No. Voters must request an absentee ballot for each election. This can be done online through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal or by submitting a paper form. The 2025 NC Absentee Ballot Request Form will be available for download closer to the election. Completed forms may be returned in person or by mail to the Chatham County Board of Elections.

Yes. A near relative or legal guardian may request an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter. This includes:

• Spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or sibling

• Mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law

• Stepparent, stepchild, or legal guardian

These individuals may not make changes to the voter’s registration record. Anyone requesting a ballot must include their name, address, and relationship to the voter on the absentee request form.

If assistance is needed due to a disability, any person may help submit the request.

No. North Carolina law does not permit absentee ballot requests by fax or email.

Voters must have one notary public or two witnesses present when completing an absentee ballot. Witnesses must observe the voter mark the ballot but should not see the choices made.

Witnesses cannot be:

• Anyone under the age of 18

• A candidate for election (unless they are a near relative of the voter)

• An owner, manager, director, or employee of a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or adult care home where the voter is residing

• An elected official or precinct political party officer

• A campaign manager or treasurer for any candidate or party

Exceptions for voters with disabilities:
If assistance is needed due to a disability, any person who is at least 18 and is not a candidate may serve as a witness. In care facilities, a candidate may also assist if requested by the voter due to a disability.

Yes. Voters who choose to vote by mail must include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID with their absentee ballot return envelope. Alternatively, individuals may complete a Photo ID Exception Form, which is also included in the ballot packet.
Instructions will be provided with the absentee ballot.

To view acceptable forms of ID and learn more, visit Voter ID.

Absentee ballots may be returned in one of the following ways:

• By mail

• By commercial courier service (e.g., DHL, FedEx, or UPS)

• In person at the Chatham County Board of Elections office

• In person at any open early voting site in Chatham County

Absentee ballots may not be returned to a polling place on Election Day.

A voter’s absentee ballot may be returned by a near relative or legal guardian. This includes:

• Spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or sibling

• Mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law

• Stepparent, stepchild, or legal guardian

These individuals must complete the required return log at the Board of Elections office.

If the voter needs assistance due to a disability, any person may return the ballot. That individual must complete the Voter Assistant Certification on the return envelope.

Yes. If there is a problem with a returned absentee ballot, the Chatham County Board of Elections will contact the voter. To help with this, include a phone number or email address on your absentee ballot request form.

Voters can also sign up for status alerts through BallotTrax, a tool that tracks absentee ballots from printing to acceptance.

To avoid delays or issues:

• Read all instructions carefully

• Complete all required fields

• Return the ballot as early as possible

If the issue cannot be corrected in time, the voter may still cast a ballot in person during early voting or on Election Day.