License to Vote

Here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls this November. 

Before you head to the polls next month, know this: What’s required to vote in future North Carolina elections has changed. Thanks to a new law passed over the summer, an amendment has been added to the North Carolina State Constitution now requiring photographic identification to vote, both in person and by mail. But it’s not that simple. Here is what you can do to ensure your ballot will be counted. 

• Present valid photo ID, including a driver’s license, U.S. passport, student ID card, state employee ID card, military ID card, Tribal enrollment card or a veteran ID card.

• Request a free state ID card from your local DMV. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card or a document proving your Social Security number, and a document proving legal residency. 

• If you don’t have access to these documents, request a free voter ID from the county Board of Elections. No documents are required—only your name, birthday and last four digits of your Social Security number. This photo ID is valid for 10 years and can only be used for voting. 

• If you don’t have a valid photo ID by Election Day, you can still go and vote! All voters will have access to a voter ID exception form that can be submitted along with your vote. 

• If voting by mail, attach a photocopy of a valid ID to your absentee ballot or include the exception form, or your vote will not be counted. Be sure to mail in your ballot as early as possible to ensure it’s counted. 

Who’s voting? 

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023

Angier, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell & Zebulon Municipal Elections + Town of Cary Runoff Election (if necessary) + City of Durham Municipal Election

Raleigh voters return to the polls:

Tuesday, March 5, 2024: Primary Election

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024: General Election + City of Raleigh Municipal Election