Mail-in voting for November midterm election is underway in North Carolina

CONCORD, N.C. – Voting for the 2026 midterm election is underway in North Carolina. The Tar Heel state is the first in the nation to begin mail-in voting. Ballots went out on Friday.

New Republican-led changes are prompting debate over the impact it will have on voters. While in Concord, former North Carolina Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper spoke bout the potential fallout for voters. Cooper says, “I think it’s violation of the law, and yes, I’m concerned about the impact because look at who it affects. It it affects rural people, it affects veterans, it affects people who are disabled, people who rely on the absentee mail system in order to be able to let their voices heard through the vote.”

Republicans defend the measures as critical cost-saving reforms, and reiterate that the post office is capable of handling the election volume.

Election officials recommend that voters return their ballots as early as possible to avoid any delays.