Early voting begins October 15. North Carolina's in-person early voting period for the November 3, 2026 general election opens Thursday, October 15, and closes at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31. Voters across Asheville and Western North Carolina can use any designated early voting site in their county of residence, rather than only their Election Day precinct.

Check your county's schedule. Locations and hours differ from county to county. Buncombe County lists 13 sites, including locations in Asheville, Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Candler, Fairview, Leicester and Weaverville. Its typical weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with special Saturday and Sunday schedules. Sunday, October 18 is closed in Buncombe County. Voters in Henderson, Haywood, Transylvania, Madison, Jackson and other counties should check their own county schedules.

Missed the registration deadline? The regular registration deadline was October 9, but eligible residents may register and cast a ballot at the same time during early voting. Same-day registrants must meet eligibility requirements, affirm their eligibility and provide proof of residence, such as a qualifying driver's license, utility bill, bank statement or other approved document showing their current name and address.

Bring photo identification. North Carolina asks voters to show an acceptable photo ID when checking in. A driver's license is a common example, but additional IDs are accepted. A voter who does not have acceptable ID may still be able to cast a provisional ballot and complete an exception form or follow the state's ID-curing procedure. Free voter photo IDs are available through county boards of elections for eligible registered voters.

Review your sample ballot before visiting. The North Carolina State Board of Elections offers an online voter search to check registration information and view a sample ballot. Depending on their address, Western North Carolina residents may have federal, state, judicial, county and local contests on the November ballot.

Assistance is available. Election workers can help with voting questions, and curbside voting is available for eligible voters unable to enter the site without physical assistance because of age or disability. Voters needing assistance may also bring an eligible helper.

Key dates: October 15, early voting begins; October 20, civilian absentee ballot request deadline at 5 p.m.; October 31, early voting ends at 3 p.m.; November 3, Election Day. Voters should confirm official rules and county schedules before leaving home.

Official voter resources: North Carolina early voting information: www.ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-early-person. Buncombe County details: www.buncombenc.gov/216/Early-Voting. For other Western North Carolina counties, use the state's early voting site search linked from the State Board of Elections website.