The nationwide general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and voting already is underway.
Polls in North Carolina will be open that day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Voters are encouraged to check that their registration information is current before voting. Visit the N.C. State Board of Elections voter-search tool to review your voter record and to find your polling place.
Early voting
North Carolina’s in-person early-voting period runs from Thursday, Oct. 15, through 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
In Hyde County, early voting is available at the Hyde County Board of Elections office in the Public Safety Building, 1223 Main St., Swan Quarter.
Hours are Monday through Friday, Oct. 15 to 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Any Hyde County voter may vote early at the Board of Elections Office and on Ocracoke, early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 23 in the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Highway, which is the same location for the Nov. 3 election.
Eligible voters also may register and vote on the same day during the early-voting period. Voters should bring an acceptable photo ID. Learn more at the N.C. State Board of Elections early-voting page.
Absentee voting by mail
Any registered North Carolina voter may request an absentee ballot by mail for the 2026 election. Absentee ballots began going out on Sept. 4. to voters who had requested them. Voters are encouraged to make these requests and mail the ballots as early as possible.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Voters may request a ballot online through the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal or by completing the 2026 N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form.
Completed paper request forms may be submitted to the Hyde County Board of Elections in person or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier, including FedEx, UPS or DHL.
Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Detailed instructions are available from the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Candidates and sample ballots
Below is the sample ballot for Ocracoke.
The OCBA will hold a Candidates’ Night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Community Center.
Here are some nonpartisan voter-information resources:
- NC Voter
- Ballotpedia: North Carolina elections, 2026
- North Carolina State Board of Elections
- Democracy North Carolina
- You Can Vote
For questions relating to voting, contact the Hyde County Board of Elections at 252-926-4194 or visit the N.C. State Board of Elections website.
