2026 Primary Election

Election Day: March 3

• Find jurisdictions, polling place, sample ballot when available, absentee ballot information, and more for the November 4 election by visiting the State Board of Elections website.
• Photo ID is now required to vote in North Carolina. More information on accepted forms of ID are available on the State Board of Elections website.

Early Voting: February 12 - February 28

Detailed information on early voting sites can be found on the County websites below.

Wake County Residents: Information regarding dates, hours, and locations is available through the Wake County Board of Elections.

Chatham County Residents: Information regarding dates, hours, and locations is available through the Chatham County Board of Elections.

While portions of Cary extend into Durham County, there are currently no residents within those areas. If a resident registers to vote in Cary’s Durham County jurisdiction, the Board of Elections will provide that voter with specific voting instructions.

Absentee Voting for the March 3, 2026 Primary Election

Absentee ballots can be requested through Wake County, Chatham County, or Durham County Boards of Elections.

Wake County Absentee Voting

Chatham County Absentee Voting

While portions of Cary extend into Durham County, there are currently no residents within those areas. If a resident registers to vote in Cary’s Durham County jurisdiction, the Board of Elections will provide that voter with specific voting instructions.

Voter Photo ID Requirement

Beginning with the 2023 municipal elections, North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote. Voters who vote by mail will be asked to include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID when returning their ballot by mail. 

For detailed information about the photo ID requirement, go to ncsbe.gov/voter-ID

Information on Municipal Elections

Typically, Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years. The mayor and all Councilmembers serve four-year terms.

• The mayor, District B, District D and one at-large seat are elected in the cycle that includes 2023, 2027 and so on.
• District A, District C and one at-large seat are elected in the cycle that includes 2025, 2029, and so on.

Election Method Updates for 2025

On August 22, 2024, Council adopted an ordinance changing Cary’s method of election to the plurality method. With no citizen petitions requesting a referendum on this change, the change is effective for the 2025 election cycle.

Resources

See all Town Councilmembers.
Read more about Town Council elections procedure.
Search for your Council District in our interactive district map.
Wake County Board of Elections
Chatham County Board of Elections
Durham County Board of Elections