The November 3, 2026, ballot will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
November 3, 2026 Elections
McDowell County Board of Elections – Current Updates
Absentee By-Mail Voting
Absentee-By-Mail Voting
Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot for the 2026 elections.
Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official NC Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
- Online: Option 1 at the NC Absentee Ballot Portal.
- On paper: 2026 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form (fillable PDF).
- After completing, submit the form to your county board of elections or in person or by mail via the U.S. Postal Service, DHL, FedEx, or UPS.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is two weeks before Election Day; the deadline differs for military and overseas citizen voters.
Assistance for Voters in Care Facilities
https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/help-voters-disabilities/assistance-voters-care-facilities
In McDowell County, please contact: Jane Propst, Director at 828-659-0834 or by email to elections@mcdowellnc.gov
NC Voter ID Information
Notice About Photo ID Requirement for Voting
Voters will now be asked to present a valid photo identification when voting in person. If you do not have a valid photo ID card, you may obtain one from your county board of elections prior to the election, through the end of the early voting period.
If you do not have a valid photo ID card on Election Day, you may still vote and have your vote counted by signing an affidavit of reasonable impediment (or “Photo ID Exception Form”) as to why you have not presented a valid photo ID. The Exception Form can also be used if you have a religious objection to being photographed or are a victim of a recently declared natural disaster.
As an alternative, if you don’t have your ID when you vote, you can still vote and then bring your valid photo ID to your county board of elections by noon on the third business day after Election Day.
If you vote by mail, except for military and overseas citizen voters, then you must include a photocopy of a valid photo ID when returning your ballot. You may also complete the Absentee Photo ID Exception Form that is provided with your absentee ballot materials.
A list of all types of ID that can be used for voting is available on the State Board of Elections Voter ID webpage. For information on how to get a free ID, see Get a Free Voter Photo ID.
Recent Press Releases
https://www.ncsbe.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/17/state-board-launches-registration-repair-project-ensure-accurate-complete-voter-rolls
For more information on becoming a democracy hero in North Carolina click on the following link: https://www.ncsbe.gov/democracy-heroes-form
Combating Misinformation
https://www.ncsbe.gov/about-elections/election-security/combating-misinformation
McDowell County Board of Elections 
