North Carolina Voters Decide Senate Race and State Amendments

North Carolina voters headed to the polls Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for midterm elections featuring high-profile contests and three proposed constitutional amendments. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 7:30 p.m., with photo identification required for all voters.

North Carolina voters are deciding on three state constitutional changes. The first would expand photo ID requirements to mail-in ballots. The second proposes reducing the maximum state income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%, while the third would require state lawmakers to limit property tax increases by local governments.

Key electoral contests include a U.S. Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley for the seat vacated by Thom Tillis. Other significant races include the 11th Congressional District contest between Democrat Jamie Ager and Republican Jennifer Balkcom, and a North Carolina Supreme Court race featuring Anita Earls and Sarah Stevens. Local elections for the Wake County Board of Education are also on the ballot.

The N.C. State Board of Elections reported a significant surge in early voting, with 2,724,424 participants statewide, a nearly 36% increase over 2022. Buncombe County set a specific record for early turnout with 96,838 voters.