candidates on their ballot this fall. If you’re looking for a more in-depth overview about what each office does, who the candidates are, and their stances on crucial issues, utilize this tool to build out your personalized ballot.

Election dates and locations

Below are the North Carolina 2025-2026 Elections. If you are registered in another state, look up your polling location ahead of time.

  • Local Elections: October 7, 2025 & November 4, 2025 (depends on your city/county/town). Find out more about local elections.
  • Primary Election: March 3, 2026. Must be registered to vote by February 6th, 2026.
  • Midterm Election: November 3, 2026. If voting on election day in NC, you can ONLY vote at your designated polling location. Must be registered to vote by October 9th, 2026.

Early voting benefits

In 2020, 55% of registered App State students voted early. Voting early is usually the best option because you can:

  • Avoid long lines
  • Vote at any polling location in your county
  • Update your registration at the same time

Early voting opportunities

  • October 17 – 18 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • October 19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • October 20 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • October 21-25 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • October 26 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • October 27 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • October 28 – November 1 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • November 2 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Additional voting resources

NC Voter Information

Nonpartisan Media/Fact Checking Resources

3 ways to vote

In North Carolina, you have different options for voting in an upcoming election.

Early Voting

Vote at any early voting site in your county: youcanvote.org/voting

Election Day Voting

You must vote at your assigned polling place: youcanvote.org/lookup

Mail In Ballot

Request an absentee ballot with the portal: youcanvote.org/mail

Confirm your voter registration

Check your registration and make sure you’re registered at your current address. If you haven’t registered or need to update your registration, learn how you can register to vote. The General Election voter registration deadline is October 11, 2024.

Confirm your registration