Carteret County Board of Elections

03/18/2026

03/03/2026

The State Board of Elections will not publish any primary results before 8:30 p.m. See press release below.

The State Board voted to extend voting by 1 hour - to 8:30 p.m. - at a Halifax Co. voting site after delays in voting this morning. The State Board will not publish any primary results until all polls are closed at 8:30. See press release: tinyurl.com/ywjctvef

03/03/2026

Once the polls close at 7:30 p.m., you can follow election results here - https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=03/03/2026&county_id=16&office=ALL&contest=0

03/03/2026

Today is Election day! Carteret County polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the statewide Primary Election. If you did not vote during early voting or by absentee ballot, you must vote at your designated polling place today. Remember to bring a valid photo ID.

To find out your assigned polling place and view a sample ballot, use the Voter Search Tool: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/reglkup/

03/02/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Primary Election Day for Carteret County is Tuesday

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (March 2, 2026) – With 7,677 ballots already cast—a 13.4% early turnout—Carteret County election officials are preparing for a final surge of voters for the March primary on Tuesday. Voters who have not yet voted can cast their ballots Tuesday, March 3, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at polling places across the county. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

In the primary election, voters select party nominees who will advance to the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Contests on the ballot include federal offices, such as U.S. House and U.S. Senate, the state office of N.C. Court of Appeals, and Republican primary contests for county sheriff, county commissioner in Districts 1, 3, and 6, and board of education in District 1.

County commissioner and board of education races are elected by district in the primary and countywide in the general election. The Morehead City mayor race is nonpartisan and only open to voters living within the city limits.

Party-affiliated voters may vote only in their party’s primary, while unaffiliated voters may choose one party’s primary ballot. On Election Day, voters must vote at their assigned precinct. To find your assigned polling location, visit the Election Day Polling Place Search on the State Board of Elections website. Voters may also review a sample ballot and confirm voting requirements by accessing their voter record on the state website.

All voters are required to show an acceptable photo ID. For a full list of acceptable IDs and information on obtaining a free voter ID, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.

After polls close, unofficial results for early voting, mail-in absentee ballots, and Election Day precincts will be posted on the State Board of Elections results page.

For additional information about the 2026 primary election, visit the Carteret County Board of Elections website at www.carteretcountync.gov/434/Board-of-Elections or contact the Board of Elections Office at (252) 728-8460.

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02/13/2026

Early voting for the 2026 primary in North Carolina begins Thursday, Feb. 12, and ends at 3 p.m. Feb. 28. Read 10 Tips for Early Primary Voters in North Carolina: tinyurl.com/yxpw5ekm

02/12/2026

02/10/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Early Voting for March 2026 Primary Election Begins Thursday

CARTERET COUNTY, NC (February 10, 2026) – Early voting in Carteret County for the March 2026 Primary Election begins Thursday, February 12, 2026.

In the primary election, voters will select party nominees who will advance to the General Election on November 3, 2026. Contests on the ballot include U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and N.C. Court of Appeals. There will be Republican primary contests for County Sheriff, County Commissioner in Districts 1, 3, and 6, and Board of Education in District 1. County Commissioner and Board of Education contests are elected by district in the primary and countywide in the General Election. The Morehead City Mayor race is a nonpartisan contest and will be open only to voters that reside within the Morehead City municipal limits and are otherwise eligible to vote in that contest.

Voters affiliated with a political party are eligible to vote their party’s ballot if that party has a primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose to vote in any one party’s primary but may vote only one party’s ballot.

Early voting will be held February 12 through February 28 at the following locations:

• Carteret County Board of Elections at 1702 Live Oak St., Suite 200, Beaufort, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Fort Benjamin Park at 100 McQueen Ave., Newport, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Western Park at 275 Old Hwy 58, Cedar Point, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

All early voting sites will also be open on the final day of early voting, Saturday, February 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Voters may vote at any early voting site regardless of their precinct.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters casting a ballot on Election Day are eligible to vote a regular ballot at their assigned precinct. The Carteret County Board of Elections office will not be open for voting on Election Day.

Voters can find their assigned polling place using the Election Day Polling Place Search on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. Sample ballots are available through the State Board of Elections website. To view a sample ballot, visit the voter search tool at https://vt.ncsbe.gov/reglkup/.

For more information, contact the Carteret County Board of Elections at (252) 728-8460 or visit https://www.carteretcountync.gov/434/Board-of-Elections.

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02/03/2026

[UPDATE #6 - 02.03.2026 - 3:15 P.M.]

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Offices, Facilities to Open on Delayed Schedule Wednesday Following Winter Storm

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 3, 2026) – Following the winter storm that blanketed the county with snow and ice, most Carteret County Government offices will open on a delayed schedule Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

County convenience sites will open on schedule at 2 p.m., and CCATS public transportation will operate only between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The libraries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all programming for Wednesday has been postponed. The Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center (Senior Center) will be closed to the public. Other facilities that normally stay open late will close at 5 p.m.

The Carteret County Courthouse will open at 11 a.m. For questions about the court calendar, residents can view it online at https://www.nccourts.gov/court-dates or call the Clerk of Superior Court at 252-504-4400.

Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) remains closed and is expected to reopen at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, pending improved conditions.

Updates will be shared on Carteret County’s official social media channels and at www.carteretcountync.gov.

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02/02/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Government Facilities and Courthouse Remain Closed Tuesday

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (February 2, 2026) – Following the winter storm that blanketed Carteret County with double-digit snow totals, all publicly accessible Carteret County Government facilities—including the Courthouse, CCATS public transportation, and County convenience sites—will remain closed on Tuesday, February 3, as Public Works and Public Buildings staff continue safety assessments and cleanup efforts.

In addition, Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) is closed and will remain closed through Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m., with reopening dependent on improved conditions.

Public safety services remain operational 24/7, including the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services. Residents are reminded to use 911 only for emergencies.

NCDOT crews continue plowing and treating primary roadways and are working secondary roads as conditions allow. Some roadways still have several inches of snow coverage, and partially melted snow and ice are expected to refreeze overnight, creating dangerous travel conditions. Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution, as icy conditions may make driving at posted speeds extremely dangerous and cause vehicles to lose traction with little warning. Secondary and less-traveled roads are more likely to remain untreated and pose additional risks. Remaining off the roads also allows first responders and emergency management staff to continue their work safely.

The Salvation Army of Carteret County has extended their hours and will remain open through Tuesday, February 3. Meals will be provided, and staff from County Government, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, and the Sheriff’s Office have been on site to assist residents since it opened on Saturday.

The Carteret County Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated to support ongoing response and recovery efforts, coordinate road and facility assessments, and maintain situational awareness as conditions continue to progress. County staff are working to clear access points, address hazardous conditions, and ensure government facilities are safe for employees and the public prior to reopening.

Updates will be shared on Carteret County’s official social media channels and at www.carteretcountync.gov.

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01/31/2026

[UPDATE #3 - 01.31.2026 - 1:15 P.M.]

NEWS RELEASE: Carteret County Responds to Winter Storm; Residents Urged to Stay Home

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (January 31, 2026) – Carteret County Emergency Services, along with local, state, and federal partners, is actively responding to the ongoing winter storm. The County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated on Saturday, January 31 at 8 a.m., both in-person and virtually, to coordinate response efforts, share timely information with the public, and ensure safety throughout the storm. County staff and public safety personnel remain on duty around the clock to respond to emergencies and support the community.

Snow began in the early morning hours across Carteret County and much of eastern North Carolina and has fallen for the majority of the day, with heavier amounts expected overnight. Due to the dangerous conditions posed by coastal flooding, significant snow accumulation, strong winds, and the potential for blizzard conditions, residents are urged to stay indoors and off the roads. Staying home allows public safety crews and emergency personnel to operate safely and respond effectively.

Heavy snow is creating treacherous road conditions and reduced visibility. Coastal flooding and dangerous marine conditions are expected, particularly in the Down East community. Wind gusts and blizzard conditions may occur, further increasing hazards.

Closures

Carteret County administrative offices and facilities, including the Courthouse, the Board of Elections, CCATS, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, the Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, public libraries, and Veterans Services, will be closed Monday, February 2. County convenience sites will be closed Sunday, February 1, and Monday, February 2. Michael J. Smith Airport (MRH) is closed today and will remain closed until conditions improve. Essential public safety services, including the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services, will continue to operate 24/7.

Warming Centers and Sheltering

The Salvation Army of Carteret County has opened a temporary emergency storm shelter at 2800 Bridges Street in Morehead City, which will remain open through Monday, February 2. Meals will be provided, and staff from County Government, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, and the Sheriff’s Office will be on site to assist residents.

Officials are emphasizing heating safety during the storm. Residents should use caution with space heaters, fireplaces, or alternative heating sources, keep heaters away from flammable materials, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. High winds may cause power outages, so residents should have flashlights, batteries, food, water, medications, and a safe heating plan in place.

Stay informed through local media, the National Weather Service, and Carteret County Emergency Services. Additional preparedness information is available at ReadyNC.gov. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies only, and report power outages directly to utility providers so restoration efforts can begin when conditions are safe.

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