Voting In Mecklenburg County

​Voting in elections is a great way to get involved, share your voice, and be active in your community. When voting, voters have many ways they may choose to cast their vote. Absentee voting provides an alternative to the traditional method of appearing in person and casting a ballot on election day. See what options best fit your needs from the options below.

Note: Numerous outside organizations have sent forms to targeted individuals. As long as these forms are dated for the current year and are blank when received by the voter  - the form can be completed and returned. The form can be mailed or hand delivered to our office. 

Photo of a mailbox with a "vote" sticker on it.

Absentee by Mail

All registered North Carolina Voters may use this option to request an absentee by mail ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5:00 PM the Tuesday before Election Day.

Request Online

Absentee One-Stop (Early Voting)

Any voter registered in Mecklenburg County may choose to vote in person using One-Stop Absentee Voting. Early voting begins the third Thursday before the election and ends the Saturday prior to the election. You may register and vote at any early voting location and do not have to go to an assigned location.  

An early voting sign on a storefront door.
Image of a "vote" button on an Army green shirt.

Military and Civilians Overseas

If you are active military, the spouse or dependent of an active military service member, or you are a US citizen outside the United States, you may use this option to request your absentee ballot. The deadline is 5:00 PM the day before Election Day.

Request Form

Absentee for Visually Impaired

If you are a visually impaired voter who has requested an accessible ballot and have been informed that your ballot is available, select this option to access your ballot. The deadline to complete and return your absentee by mail ballot in the portal is 5:00 PM on Election Day.

Request Form
Blind girl using a computer with headphones and assistive technology.

Voting on Election Day

On Election Days, registered voters in North Carolina may vote at their assigned polling place. This is different than early voting, where eligible individuals may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. Polling places will be 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.

How to vote if you are Sick or Disabled after the request deadline for an absentee ballot has passed?

You must apply in person or have a near relative or verifiable legal guardian apply in person at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office and a Ballot will be hand delivered to you. Our offices are located at 741 Kenilworth Ave, Suite 202.

This option is only available for sick or disabled voters after 8:00 am on the Wednesday prior to each election but not later than 5:00 pm on the Monday before each election.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 704-336-2133.

Voting Equipment

Mecklenburg County Board of Elections uses the hardware below to help ensure your voice is heard on election day.

Watch our video overview for more information about these machines.

The DS200 is a poll place ballot scanner and vote tabulator that combines the flexibility and efficiency of digital-imaging technology to support paper-based voting. Mecklenburg County Board of Elections uses this hardware to tabulate ballots in the precincts.

Election Systems DS200

The DS200 is a poll place ballot scanner and vote tabulator that combines the flexibility and efficiency of digital-imaging technology to support paper-based voting. Mecklenburg County Board of Elections uses this hardware to tabulate ballots in the precincts.

Election Systems DS850

The DS850 is the fastest central scanner in the election industry. Mecklenburg County Board of Elections uses this hardware to scan absentee by mail ballots.

The DS850 high-speed central scanner and vote tabulator is the fastest central scanner in the election industry. Mecklenburg County Board of Elections uses this hardware to scan absentee by mail ballots.
The paper-based ExpressVote Universal Voting System uses touch-screen technology that produces a paper record for tabulation. Mecklenburg County Board of elections uses this hardware as an assistive technology to support the needs of voters with visual limitations.

Election Systems ExpressVote

The ExpressVote Universal Voting System uses touch-screen technology that produces a paper record for tabulation. Mecklenburg County Board of elections uses this hardware as an assistive technology to support the needs of voters with visual limitations.

Accessible Voting Info