Voting in North Carolina
U.S. Senate and Governor
Statewide races every North Carolina voter sees. Candidates are listed in the order of the official source, with party as printed.
U.S. Senate
- Michael Dublin · GRE
- Roy Cooper · Democratic
- Shannon W. Bray · Libertarian
- Michael Whatley · Republican
Governor
No race for Governor in North Carolina this year.
Source: NC State Board of Elections, 2026 General Candidate List Grouped by Contest (Sep 21, 2026). Write-in candidates not shown. Your county's sample ballot has every race.
Full ballots on Voting On
Key facts for Nov. 3
Register to vote
Register by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 (online through NCDMV, or paper form to the county board of elections).
Same-day registration: Yes, during early voting only (Oct. 15 to Oct. 31) at early voting sites, with proof of residence and photo ID.
Online registration is available.
Vote early in person
In person Oct. 15 (8 a.m.) to Oct. 31 (3 p.m.) at county early voting sites.
Election Day
Polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Vote by mail
Who: Any voter may request one (no excuse)
Request by: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Return by: Must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.
ID to vote in person
Photo ID required: NC driver license or state ID, U.S. passport, free county voter ID card, approved student or employee ID, military or veterans ID, tribal ID, and others. Voters without ID can vote provisionally with an ID Exception Form or bring ID to the county office by noon on the fifth business day after the election.
Note: Online registration is only for NCDMV license or ID holders. Mail voters must include a copy of ID or an ID Exception Form.
From the North Carolina State Board of Elections and other official state sources, checked Oct 7, 2026. Rules can change; the official office has the final word. Only eligible, registered voters may vote.
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