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Mail-in & Absentee Voting
Exploring Your Absentee and Distance Voting Options
North Carolina offers several ways to vote without visiting a polling place, making participation easier for residents who need to or prefer to vote from home, as well as those who are living or stationed outside the area. Whether you are requesting a ballot by mail, tracking its status, or using the special protections available to military members, their families, and U.S. citizens overseas, these options help you request, complete, and return your ballot with confidence and provide resources that support voters who are away from home.
Requesting and Returning an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter in North Carolina may vote by mail. No special reason is required. To begin, complete an Absentee Ballot Request Form and return it in person to the Elections Office at 1800 North Greene Street, Suite C, Greenville, NC 27834, or mail it to PO Box 56, Greenville, NC 27835.
You may also request a ballot online through the secure Absentee Ballot Request Portal.
The deadline to submit a request is 5:00 PM on the second Tuesday before Election Day.
Once your request is processed, a ballot will be mailed directly to you. Each ballot includes clear instructions to help reduce errors and ensure your vote can be counted.
Voting by mail involves three steps:
- Submit an official Absentee Ballot Request Form or use the online request portal
- Receive your ballot and instructions by mail
- Complete and return your ballot by mail or hand-deliver it to the Pitt County Board of Elections
Voters can track the status of their absentee ballot from printing to acceptance using the statewide tracking service.
Voting Options for Military and Overseas Residents
Military members, their families, and U.S. citizens living abroad can vote through special protections under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. These voters can register, request a ballot, and return required forms even when they are away from home.
To get started, eligible voters may complete the Federal Post Card Application. This form acts as both the voter registration application and the request for an absentee ballot.
Once approved, ballots can be sent by mail, fax, or email. Completed ballots must be returned by mail to be counted. If a voter does not receive their ballot in time, they may use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot as a backup.