Show All Answers

1. Can anyone vote in a primary election?

If you are a registered voter, you may vote in the primary of your registration. Unaffiliated voters have a choice of which ballot they wish to receive, but may only pick one ballot.

For more information on specific elections, please visit the Types of Elections page.

2. Can I transfer my registration from another state?

No, you must re-register in North Carolina (cancellation of your prior registration will be part of the process).

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

3. Do I have to register for each election?

No. If you have not moved and you vote at least once every 4 years, registration qualifies you to vote in all elections in which you are eligible.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

4. Do I have to register with a party affiliation?

In North Carolina there are three recognized parties (Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian), but the voter has the option to register Unaffiliated.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

5. Do I need special information to register?

You must furnish your full legal name, birth date, physical and mailing address and previous place of registration.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

6. What is a party primary?

The Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian parties hold primary elections usually on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May (2016 Presidential Primary March 15). This election will decide which candidate will represent each party on the November ballot. If a second primary is required, it will be held following the first primary.

For more information on specific elections, please visit the Types of Elections page.

7. What must I do when I move to another county within North Carolina?

You must register in the new county of your residence; cancellation of previous registration will be part of registration process.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

8. What should I do when I change my name, move, or desire to change my political party affiliation?

You must make these changes at a registration location in your county.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

9. When are the polls open?

The polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, you may still vote.

For more information on polls and Election Day, please visit the Election Day Process page.

10. When do general elections take place?

General elections are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November normally only during even years.

For more information on specific elections, please visit the Types of Elections page.

11. When may I register to vote?

You may register year round; but to vote in an election on election day, you must have been registered at least 25 days before that election.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

12. Where may I register?

You may register at your local Board of Elections office, any DMV location, at most public libraries and by contacting your local Board of Elections office for additional locations.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.

13. Where will I vote?

When you register to vote, you will be notified by mail, the name of your precinct and location of your polling site. You must always vote in the precinct where you live.

For more information on where to vote, please visit the Election Day Process page.

14. Who may register to vote?

Any US citizen who resides in North Carolina, will be at least 18 years of age by the date of the next general election and is not a convicted felon may register to vote.

For more information including registration forms, please visit the Register to Vote page.