Your Voice, Your Vote: Don’t Forget to Cast Your Ballot

Voting is a fundamental right and an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities. Every election gives eligible citizens a voice in choosing leaders and deciding issues that affect daily life. As the 2026 general election approaches, We Are Hoke encourages residents to get informed, make a plan, and exercise their right to vote.

Busy schedules can make it easy to put voting off until another day. Take a moment now to choose when you will vote, check your voting location, and prepare your photo identification. Making a plan today can help prevent a missed opportunity tomorrow.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2026. These are important dates to put on your calendar and share with others.

The Right to Vote Deserves Our Attention

Generations of Americans worked and sacrificed to expand and protect voting rights. Exercising that right honors their efforts while giving each of us a role in our country’s future.

Voting is also an opportunity to consider the needs of our neighbors and the communities we call home. Learning about candidates, reviewing the ballot, and making an informed decision are meaningful ways to participate in public life.

We Are Hoke’s message is nonpartisan: Whatever your political affiliation, eligible voters deserve accurate information and the opportunity to participate. Take time to learn, make your own choices, and let your voice be heard.

Know When and Where to Vote

North Carolina voters can vote early in person through 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31. Check your county’s early voting sites and daily schedules before leaving home, since hours vary by location.

If you choose to vote on Tuesday, November 3, Election Day polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You must vote at your assigned Election Day polling place. Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Voter Search tool to check your registration, find your polling place, and review your sample ballot.

Bring an Acceptable Photo ID

North Carolina voters are asked to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. Review the following information before heading to the polls.

The following IDs generally must be unexpired or expired for no more than one year:

North Carolina driver’s license. A special exception applies to a Class C license that expired on or after July 1, 2025: It may still be used even if it has been expired for more than one year.
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles state ID, also called a “non-operator ID.”
Driver’s license or non-driver ID from another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, but only if the voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election.
U.S. passport or passport card.
North Carolina voter photo ID card issued by a county board of elections.
College or university student photo ID approved by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
State or local government or charter school employee photo ID approved by the State Board of Elections.

Voters age 65 or older have an additional exception: An expired acceptable ID may be used if it was unexpired on the voter’s 65th birthday.

The following photo IDs are acceptable regardless of whether they contain an expiration or issuance date:

Military or veterans photo ID card issued by the U.S. government.
Tribal enrollment card with a photo issued by a tribe recognized by North Carolina or the federal government.

For student and employee IDs, confirm that your particular institution’s ID has been approved for the 2026 election. Official details and the approved-ID list are available on the North Carolina voter ID webpage.

Don’t Let an ID Question Keep You Home

Registered voters can obtain a free voter photo ID from their county board of elections. If you cannot present an acceptable photo ID at the polls, ask an election worker about your options. Voters who qualify for an ID exception may complete a Photo ID Exception Form and vote a provisional ballot. Follow the election worker’s instructions carefully.

Make Your Voting Plan Today

Before you head out, confirm your voting location and hours, review your sample ballot, and gather your acceptable photo ID. Allow enough time for travel and possible lines.

A friendly reminder to a family member, friend, or neighbor can also help someone remember an approaching deadline. Share official election information so others can prepare with confidence.

We Are Hoke encourages every eligible voter to participate. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. October 31, and Election Day is November 3. Your voice matters—make a plan and go vote.