Voters who requested absentee‑by‑mail ballots should expect them to arrive soon, with the State Board of Elections set to begin mailing ballots on Monday for the March 3 primary. Those who have already submitted requests should receive their ballots within the next week. Any eligible North Carolina voter may request an absentee ballot, with the request deadline set for Feb. 17.
This year brings new rules for returning ballots. In past elections, mailed ballots could arrive up to three days after Election Day and still be counted. Under updated state law, ballots must now be received—not just postmarked—by the county board of elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Officials urge voters to return ballots early, either by mail or in person, to avoid delays.
The March 3 primary will determine party nominees for the November general election, and in some races, the primary will effectively decide the winner due to lack of opposition.
Absentee voters must have their ballot witnessed by two individuals or a notary. Witnesses must sign the return envelope in the designated area. Voters must also include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID in the envelope’s ID sleeve. The copy does not need to be in color, but it must be clearly readable. Voters unable to provide a photo ID may instead complete the included Photo ID Exception Form and place it in the same sleeve.
Residents must be registered to vote by Feb. 6 at 5 p.m., though military and overseas voters follow different timelines. In‑person early voting will run from Feb. 12 through Feb. 28, closing at 3 p.m. on the final day.
For questions or to check your voter registration status, contact the Brunswick County Board of Elections at (910) 253-2620, or the Columbus County Board of Elections at 910‑640‑6609.
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