Your Vote Really Matters in the Primary
Primary elections often receive far less attention than general elections — but they may be the most important elections you vote in.
The purpose of a primary election is to narrow the field of candidates for the general election. In North Carolina’s primary, voters choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot and may only vote for candidates listed on the ballot they select. The winners go on to represent their party in November.
Because turnout in primaries is typically low, each vote carries more weight.
In North Carolina’s 2022 primary:
Eligible voters: 7,236,469
Ballots cast: 1,432,819
Turnout: 20%
That means 80% of eligible voters did not participate. When turnout is this low, a relatively small number of votes can determine who advances — and who does not. In many races, just a few votes per precinct can make the difference. Your vote truly matters.
Important Dates for the 2026 Primary
Feb. 12, 2026: In-person early voting begins
(Not all locations open at the start — check your precinct.)
Feb. 17, 2026 (5 p.m.): Absentee ballot request deadline
Feb. 28, 2026 (3 p.m.): In-person early voting ends
March 3, 2026: Primary Election Day
March 3, 2026 (7:30 p.m.): Absentee ballot return deadline
Mecklenburg County Update:
All early voting sites in Mecklenburg County are open all days of the early voting period. Davidson Town Hall is not an early voting site. A new site has been added in Huntersville — look for the Birkdale location.
Recent Changes That May Affect Your Ability to Vote
It’s important to confirm your registration status before heading to the polls.
You May Be Considered an “Inactive” Voter If:
Your name appears on the registration repair list.
You have not voted in two federal election cycles (four years).
In these cases, you may be asked to:
Provide your North Carolina driver’s license number or Social Security number.
Verify or update your address.
Show an accepted photo ID.
Depending on the situation, you may receive a regular ballot or a provisional ballot.
If Your NC Driver’s License or SSN Could Not Be Validated:
You will need to provide a valid NC DL/SSN and show an accepted photo ID before receiving a regular ballot.
If You Are on the HAVA (Help America Vote Act) List:
This typically means a valid NC DL/SSN was not provided at registration. You will be asked to provide valid identification to receive a regular ballot.
Make a plan. Check your registration. Show up.
Your voice counts.