You can change your party affiliation when you register to vote or update your registration

In North Carolina, your party affiliation is not locked in. You can change it at any time by submitting a new voter registration form or updating your existing registration through the State Board of Elections. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Your new affiliation takes effect when ready once the county board of elections processes it.

North Carolina recognizes several party options: Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green, and unaffiliated (no party). You can switch between any of these categories, and there is no waiting period or penalty for changing your mind. The main thing to know is that party affiliation affects which primary ballot you receive in election years—unaffiliated voters do not receive a primary ballot unless they request one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your party affiliation online through the State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at your county board of elections office.
  • The change takes effect when ready once processed, but may not show in the system for a few business days.
  • If you change your affiliation close to an election, you may not receive the primary ballot for your new party in that election cycle.
  • Unaffiliated voters do not automatically receive a primary ballot but can request one from their county board of elections.

Change your affiliation online through the State Board of Elections

The fastest way to change your party affiliation is through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. Go to ncsbe.gov and look for the voter registration section. You will need your North Carolina driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, plus your date of birth. The form takes about two minutes to complete.

After you submit the form online, the state board sends it to your county board of elections for processing. Processing typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer during busy periods near elections. You can check the status of your registration by searching your name on the same website. Once processed, your new party affiliation is official.

Mail or deliver a new registration form to your county board

If you prefer not to register online, you can fill out a paper voter registration form and mail it or deliver it in person. read the form from ncsbe.gov or pick one up at your county board of elections office, your local library, or the Department of Motor Vehicles. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number or last four digits of your Social Security number, and your party choice.

Mail the completed form to your county board of elections office, or bring it in person during business hours. The address for your county board is listed on the State Board of Elections website—search by county name. Mailed forms take longer to process than online submissions, usually one to two weeks depending on mail delivery and office workload. Delivering it in person is faster and lets you confirm it was received.

What happens to your primary ballot when you change affiliation

Your party affiliation determines which primary ballot you receive. If you change from one party to another, you will receive the primary ballot for your new party in the next election cycle. However, if you change your affiliation within 25 days of a primary election, you will still receive the ballot for your old party in that election—the change takes effect after the primary is over.

If you switch to unaffiliated status, you will not receive a primary ballot automatically. Instead, you can contact your county board of elections and request a ballot for whichever party's primary you want to vote in. This request must be made before the primary election. After the primary, your unaffiliated status remains in effect for all future elections unless you change it again.

Changing affiliation if you have moved or need to update your address

If you have moved to a new address in North Carolina since you last registered, you should update your registration at the same time you change your party affiliation. Use the same online form or paper form and include your new address. The county board of elections will update both your address and your party affiliation in one step.

If you have moved out of North Carolina, you cannot change your affiliation in the North Carolina system. You will need to register to vote in your new state instead. Contact your new state's election office or visit vote411.org to find registration requirements and important date.

Checking your current party affiliation and registration status

You can look up your current party affiliation and registration status anytime on the State Board of Elections website. Go to ncsbe.gov, find the voter search tool, and enter your name and county. The results will show your registered address, your current party affiliation, and whether you are registered to vote. This is useful if you are not sure whether your change has been processed yet.

If the website shows your old affiliation even though you submitted a change, wait a few more business days and check again. If more than a week has passed and your affiliation has not updated, contact your county board of elections by phone or email. The contact information for your county board is on the State Board of Elections website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my party affiliation on Election Day?

No. You must change your affiliation before Election Day. If you change it within 25 days of a primary election, you will still vote on your old party's ballot in that primary. For general elections, your affiliation must be updated before the election to affect which ballot you receive.

Do I have to pick a party, or can I stay unaffiliated?

You can stay unaffiliated with no party. Unaffiliated voters can still vote in general elections. For primary elections, unaffiliated voters must request a ballot from their county board of elections before the primary takes place.

What if I registered to vote in another state and now live in North Carolina?

You need to register to vote in North Carolina as a new voter. Your old registration in another state does not transfer. Use the online form or paper form on the State Board of Elections website and select your party affiliation when you register.

How long does it take for my party change to show up in the system?

Online changes usually process within three to five business days. Paper forms mailed in take one to two weeks. If you deliver a form in person, ask the staff to confirm they received it. You can check your status anytime on the State Board of Elections website.

Can I change my party affiliation more than once?

Yes. You can change your party affiliation as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you can switch, and there is no waiting period between changes. Each change takes effect once the county board of elections processes it.