North Carolina Absentee Ballot Requests Have Dropped
State records show a 30 percent decline in absentee ballot requests compared to the 2022 midterm elections.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Voters in North Carolina have requested nearly 90,000 absentee ballots as of September 27, marking a 30 percent decrease from the 130,000 requested at the same point during the 2022 midterm cycle. Additionally, the number of absentee ballots already cast has fallen by 17 percent compared to the previous midterm period.
Why it matters
The decline suggests a shift in voter behavior as this midterm cycle marks the first without pandemic-style voting procedures. Concerns regarding mail-in voting security, supported by polling showing 46 percent of Americans believe the practice is prone to fraud, have led more voters to choose in-person options.
Official state data shows 90,000 absentee requests filed through September 27, compared to 130,000 at this stage in 2022. Absentee ballots typically represent 5 percent of the state total, though fewer than 20 were affected by a new sealed envelope rule.
The players
North Carolina State Board of Elections
This agency is responsible for the administration of elections and the processing of ballot requests across North Carolina.
The details
New rules require that any absentee ballot returned without a sealed inner envelope be spoiled and reissued to the voter. While this process is intended to ensure security, fewer than 20 ballots have been impacted by the requirement to date.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Data cutoff for absentee ballot request reporting.
October 15, 2026: Early in-person voting begins.
October 20, 2026: Deadline to request an absentee ballot.
Mid-October 2026: Release of data on in-person voting conversion.
Political Context
The introduction of stricter sealed-envelope requirements reflects a broader movement to increase procedural oversight for mail-in ballots. Critics often argue these regulations create unnecessary barriers for voters, while supporters maintain that such measures are essential for maintaining election integrity.
Voters planning to cast an absentee ballot must ensure the inner envelope is sealed to prevent their ballot from being spoiled and requiring reissuance. Those who prefer to avoid mail-in procedures can instead participate in early in-person voting beginning on October 15.
The takeaway
The decrease in mail-in requests highlights a notable shift in how voters are engaging with the 2026 midterms. Voters should confirm their specific county requirements well before the October 20 request deadline to ensure their vote is counted.
Further reading
For more on voting procedures and upcoming dates, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
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