Early voting starts in less than a month and Cabarrus County is urging residents to stay aware of important dates and information leading up to the 2026 General Election.

As always, North Carolina voters have three main options for voting: early in-person, mail-in absentee and in-person on Election Day.

In-person early voting runs Oct.15-31. During this period, Cabarrus voters can cast their ballots at four locations across the county:

• Cabarrus EMS HQ Station 9, 793 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord
• Cabarrus Afton Ridge Library and Active Living Center, 6905 Glen Afton Blvd., Kannapolis
• Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49, Concord
• Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at NCRC, 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis

Dates and times are:

• Thurs., Oct. 15 through Fri., Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mon., Oct. 19 through Fri., Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mon., Oct. 26 through Fri., Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cabarrus County Board of Elections office will not serve as an early voting site or Election Day polling place. During the early voting period, voters may cast their ballots at any of the four approved early voting locations. On Election Day, voters must vote at their assigned precinct.

Voters may change their name or address at any early voting site.

Unregistered early voters enjoy a special provision that allows them to register on the same day they vote. Same-day registrants must show documentation with their current address. Acceptable documentation includes:

• A North Carolina driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification showing the voter’s name and address
• A copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document showing the voter’s name and address
• For students living on campus, documentation from an educational institution with the student’s name and on-campus housing address

Registration is not available on Election Day (Nov. 3). The deadline to register to vote on Election Day is Fri., Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.

North Carolina offers two primary ways to register outside of early voting: online or in person at the DMV or by mail. Learn more at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register. 

North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in-person and by mail. If a Cabarrus voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they can get one free from the Board of Elections office (369 Church St. N, Concord) or fill out an ID Exception Form. Visit www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id to learn more.

Get informed and empowered with Cabarrus Gov 101

To help residents understand the election process and participate with confidence, Cabarrus County invites the community to join the next installment of Gov 101: Voting 2026.

The event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Nook (363 Church St N, Concord).

Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, the event is a great opportunity to be involved and get a behind-the-scenes look at elections in Cabarrus County. 

Voting 2026 includes a detailed breakdown of how local elections work from staff and Board of Elections members. In addition, the event will feature a tour of the elections office.

A complimentary meal will be provided.

Space is limited and registration is required: https://go.activecalendar.com/cabarruscounty/site/public/event/make-your-vote-count-cabco/.

2026 General Election key dates

Here’s a rundown of all the important dates for the 2026 General Election: 

• Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline if voting on Election Day, Nov. 3 (5 p.m.)
• Oct. 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available throughout the early voting period
• Oct. 20: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.)
• Oct. 31: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.)
• Nov. 3:?Election Day
• Nov. 3:?All absentee ballots must be received at the Board of Elections Office (369 Church St. N, Concord) by 7:30 p.m.

Find sample ballots, check voter registration information, confirm polling locations and more by visiting www.cabarruscounty.us/elections. Stay up to date with election information by following the County’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cabarruscounty and signing up for the County’s biweekly newsletter, CabConnect, at www.cabarruscounty.us/CabGo.