Voting, Step By Step
G.S. 163-82.6 — a registration postmarked at least 25 days before, and G.S. 163-166.16 — photo identification in person
The 25 days. A form submitted by mail is valid if postmarked at least 25 days before the primary or election, or, if the postmark is missing or unclear, received not later than 20 days before. One submitted in person or by fax or scan is received by a time the county board sets, no earlier than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-fifth day before.
Photo identification. A registered voter voting in person produces photo identification, such as a North Carolina drivers license or nonoperator identification card, a United States passport, or a North Carolina voter photo identification card, valid and unexpired or expired for one year or less; or a military, veterans, tribal enrollment, or public assistance identification card.
The exceptions. A voter without acceptable identification because of a religious objection to being photographed, or a reasonable impediment, may complete an affidavit under penalty of perjury at the voting place and cast a provisional ballot.
Absentee and early voting, and what a provisional ballot needs in order to be counted, are set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a particular person is registered is a question for the local election office.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.S. 163-82.6 — Registration forms and the 25 day deadline
- G.S. 163-166.16 — Photo identification to vote in person
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.