Absentee Mail-In Voting
The process for North Carolina Absentee Mail-in Voting like Early Voting, may differ by county. Be sure to access your county-specific information and follow instructions to the letter for how to register to vote by mail. In addition, confirm when and where to return your Absentee Ballot for processing.
First Steps:
- Confirm Voter Registration: You must be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot by mail. Access voter Voter Registration Lookup
- Request Absentee Ballot: For eligibility requirements and process access Absentee Ballot Request Portal
- View Ballot Request Form: North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request Form.
- Track Your Mail-In Ballot Status: Track your ‘Mail-In’ Ballot at North Carolina Ballot Trax
DEADLINES | NORTH CAROLINA ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM TUESDAY OCTOBER 27, 2020-5:00 P.M.
DEADLINES | RETURNING OR PROCESSING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOTS
In 2020, there are a few ways to return your absentee ballot:
- By mail to your county board of elections, postmarked on or before Election Day, and received by 5 p.m. November 12
- By commercial courier service (DHL, FedEx or UPS)
- Dropped off in person at your County Board of Elections office by 5 p.m. Election Day, November 3. IMPORTANT: Only the voter or the voter’s near relative or legal guardian may possess the absentee ballot to return it to the board of election
- Dropped off in person at any Early Voting Site in your county during voting hours (October 15–31)
Why Mail-In Voting Has Broadened The Voting Electorate Substantially
North Carolina Absentee Mail-in Voting options for Citizens has broadened the voting electorate substantially. Mail-in voting across all states has opened up opportunities for more people to cast their vote by simply dropping their ballot in the mailbox or leaving for mail carriers.
The critical voting blocks previously impacted by limited voting options may be senior citizens, either living alone at home or in assisted facilities with limited or no transportation options. Voters whose work schedules and other daily activities may have limited options for voting early or on Election Day. Voters without a Driver’s License or vehicle for whatever reason. This could include anyone, from young to older voters, and anyone in between. Either they cannot afford a vehicle, license revoked, or no longer valid due to age. Polling place locations may not have been accessible via the public transit systems for those without a vehicle. There are any number of other reasons why voters may not have had ‘Reasonable’ access to vote.
For those who have been fortunate enough to have voting options free of obstructions, there may never have been a consideration for fellow voters who experience obstacles in one of our nation’s most democratic process, casting a ballot.
Statement About Absentee Ballot Security in North Carolina
There have been many unfounded accusations regarding the integrity and safety of mail-in ballots. In response, North Carolina Election Officials have offered voters a statement and a list of “12 reasons why absentee by-mail voting is safe and secure”. Review their statement and 12 facts about absentee ballot security in North Carolina.
Information Source: Excerpts links copied directly from the North Carolina Board Of Elections website pages.
