Election Day is only a few days away nationwide, with early voting ending on Halloween in North Carolina.
Early voting began this year on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 8 a.m. As of Friday, Oct. 30, only one day remains to cast a vote early in North Carolina, with polls closing at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Unlike in the case of early voting, voters who wait until Election Day to cast their ballots must vote at their assigned polling place - and the N.C. State Board of Elections warns that certain times of day can be particularly busy.
In addition to statewide seats up for election, Buncombe, Henderson and Madison County voters will also see county and local election options on their ballots.
Here's everything to know about Election Day 2026 in North Carolina.
When is the last day to early vote in North Carolina?
Early voting ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Election day poll times: When do polls open on Election Day? Close?
On Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, polling places will be open 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
When is the best time to go to the polls on Election Day?
The N.C. State Board of Elections website notes that busiest times at polling places tend to be early in the morning and just before the polls close.
What do I need to bring with me to vote in North Carolina?
The following forms of ID are accepted at the polls in North Carolina:
Additionally, a voter 65 or older may use an expired form of acceptable ID if the ID was unexpired on their 65th birthday. More information is available at ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.
Who is up for election in North Carolina? Find my ballot
In the 2026 midterm election, the following seats are up for election statewide:
Additionally, local judges and district attorneys, county offices like sheriffs, county commissioners, and Board of Education members and municipal election options in some jurisdictions may be on your ballot based on where you live.
You can find your sample ballot via the state's voter search here.
When will Election Day results be announced in North Carolina?
After the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, the N.C. State Board of Elections estimates the following timeline:
Military and overseas absentee ballots received by the return deadline, as well as provisional votes and any absentee ballots that have been successfully cured, will be added to the results as they are approved by the county board of elections during the canvass period after election night.
It can take several days, or weeks if there is a recount, before ballot results are counted and results are finalized nationwide.
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Where is my polling place?
To find your Election Day polling place, use the state's search tool at ncsbe.gov/PPLkup. There are many Election Day polling places in Western N.C., including:
Who is on the ballot in Buncombe County?
In Buncombe County, ballots will include judicial seats up for election, including N.C. District 40 District Court, Prosecutorial Court and Superior Court. County seats up for election include Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Districts 1, 2 and 3, County Clerk of Superior Court, Sheriff, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Buncombe County Schools seats up for election include school board Districts 3, 5 and 6.
In Asheville, seats up for election include City Council and Mayor. Asheville City Schools Board of Education seats are also up for election. In Black Mountain, seats up for election include Town Council and Mayor. In Montreat, seats up for election include Town Commissioner.
Who is on the ballot in Henderson County?
In Henderson County, ballots will include judicial seats up for election, including N.C. District 42 District Court and Prosecutorial Court District 42. County seats up for election include Henderson County Board of Commissioners Districts 1, 3 and 4, County Clerk of Superior Court, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and County Schools board at-large.
In Hendersonville, seats up for election include City Council At Large and Mayor. In Flat Rock, seats up for election include Village Council Districts 1, 2 and 3. In Fletcher, seats up for election include Town Council Districts 1 and 4 and Mayor. In Laurel Park, seats up for election include Town Council. In Mills River, seats up for election include Town Council Districts 1, 2 and 3. In Saluda, seats up for election include Mayor of Saluda and City Commission.
Who is on the ballot in Madison County?
In Madison County, judicial seats up for election include N.C. District 35 District Court, Prosecutorial Court and Superior Court. Madison County seats up for election include Board of Commissioners, Clerk of Superior Court, Sheriff, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, County Schools Districts 1 and 2 and County Schools Chair.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].