2025 Charlotte Election Early Voting Guide: Dates, Locations & Candidates
2025 Charlotte Election Early Voting Guide: Dates, Locations & Candidates
By the Charlotte Mercury research team – October 15 , 2025
Election overview
On Nov. 4 , 2025, voters across Mecklenburg County will pick the mayor of Charlotte, four at‑large council members, seven district council members and other municipal and school‑board offices. Early voting—also called one‑stop absentee voting—lets you cast your ballot before Election Day at any Mecklenburg County early‑voting site. This page explains how early voting works, lists key dates, and provides the candidate roster for the City of Charlotte races.
Why this matters
Voting early helps avoid Election Day lines and gives voters flexibility. Mecklenburg County voters can register, update their address and vote at the same time during the early‑voting period. It’s also the only time when you can vote at any one‑stop site in the county rather than your assigned precinct.
Key dates
Last day to register ahead of the election:Oct. 10 (5 p.m.) – after this date, you must register at a one‑stop site during early voting.
Early voting period:Oct. 16 – Nov. 1. The Hal Marshall Center opens first, and all other sites open on Oct. 23 (see full schedule below).
Election Day:Nov. 4, with polls open 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m.
How early voting works
Any site, any voter: During early voting, any registered Mecklenburg County voter can cast a ballot at any early‑voting location, regardless of where they live.
Same‑day registration: Unregistered residents can register and vote in one trip. Bring proof of residence—such as a NC driver’s license with your current address, a government‑issued photo ID, a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a housing document from a college—to register.
Photo ID required: North Carolina voters must present an acceptable photo ID when voting. Acceptable IDs include a NC driver’s license, state ID from the DMV, U.S. passport, county‑issued voter ID card or approved student/local government ID. Voters age 65+ may use an expired ID that was valid on their 65th birthday. Voters without a photo ID can still vote by filling out an ID‑Exception Form and casting a provisional ballot.
Absentee ballots: If you receive an absentee ballot by mail, you can return it to the county board or drop it off with an election official at any early‑voting site during operating hours. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Accessibility: All sites provide accessible voting equipment and curbside voting for voters with disabilities. The statewide accessibility hotline is (866) 522‑4723.
Early‑voting locations and schedule
There are 21 early‑voting locations. The Hal Marshall Center (618 N. College St., Charlotte) opens first, with operating hours 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 16–22. All other sites open on Oct. 23 and share the same daily hours. You may vote at any location regardless of where you live in Mecklenburg County.
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Site
Address
Town
1
Hal Marshall Center
618 N. College St.
Charlotte
2
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte
3
Cornelius Town Hall
21445 Catawba Ave.
Cornelius
4
Davidson Town Hall
251 South St.
Davidson
5
Elon Park Recreation Center
11401 Ardrey Kell Rd.
Charlotte
6
Eastway Regional Recreation Center
3150 Eastway Park Dr.
Charlotte
7
Independence Regional Library
6000 Conference Dr.
Charlotte
8
Mallard Creek Recreation Center
2530 Johnston Oehler Rd.
Charlotte
9
Matthews Library
230 Matthews Station St.
Matthews
10
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Rd.
Charlotte
11
Mint Hill Library
6840 Matthews‑Mint Hill Rd.
Mint Hill
12
North County Regional Library
16500 Holly Crest Ln.
Huntersville
13
Pineville Library
505 Main St.
Pineville
14
Steele Creek Masonic Lodge
13611 Steele Creek Rd.
Charlotte
15
South County Regional Library
5801 Rea Rd.
Charlotte
16
SouthPark Regional Library
7015 Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte
17
The Bradshaw Center at Hillcrest
8501 Bellhaven Blvd.
Charlotte
18
University City Library
5528 Waters Edge Village Dr.
Charlotte
19
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College St.
Charlotte
20
David B. Waymer Recreation Center
14008 Holbrooks Rd.
Huntersville
21
West Boulevard Library
2157 West Blvd.
Charlotte
Operating hours
Date
Hours
Sites open
Oct. 16 (Thu)
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hal Marshall Center only
Oct. 17 (Fri)
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hal Marshall Center only
Oct. 20 (Mon)
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hal Marshall Center only
Oct. 21 (Tue)
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hal Marshall Center only
Oct. 22 (Wed)
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hal Marshall Center only
Oct. 23 (Thu)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 24 (Fri)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 25 (Sat)
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 26 (Sun)
1 p.m.–5 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 27 (Mon)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 28 (Tue)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 29 (Wed)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 30 (Thu)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Oct. 31 (Fri)
8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
All 21 locations
Nov. 1 (Sat)
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
All 21 locations
Note: Early‑voting sites are closed Sundays except Oct. 26, and all sites close promptly at 3 p.m. on Nov. 1.
Candidate roster: City of Charlotte races
The information below comes from the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ official candidate list (filed as of July 2025). Each entry lists the candidate’s legal name, how the name will appear on the ballot, filing date, address and party affiliation. Addresses are included because they are part of the public record; they show the candidate’s residency but do not affect where you must vote.
Check your registration: Use the NC Voter Search tool to verify your registration status and view your sample ballot when available.
Bring photo ID: Carry an acceptable ID so you don’t have to complete an exception form.
Know your ballot: Early ballots include Charlotte mayor, at‑large council seats, and district races. Some towns have uncontested seats or no municipal election, so your sample ballot may differ.
Go off‑peak: If your schedule allows, midday hours (mid‑morning and mid‑afternoon) often have shorter lines.
Bring patience and courtesy: Poll workers are volunteers and rules must be followed. A smile helps everyone.
Mecklenburg County Board of Elections – 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 202, Charlotte, NC 28204; phone 704‑336‑2133; email Vote@MeckNC.gov; hours Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
NC State Board of Elections – call (919) 814‑0700 for general questions or (866) 522‑4723 for accessible voting assistance.
Closing thought
Early voting begins tomorrow. Make a plan, bring your ID and head to any early‑voting site starting Oct. 16. Casting your ballot early ensures your voice is heard and helps maintain smooth elections for everyone. Share this guide with friends and neighbors so Mecklenburg County’s voices are loud and clear on Nov. 4.
