RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolinians planning to vote in person on Primary Election Day, March 3, must be registered to vote by Friday, February 6, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
February 6 also marks the deadline for registered voters to change their party affiliation ahead of the primary. State law sets the regular voter registration deadline at 25 days before an election.
Voters who miss the deadline still have an opportunity to participate through same-day registration during the early voting period, which runs from February 12 through February 28. Eligible individuals may register and vote at any early voting site in their county. Same-day registrants must attest to their eligibility, provide proof of residence, and present an acceptable form of photo identification.
Voter registration is not permitted on Election Day, except for individuals who become newly eligible after the deadline, such as those who gain U.S. citizenship or have their voting rights restored following a felony conviction.
“Eligible North Carolinians still have time to register to vote in these important primaries that will determine which candidates from each political party move on to the November election,” said Sam Hayes, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections.
Residents can check their voter registration status at any time using the state’s Voter Search tool. Early voting schedules and locations are available through the Early Voting Sites Search.
How to Register:
Eligible individuals may register to vote in several ways:
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Online through the NCDMV for those with a North Carolina driver’s license or other NCDMV-issued ID
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In person at NCDMV offices
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By completing and submitting a paper voter registration application in English or Spanish to their county board of elections by 5 p.m. on February 6
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When applying for services at certain state agencies under the National Voter Registration Act
Mailed applications will be considered timely if postmarked on or before the deadline. State elections officials note that voters mailing applications close to the deadline are encouraged to request a manual postmark at the post office to ensure timely processing.
To register, individuals must be U.S. citizens, have lived at their listed address for at least 30 days prior to the election, be at least 18 years old by the general election (or 17 if they will turn 18 by November 3), and not be serving a felony sentence.
Registered voters may update their information through the NCDMV online service, by submitting a signed paper application, or at an early voting site, though party affiliation changes must be made by the February 6 deadline.
Additional information about voter registration is available through the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
