A Simple Guide to Voting by Mail

Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You do not need a special reason.

Step 1: Check Your Voter Registration

Make sure your name, address, county, and other voter registration information are correct.

Step 2: Request Your Ballot

You can request your ballot online through the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Portal. You can also complete an official paper request form.

You will need to provide your date of birth. You will also need either your North Carolina driver license or DMV identification number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Step 3: Review Your Ballot Packet

When your ballot arrives, read all the instructions carefully.

The packet should include:

• Your ballot
• An inner envelope
• An outer return envelope
• A clear photo ID sleeve
• Instructions
• A list of acceptable photos
• A Photo ID Exception Form
• Information to track your ballot

Step 4: Ask Two Witnesses or a Notary to Be Present

You must have either two witnesses who are at least 18 years old, or one notary public, present when you mark your ballot.

Step 5: Mark Your Ballot

Completely fill in the oval next to each choice. Do not use an X or a check mark.

• If you make a mistake, do not return the ballot. Contact your county Board of Elections and ask for a replacement.

Step 6: Complete and Seal the Inner Envelope

Place only your completed ballot inside the inner envelope.

• Sign the voter certification on the envelope. Your witnesses or notary must also complete the required sections.
• If someone helped you complete your ballot, that person must complete the section for assistants.
• Seal the inner envelope.

Step 7: Include Your Photo ID Documentation

Flip the inner envelope over and place a copy of an acceptable photo ID or the completed exception form in the clear sleeve.

Step 8: Prepare the Outer Return Envelope

Place the sealed inner envelope inside the outer return envelope.

• Make sure the return envelope is addressed to the Board of Elections in the county where you are registered.
• Seal the outer envelope.

Step 9: Return Your Ballot

Return your ballot to the county Board of Elections where you are registered.

• Take your ballot to your county Board of Elections office or to an early voting site during early voting.
• Mail it using the correct postage.
• Send it through an approved commercial carrier.

Do not take your absentee ballot to an Election Day polling place.

Step 10: Track Your Ballot

Use BallotTrax.net to find out whether your ballot was received and accepted.

• If BallotTrax shows a problem, contact your county Board of Elections as soon as possible.

Before Returning Your Ballot

Check your work:

• You signed the voter certification.
• Your two witnesses or notary completed all the required information.
• If someone helped you, that person completed the assistant certification.
• Only your completed ballot is inside the sealed inner envelope.
• You placed either a copy of your photo ID or a completed Photo ID Exception Form in the clear sleeve.
• The inner envelope is sealed and placed inside the outer return envelope.
• You are using an approved return method.
• Your ballot will reach your county Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on November 3.

Questions or Problems

If you need help or have a problem, contact your county Board of Elections or Disability Rights NC’s voting hotline at 888-WE-VOTE-2 (888-936-6832).

To learn more about Disability Rights North Carolina’s accessible voting project, visit AccessTheVoteNC.org or call DRNC at 888-WE-VOTE-2.

Important

This information is based on North Carolina voting guidance available through August 25, 2026. Voting rules, deadlines, postage requirements, and forms can change.