If you’re a New Hanover County resident, it’s time again to brush up on your election knowledge because the municipal elections are fast approaching. It can be quite daunting even if you do think you’re prepared or have voted before, but it’s a good idea to review the process every election season in case anything has changed. Here’s what you need to know about registration, candidates, what you need with you when you vote and the different voting options you have. You can also find a complete schedule and resource list below.
Register to vote
Don’t know if you’re registered to vote? The NC Board of Elections lets you not only search your registration, but it can also tell you your voting jurisdiction, polling places, provide sample ballots and more. You may have registered at the NCDMV when getting your driver’s license or ID and don’t remember so make sure to check your registration as step number one. It is possible your registration could be incomplete as well, so it is a good idea to check before every election.
To register if you aren’t already, there are a few options:
- Online through the NCDMV website
- No fee and no account needed
- Make sure if you use this, that you submit your application more than 25 days before the election you plan to vote in.
- By mail with the NC Voter Registration Form
- Print, fill out, sign and mail to your County Board of Elections
- This form can also be used if you need to update your name, address, or party affiliation.
- There’s also Same-Day Registration which is available at polling sites only during Early Voting.
- You must have a “proof of address.” This could be a current photo ID or a document showing your name and current address.
- More information on what qualifies here under the Same-Day Registration tab at the bottom of the page. It also includes information on how to do this as a UNCW student.
When your registration is complete, the County Board of Elections will mail you your voter registration card. This card is not required to bring with you when voting, it is just for your records. Registered to vote? Great! Here are your next steps:
Research, research, research!
Thomas Jefferson said, “an informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Yes, quoting the founding fathers to explain why elections are important is cheesy but he was right about this. Voting is what a democracy is all about! Use your right and use your voice. The best way to do that is to be knowledgeable about who and what you’re voting for. For New Hanover County, this 2025 municipal election is all about the Mayor, the City Council, Alderman or Board of Commissioners.
Sample ballots are the best and easiest place to start. Your sample ballot is specific to you; there is not just one New Hanover County ballot. You should find yours with the NC Voter registration search or under the “Sample Ballots” tab on the NHC Municipal Elections page for your town. All of the municipal elections are nonpartisan and as always, each section has a “Write-in” option.
To research your candidates, there are a few popular and trustworthy websites. Ballotopedia.org, VOTE411.org and the NC State Board of Elections or New Hanover County Board of Elections websites are just a few of the many nonpartisan resources available to use for researching elections and candidates.
What you need with you to vote in-person
When showing up to an in-person polling place, whether it is early voting or on election day, you need a photo ID, whether that is your NC ID or your NC Driver’s License of any level. Without a valid (not expired) photo ID, you cannot vote.
Ways to vote
You have a few different options on how and when to vote in every election. Find the option that best fits you:
- Absentee-By-Mail
- You must request an absentee ballot online by Tuesday, Oct. 21 by 5 P.M.
- After requesting, you’ll get your ballot in the mail to fill out.
- You are required to have two witnesses of at least 18 years old (or one notary public). This isn’t for witnesses to see how you vote, just that you have voted on your own accord.
- Turn in your ballot either by mail or in-person.
- Early Voting
- New Hanover County Early Voting begins Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
- As opposed to election day voting, early voting lets you vote at any of the polling sites in the county (locations found on website above).
- All you need is your valid photo ID.
- Also serves as an in-person drop off for absentee ballots.
- Election Day Voting
- Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, precincts will be open from 6:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M.
- It is your last chance to vote in that election and usually the busiest day to vote.
- As opposed to Early Voting, Election Day Voting requires you to vote at your specific polling location. That information can be found when you look up your registration or on the NHC Polling Places page.
- All you need is your valid photo ID.
Voting is usually stressful but if you are registered, know who and what you’re voting for, how you’re voting and you have a valid photo ID, you’re all set. For NC residents outside of New Hanover County and other NC elections, much of this information remains the same but don’t rely on it. For other counties and elections, check the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) Upcoming Municipal Elections page.
Important dates
Put these important dates on your calendar! New Hanover County’s Municipal election schedule overviews the days you need to register, request and vote by.
- Voter registration deadline
- Fri., Oct. 10
- Early voting begins
- Thurs., Oct. 16
- Absentee ballot request deadline
- Thurs., Oct. 21
- Early voting ends
- Sat., Nov. 1
- Municipal election day
- Tues., Nov. 4
- County canvass of election results
- Fri., Nov. 14
Extra Resources
For more detailed information, check the NHC elections homepage, their list of polling places and information on how to get involved in elections around North Carolina.
- NHC 2025 Elections homepage: https://www.nhcgov.com/1076/2025-Municipal-Elections
- NCH Polling Places: https://elections.nhcgov.com/1072/Polling-Places
- NC BOE page on how to get involved in elections: https://www.ncsbe.gov/about-elections/get-involved-elections
