Polls open Tuesday for NC voters

Polls across Mecklenburg County opened at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 general election. Early voting ended on Saturday, Oct. 31, leaving today as the final day for in-person voting in North Carolina.

Voters must go to the specific polling place assigned to their registered home address. Polls will remain open until 7:30 p.m. Anyone who is in line at that time will be permitted to cast a ballot.

State law requires voters to present photo identification when they check in. Acceptable forms include a North Carolina driver’s license, a state ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a college or university ID, and a military ID.

If a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID, they may still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form. The state provides a Voter Search tool on its website that allows registered voters to view a sample of their ballot and practice making choices.

The ballot includes a race for a vacant U.S. Senate seat previously held by Rep. Thom Tillis. Democratic nominee Roy Cooper is running against Republican nominee Michael Whatley.

Cooper served as the North Carolina governor from 2017 to 2025. Whatley served as the Republican National Committee Chairman from 2024 to 2025. His campaign has focused on supporting the agenda of President Trump.

Voters will also decide on three statewide referendums. The first proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all voters to present photo identification before voting, not just those voting in person.

The second amendment would cap the state income tax rate at 3.5%. The third amendment requires limits on property tax increases by local governments. Locally, voters will select judges, district attorneys, county sheriffs, and Board of Education members.

Two U.S. House seats in North Carolina are also on the ballot. In District 1, incumbent Democrat Don Davis faces Republican Laurie Buckhout. In District 11, Democrat Jamie Ager faces Republican Jennifer Balkom.

Balkom replaced Republican Chuck Edwards, who dropped his reelection bid following a sexual harassment investigation. CBS News views both Congressional District 1 and District 11 as toss-ups. Republicans currently hold a 220-215 majority in the U.S. House.