ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Voters in Buncombe County have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to request an absentee ballot by mail for the March 3 primary election.
The deadline applies to anyone who wants to receive a ballot by mail for the 2026 primary. Voters must submit an absentee ballot request form for each election.
Requests can be completed online through the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request portal or in person at the Buncombe County Election Services office, 35 Woodfin St., Asheville. Voters also may call 828-250-4200 to have a request form mailed to them.
North Carolina’s primary election is scheduled for March 3. Early voting began Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 28.
The voter registration deadline for the primary was Feb. 6. However, eligible residents may still register and vote during the early voting period through same-day registration. Voters who use same-day registration must provide an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence.
To qualify to vote in North Carolina, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, a resident of the state and precinct for at least 30 days before the election, and not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole.
Voters can check their registration status, polling place, jurisdictions and sample ballot through the voter search tool maintained by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Election officials encourage residents with questions about absentee voting, early voting or registration to contact Buncombe County Election Services or visit buncombecounty.org/vote.
Key dates for the primary election include:
- Feb. 17: Absentee ballot request deadline
- Feb. 28: Early voting ends
- March 3: Election Day
- March 13: Canvass
