Early voting allows registered voters to cast their ballot before Election Day at designated voting sites in Chatham County. During early voting, voters may:

• Vote at any open early voting site in the county
• Register and vote on the same day (same-day registration)
• Receive voting assistance or vote curbside if eligible
• Drop off a completed by-mail absentee ballot

Sites and Hours

Early voting sites and hours are set by the Chatham County Board of Elections and depend on the election type:

• Primary and general elections: These typically have consistent, statewide-mandated early voting sites and hours
• Municipal elections: Sites and hours may vary and must be approved by the Board prior to each election

Visit the Current Election section for upcoming dates and site schedules.

Same-Day Registration

During early voting, eligible individuals who are not yet registered to vote in Chatham County may register and vote at the same time. This process is called same-day registration.

To register and vote, individuals must:

• Reside in Chatham County for at least 30 days before Election Day
• Complete a North Carolina Voter Registration Application at the early voting site
• Provide proof of residence showing their name and current Chatham County address
• Show a valid photo ID (which may also serve as the proof of residence if it qualifies)

Acceptable proof of residence includes: a NC driver’s license, government-issued photo ID with address, a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or an official document from a school showing the student’s on-campus address.

The Chatham County Board of Elections will verify the information provided. The voter’s ballot will be counted unless the Board determines the individual is not qualified to vote.

To learn more, visit the NC State Board of Elections Same-Day Registration page.

Don't Forget Your Photo ID

All voters will be asked to show photo ID when checking in to vote. For details and exceptions, visit our Voter ID page.

Buffer Zones at Early Voting Sites

Buffer zones are designated areas near polling site entrances where electioneering and loitering are not permitted. These zones typically extend 25 to 50 feet from the entrance and are clearly marked at all early voting sites.

To view buffer zones for early voting sites in Chatham County, download the following file:

• Early Voting Buffer Zone Map (PDF)

Related Resources

• Same-Day Registration Info
• Absentee By Mail
• Accessible Voting in Chatham County