How to get an absentee ballot if you want to vote by mail in NC for the 2024 election
Sarah GleasonAbsentee ballots in North Carolina are scheduled to start being sent out Friday, Sep. 6, marking the beginning of voters making their voice heard at the polls in the 2024 general election.
Election Day is on Nov. 5, but many voters will choose to vote with absentee ballots or during early in-person voting. North Carolinians will be voting for president, governor and many other down-ballot races. Here's what you need to know to cast an absentee ballot this election season.
Who qualifies for a mail-in ballot?
Any registered North Carolina voter can request a mail-in ballot. Voters do not need to provide an excuse to receive one.
How do I request a mail-in ballot?
Voters can request a mail-in ballot be sent to their residence through theÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵor by mail with a form available on theÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵ.
What are the deadlines?
Requests for mail-in ballots must be sent in by the Tuesday before Election Day. For the general election taking place on Nov. 5, the deadline for mail-in ballot requests is 5 p.m. Oct. 29.
Completed mail-in ballots must arrive at the county board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
What if I didn't get it in time?
If a voter requested a mail-in ballot and did not receive it within the deadline, they can still vote in-person during early voting or on Election Day. But voters cannot vote in-person and by mail.
Mail-in vs absentee?
The terms mail-in ballot and absentee ballot are often used interchangeably to describe a voter who votes by mail not on Election Day. Technically, voters who cast a ballot during early in-person voting are casting an absentee ballot because they are voting not on Election Day.
Can I change my mind and vote in person?
Yes. However, voters should only vote either in-person or by mail-in ballot, never both. Once the mail-in ballot is returned, voters cannot vote again in-person and vice versa. Voting twice in one election is a crime.
How do I track my mail-in ballot?
Voters can track the progress of their ballot through theÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵ. If there is an issue or deficiency with the ballot, the board of elections will contact them.
Can I return my mail-in ballot in-person?
Yes. Voters can return their mail-in ballot in-person at their respective county board of elections office or at their county's early voting location. Voters can find their in-person early voting location on theÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵand theirÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵ.
Can someone else request a mail-in ballot on my behalf?
Yes. Near relatives and legal guardians can request a mail-in ballot on behalf of a voter. This includes parents requesting mail-in ballots for their college students. For persons with a disability, anyone can request a mail-in ballot on their behalf.
Do I need postage when returning my ballot?
Yes. Mail-in ballotsÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵrequire ÖгöÉÙ¸¾ÊÓƵin return postage.