Public civic service announcement · October 28, 2026

North Carolina's November 3 general election is approaching. DINA encourages every eligible resident to learn the voting rules, review their sample ballot, and make an informed, independent choice. Election participation is a fundamental component of representative government, and eligible voters deserve accurate information about how to exercise their rights.

North Carolina election dates

Early in-person voting: October 15 through Saturday, October 31, 2026, ending at 3 p.m. on October 31. Eligible residents can register and vote during this period at authorized early-voting sites in their county. Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polling places are open 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; voters in line by 7:30 p.m. are allowed to vote.

The regular registration deadline was October 9, but eligible residents who missed it can use same-day registration during early voting, with required proof of residence. Most people cannot newly register on Election Day; limited exceptions apply when naturalization or restoration of voting rights occurs after the regular deadline.

Voting eligibility after a felony conviction

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 13-1 and § 163-55, a North Carolinian who has completed their felony sentence, including probation, parole, and post-release supervision, generally has their voting rights restored automatically. A pardon is not ordinarily required. Restoration of eligibility is not the same as registration: eligible individuals must register again even if they were registered before the conviction. Outstanding fines, fees, or restitution do not necessarily bar voting if felony supervision has ended. A misdemeanor conviction alone does not remove voting eligibility.

Photo ID and voter assistance

North Carolina voters generally will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID. If they lack one, voter-ID exception and provisional-ballot procedures may be available. County elections offices offer free voter photo ID cards to qualifying registered voters. Same-day registration additionally requires proof of current residence, which is a separate requirement from photo identification. If there is a problem at check-in, ask an election official about available options rather than leaving without requesting assistance.

Check your registration, location, and ballot

For official voter-registration status, sample ballots, early-voting sites, polling locations, voter ID rules, and accessible voting services, use the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. For directly relevant guidance, consult same-day registration, early voting, and voting after criminal justice involvement.

Read the ballot. Ask questions. Respect other voters. Make your choice based on accurate information and your own judgment.

DEMOCRACY INDEPENDENT NEWS ASSOCIATION (DINA)
Public Civic Service Announcement · Prepared October 28, 2026
Election guidance is time-sensitive. Official state and county election authorities control procedures and can resolve individual eligibility questions.