February 6th is the Final Day to Register or Update Voter Information Ahead of the March Primary Election
More than 70,000 voters statewide have missing registration info. Even if you think you’re set, residents are encouraged to check ahead of a March primary shaping local, state and federal races.
Raleigh, NC, Feb. 5, 2026 — Wake County elections officials reminded residents this week that Friday, Feb. 6th at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline to register to vote, update voter information, or change party affiliation ahead of the March 3rd Primary Election.
Anyone wishing to vote in the primary should take a few minutes now to confirm their registration details (check here), especially after several years of rapid population growth and frequent moves across Wake County.
“With many voters moving and experiencing changes year to year, it’s always important to verify your voter registration,” said Olivia McCall, director of the Wake County Board of Elections. “Making sure your information is up to date only takes a few minutes and helps ensure you’re ready to vote.”
Why checking your registration matters this year
State election officials say more than 70,000 North Carolinians currently have voter registrations missing required identification information, such as a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number (Story: The Assembly). Voters affected are still eligible to vote, but if the issue is not resolved in advance, they may be required to cast a provisional ballot, which historically has a higher rejection rate than regular ballots.
The issue drew statewide attention following legal challenges in the prolonged 2024 state Supreme Court race and resulted in a large-scale “Registration Repair” effort now underway across North Carolina. Election officials say many affected voters are unaware of issues with their registration and emphasize that checking now helps avoid delays or complications at the polling place.
How to register or update your information
Eligible voters can register or update their voter information by completing a one-page voter registration form. The completed and signed form must be:
Postmarked by February 6th and mailed to Wake County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 695, Raleigh, NC 27602
Delivered in person to the Wake County Board of Elections Office at 1200 N. New Hope Road in Raleigh by 5:00 p.m. on February 6th.
Printed, signed, scanned or photographed, and emailed to voter@wake.gov by 5:00 p.m. on February 6th.
Faxed to 919-231-5737 by 5:00 p.m. on February 6th.
Submitted at any Wake County Public Library or other approved agency by 5:00 p.m. on February 6th.
Voters with a valid North Carolina driver's license or DMV-issued ID may also register or update their information online through the myNCDMV website (link).
Current voter information can be checked here - https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/
Party affiliation deadlines apply
Voters wishing to change party affiliation ahead of the primary must also do so by February 6th. North Carolina recognizes four political parties: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Green.
In partisan primaries, voters affiliated with a party may only vote for that party’s ballot. Unaffiliated voters may choose either a Democratic or a Republican ballot. Sample ballots and candidate lists are available at wake.gov/upcomingelection.
What’s on the ballot for South Wake County
Voters in Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina will see a mix of federal, state, and county races on the March 3rd primary ballot, including:
U.S. House of Representatives (districts covering portions of Wake County)
North Carolina General Assembly races for State House and State Senate seats impacting South Wake communities
Judicial contests, including statewide appellate court seats
Wake County offices, such as the Board of Commissioners, Sheriff, and District Attorney
Because district boundaries vary by address, voters are encouraged to review their personalized sample ballot online (website) to see exactly which races apply to them and who is on the ballot.
Young voters are eligible to participate in the Primary
Eligible 17-year-olds who will turn 18 on or before Nov. 3rd, 2026, may register now and vote in the March primary.
Looking ahead
Early voting for the primary begins later this month (information), with Election Day set for March 3rd. Election officials say taking a few minutes now to confirm registration details, including required identification information, is the simplest way to ensure a smooth voting experience.
For more information on registration, voting options, and upcoming elections, visit ReadyToVote.com.