Key dates and important details for the 2026 midterm election season

The 2026 election season is underway. For the UNC Charlotte community, the 49er Democracy Experience offers a dynamic, nonpartisan platform for learning about and engaging in civic life.

The 49er Democracy Experience involves students in local, state and national elections through voter registration, voter education and voter mobilization. It is made up of a committee of stakeholders from across campus whose members develop the University’s strategic approach to campus-wide student voting initiatives.

Key dates for the upcoming election

• Deadline to register to vote: Friday, Oct. 9
• Early Voting Period: Thursday, Oct. 15-Saturday, Oct. 31
• General Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3

Register to vote

Online via DMV Portal: Available if you have a valid North Carolina driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card.

Paper form: Required if you do not have a North Carolina DMV ID, including out-of-state students using a campus address. Paper registration forms must be mailed or hand-delivered to the County Board of Election at least 25 days prior to the election.

Early voting

Early voting takes place Thursday, Oct. 15 through Saturday, Oct. 31. During the early voting period, you can register and vote at any Mecklenburg County early voting location.

For Mecklenburg County residents, the closest early voting location to campus is the Old University City Library at 301 East W.T. Harris Blvd.

Photo IDs

Physical photo IDs are required to vote in North Carolina; virtual and digital IDs are not accepted. UNC Charlotte’s physical 49er ID is fully approved for voting in North Carolina. Other acceptable forms of ID include: a North Carolina driver’s license, a U.S. Passport or an out-of-state driver’s license (if registered within 90 days of the election).

Upcoming events

Voter Registration Tabling
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, Atkins Library
Register to vote and learn more about local, state and national elections.

Your Ballot, Your Future
5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 14, Cone University Center, McKnight Hall
Your Ballot, Your Future, hosted by the Student Government Association, is a three‑night panel series giving UNC Charlotte students the chance to hear directly from the leaders on their ballots about issues shaping life after graduation—from housing and cost of living to transportation, community vitality and city accessibility. Each night features a brief expert introduction, a panel and a networking reception with candidates.

Democracy Days
10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29

Party to the Polls
Thursday, Oct. 15
Party to the Polls is an event designed to make voter registration fun, accessible and less intimidating. Register to vote, play some games, enjoy a small snack and learn about our democracy all at the same time.

Midterms have You Spooked?
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29
A University College-led campus resource fair.

Voter engagement resources

Visit the 49er Democracy Experience website for additional details on voter registration, sample ballots and upcoming campus events.

Written by: Jennifer Howe