Absentee Voting and Vote by Mail

North Carolina allows any registered voter to vote by mail, but the process has strict legal requirements.

Use the official Absentee Ballot Request Form to request your ballot. To request an absentee ballot, go to www.ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail.

Once your county board of elections processes your request, they will mail the ballot to the address you provided on your form.

How to Complete Your Absentee Ballot

Mark your ballot privately, then place it in the container‑return envelope and seal it completely. DO NOT put anything inside the envelope with your ballot. 

Witness Requirement – Your ballot envelope must include either two witnesses (age 18+), or one notary public.

Witnesses must:

• Watch you sign the envelope
• Provide their signature, printed name, and full address

Missing witness information means the ballot cannot be accepted.

Photo ID Requirement – Include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID in the envelope’s ID sleeve. If you cannot provide an ID, complete the Photo ID Exception Form included with your ballot.

Returning Your Ballot

Only the following people may return your ballot:

• You, the voter
• A near relative: spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, in‑laws, stepparent, or stepchild

Ballots may be returned:

• By mail – Include correct postage on your ballot return envelope. Return postage is $1.98 for the 2026 general election. Three Forever stamps (82 cents each) would cover this amount.
• In person to your county board of elections office
• At any early voting site during early voting

Ballots CANNOT be dropped off at Election Day polling places.

Quick Checklist

• Seal the ballot envelope
• Sign the envelope
• Obtain two witness signatures (or one notary)
• Include photo ID copy or exception form
• Return ballot yourself, or via a near relative