Michael Whatley (R) vs. Roy Cooper (D)
- Ratings
- Cook Lean D (moved from Toss Up on ); Sabato Leans Democratic (moved from Toss-up on ); Inside Elections Tilt Democratic (as read )
North Carolina 2026 elections
The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This page gathers the North Carolina contests on the Ledger's board, the documented profiles of the conservative candidates, and the dates and tools published by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Contests on the board in North Carolina
The general-election contests the Ledger tracks in North Carolina, each with the raters' current call, the newest public polling and the money reported.
Moore (R) vs. LaKesha Womack (D)
- Ratings
- Cook Solid R; Sabato Safe R; IE Solid R
Candidate profiles from North Carolina
NC-SEN · North Carolina
Michael Whatley
Former RNC and North Carolina GOP chairman, Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2026 against former Governor Roy Cooper: the record behind the résumé.
Read Michael Whatley's recordThe race
NC-14 · North Carolina
Tim Moore
Republican congressman for North Carolina’s 14th District since 2025 and a record five-term Speaker of the state House, facing LaKesha Womack in November.
Read Tim Moore's recordThe raceKey dates and deadlines
Read from the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Sep 17, 2026. The authority's own page, linked beside each date, is the final word — confirm it before you act.
- Voter registration deadlineOctober 9, 2026, 5 p.m. The State Board of Elections sets the regular deadline at 25 days before Election Day. A person who misses it may still be able to register and vote in person during the early voting period, October 15 to October 31, 2026. The deadline is different for military and overseas citizen voters. ncsbe.gov
- Early voting beginsOctober 15, 2026 (Thursday). In-person early voting begins, and same-day registration is available at early voting sites. ncsbe.gov
- Early voting endsOctober 31, 2026 (Saturday), 3 p.m. ncsbe.gov
- Deadline to request an absentee (mail) ballotOctober 20, 2026, 5 p.m. The State Board of Elections describes the deadline as two weeks before Election Day; it is different for military and overseas citizen voters. ncsbe.gov
- Deadline to return an absentee ballotNovember 3, 2026 (Election Day), 7:30 p.m. The ballot must be received by the county board of elections by that time. The deadline is different for military and overseas citizen voters. ncsbe.gov
- Election DayNovember 3, 2026 (Tuesday). ncsbe.gov
- Poll hoursPolling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2026. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. ncsbe.gov
Official voting tools
These links go to the state's own tools. The Ledger does not collect registrations or ballots.
Check your registrationconfirm status, address and party · vt.ncsbe.govFind your polling placewhere to vote on Election Day · vt.ncsbe.govEarly voting locationssites and hours · vt.ncsbe.govOfficial election calendarevery deadline, from the source · ncsbe.gov
Rules to know
What to bring
Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. Read from: ncsbe.gov
Voting absentee by mail
Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot for the 2026 elections. Read from: ncsbe.gov
Early voting in person
During the early voting period, voters may use any early voting site in their county. Read from: ncsbe.gov
Questions and answers
When is the voter registration deadline in North Carolina for the 2026 election?
The regular deadline is October 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. A person who misses it may still be able to register and vote in person during early voting, October 15 to October 31, 2026. The deadline is different for military and overseas citizen voters.
When does early voting start in North Carolina in 2026?
In-person early voting begins Thursday, October 15, 2026, and ends Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 3 p.m. Voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.
What time do polls close in North Carolina?
On Election Day, November 3, 2026, polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.
Do I need ID to vote in North Carolina?
Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina. The State Board of Elections says all voters will be allowed to vote with or without a photo ID.
How do I vote by mail in North Carolina?
Any North Carolina registered voter may request a mail-in absentee ballot for the 2026 elections. The request deadline is October 20, 2026, at 5 p.m., and the ballot must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2026.
How do I check if I am registered to vote in North Carolina?
Use the State Board of Elections' Voter Search tool at vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/ and enter your first and last name.
Official sources
- 01Upcoming Election | NCSBENorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 02How to RegisterNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 03Vote By MailNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 04Vote Early in PersonNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 05Voter IDNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 06Vote in Person on Election DayNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
- 07Detailed Instructions to Vote By MailNorth Carolina State Board of Elections
General civic information, not legal advice. Deadlines differ by method (online, mail, in person) and rules can change after this review; the state election office is the authority.