Mail-in voting made simple: What NC voters need to know

Voting by mail in North Carolina is easy, but making sure your vote counts requires knowing the rules. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know, with answers to some of the most common questions.

Voting by mail, or absentee voting, might seem like a straightforward process, but there are a few key points to remember. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned voter, this guide will keep you on track for the 2024 election. 

Before you can vote, you need to make sure you’re registered. You can do that by visiting the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ website for more information.

RELATED: How do you register to vote in North Carolina?

Do: Request your ballot early

Requesting your absentee ballot is the first step. The earlier the ballot is requested, the better. You can request your ballot online or on paper. 

Q: Do I need an excuse or special circumstance to vote by mail? No, you don’t. Any registered voter in North Carolina can vote by mail. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, Oct. 29.

[Editor’s Note: While the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot remains the same, a recent NC Supreme Court decision granting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s late request to remove his name from the ballot delayed the expected arrival of absentee ballots for people who’ve already requested one.

We don’t yet know when your ballot will arrive, but do know that there’s still time to request absentee ballots — you have until 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.  You can request it online or download the form and bring it to your county board of elections. There is an English and a Spanish version of the form.]

Don’t: Assume your ballot will be sent to you automatically

A common misconception is that absentee ballots are automatically sent to all registered voters. Not true. You must request your absentee ballot, either online or on paper.

Q: How do I request an absentee ballot?

• Online: Go to the NC Absentee Ballot Portal and select “Option 1 – Request an Absentee Ballot.”
• On Paper: Download the 2024 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF).

Submit the completed form to your county board of elections either in person or by mail via the USPS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS. You can track your ballot through the mail with BallotTrax. Remember, don’t fax or email your absentee ballot request form—North Carolina state law does not allow it.

Q: Can someone request a ballot for me? Yes. A close relative like a sibling, child, family-in-law or your legal guardian can request an absentee ballot on your behalf. They’ll just need to provide their name, address, and relationship to you on the absentee request form. And remember, they can not make changes to your voter registration record.

Q: Can I pick up my ballot in person? No, your ballot must be mailed to you. If you live on a boat, in an RV, or don’t have a permanent residence, you should provide the mailing address where you want your ballot sent.

Do: Follow the instructions on your ballot

Every absentee ballot comes with detailed instructions to be read carefully. For example, if you’re completing the form online, a wet ink signature isn’t required, but it must be your unique signature—no typed signatures are allowed. If you’re submitting the form on paper, you’ll need to sign with wet ink. Miss this, and your ballot might not count.

[Editor’s note: If you’re voting by mail, don’t forget to include a photocopy of your ID with your ballot. If you don’t have one, you can fill out an ID Exception Form instead.]

Don’t: Procrastinate

Timing is everything. If you wait too long to request or send back your ballot, you might miss the deadline. Your ballot must be received by your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. You will not be able to return your ballot to a polling place on Election Day.

Do: Use the official return envelope

When returning your ballot, make sure you use the official return envelope that came with it. Using a different envelope may cause delays or even result in your vote not being counted.

[Editor’s note: Don’t forget to place a photocopy of your ID or ID Exception Form in a pocket on the outside of the ballot container ballot, then seal it in the outer return envelope to keep your vote private.]

Don’t: Forget the postage

When mailing back your ballot, make sure to double-check the postage before sending it off. The postage rate for returning your mail-in ballot is $1.77. [Editor’s Note: It was $1.63 during primary voting, but the postage rates increased in July.] 

Do: Sign your ballot

Again, your signature is crucial. Make sure you sign your ballot exactly where instructed. If you make a mistake, you can request a new ballot—just don’t send back the incorrect one.

Q: Who is allowed to be my witness? When marking your absentee ballot, you need either one notary public or two witnesses. They don’t need to see how you vote, just that you’re marking your ballot. 

Witnesses also must not be under 18 years old, a candidate (unless a relative), or staff of a care facility where the voter resides.

Q: What if I live in a facility and need help? If you live in a hospital, nursing home, or another care facility, you can request assistance from a Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT), appointed by your county board of elections. 

Wrap-up

Voting by mail doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little bit of planning. Request your ballot early, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t forget those important details like signatures and postage. 

By staying on top of these steps, you can rest easy knowing your vote will count. Remember, your voice matters—whether you’re mailing in from your kitchen table or the comfort of your couch, make sure it’s heard loud and clear this November.

Change your mind and want to vote in person instead? Here’s your guide for the 2024 election