North Carolina 2026 voter guide: Here’s everything you need to know ahead of midterms

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Election Day for the 2026 North Carolina general election is days away, though early voting has been underway for weeks.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 is Election Day for the general midterm election in North Carolina and around the country.

To help you get ready to vote, here’s a look at how to find your polling place, see a sample of your ballot, a breakdown of major races, and more.

Important dates to remember

• Saturday, Oct. 31 - In-person early voting ends at 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Election Day, absentee ballot return deadline at 7:30 p.m.

Early in-person voting & same-day registration

Early voting will end at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. North Carolina voters can cast their votes at any early voting site in their county.

Click here to find an early voting polling location in North Carolina.

Same-day voter registration is available to eligible residents during the early in-person voting period. Same-day voter registration is not available on actual Election Day in North Carolina.

Learn more about same-day voter registration on the board of elections’ website here.

How to find your polling place in North Carolina

When voting on Election Day, voters must go to their assigned polling place.

Polling places are assigned based on your registered home address.

Click here to find your polling place in North Carolina using the state’s voter search tool.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in North Carolina?

Yes.

North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo identification when they check in to vote.

However, all voters will be allowed to vote with or without photo identification.

If a voter cannot show an acceptable photo identification when voting in person, they can still vote by filling an ID Exception Form.

Acceptable forms of photo ID include a North Carolina driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, college or university ID, military ID and more. Click here to learn more about acceptable IDs on the state’s website.

How to see a sample of your ballot

North Carolina voters can see a sample of their ballot using the Voter Search tool on the state’s website right here.

To use the tool, fill in the required fields and hit the “search” button. Find and click on your name, then scroll down to find “Your Sample Ballot.”

All registered voters can find a sample of their ballot ballots in the “Your Sample Ballot” section of the voter search profile.

You can also practice making your choices and download a copy of your sample ballot using “Option 4” on the NC Absentee Ballot Portal.

What’s on the ballot in North Carolina

Voters in North Carolina will be electing at the state level for an open seat on the U.S. Senate vacated by Rep. Thom Tillis and three statewide referendums. Locally, voters will decide on local judges, district attorneys, county sheriffs and Board of Education members.

There are several key races to keep an eye on in the Tar Heel State including the vacant seat on the U.S. Senate. Vying for the seat are Democratic nominee Roy Cooper and Republican nominee Michael Whatley.

Read --> Election guide: Roy Cooper vs. Michael Whatley in Senate race that could decide Congress

Cooper was the North Carolina governor from 2017-2025, and has been leading in most polls. Whatley was the Republican National Committee Chairman from 2024-2025. Whatley’s campaign message has been centered on backing Trump’s agenda.

Other races to keep an eye on include the races for two U.S. House seats in North Carolina. The state’s Congressional Districts 1 and 11 are viewed as toss-ups and could flip, according to CBS News.

Republican Chuck Edwards, who holds the seat for District 11, dropped his reelection bid after a sexual harassment investigation. Republican Rep. Jennifer Balkom replaced Edwards on the ballot and will face Democrat Jamie Ager.

Incumbent Democrat Don Davis, who holds the seat for District 1, will face Republican Laurie Buckhout.

Republicans enter the midterm election with a narrow 220-215 majority in the U.S. House.

Statewide referendums on the ballot

North Carolina voters will decide on three referendums statewide. Voters will vote either “for” or “against” proposed amendments to the state constitution.

The first proposed amendment is about voter identification. That amendment reads:

• “Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting.”

The second proposed amendment is about state income tax. That amendment reads:

• “Constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).”

The third proposed amendment is about property taxes. That amendment reads:

• “Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments.”

Watch more election explainers here

To help get Carolina residents ready to vote, WBTV streamed election explainers on each Tuesday in October.

Darrell Green and David Hodges have been breaking down referendums, major races, and more.

You can watch previous episodes by clicking on the links below:

• Breaking down 2026 US Senate races in North, South Carolina
• Breaking down North Carolina General Assembly, supermajority makeup this 2026 election
• Breaking down North Carolina’s voter ID referendum + more in Charlotte region
• Breaking down 2026 property, income tax referendums on the North Carolina ballot

Click here for more election news and information