Five early voting locations are open across Columbus County as residents prepare for the November 3 general election. Here’s where to vote, when to go, and what to bring.

Election season has officially arrived in Columbus County, and voters are already heading to the polls.

Early voting for North Carolina’s 2026 general election began Thursday, October 15, giving residents more than two weeks to cast their ballots before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

From Whiteville and Chadbourn to Tabor City, Fair Bluff, and Riegelwood, five early voting locations are available throughout Columbus County.

Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime participant in local elections, or someone who simply wants to avoid the Election Day rush, there are a few important things to know before heading to the polls.

Early Voting Is Already Drawing Residents to the Polls

Columbus County voters wasted little time participating in this year’s election.

According to local reporting, 722 residents cast ballots on the first day of early voting, October 15.

The Columbus County Board of Elections location in Whiteville recorded the largest share of those first-day voters, with 338 ballots cast. Other locations also saw participation, including Chadbourn with 124 voters, Ransom with 135, Tabor City with 85, and Fair Bluff with 40.

The five locations remained part of the county’s early voting plan following discussions earlier this year about potentially reducing the number of voting sites.

For residents living in different parts of the county, having multiple locations provides options for voting closer to home or work.

Where Can You Vote Early in Columbus County?

Unlike Election Day, when voters must report to their assigned precinct, registered Columbus County voters can cast their ballots at any of the county’s five early voting locations.

1. Columbus County Board of Elections

2586 James B. White Highway North, Building B, Whiteville

2. Chadbourn Municipal Annex

208 East First Avenue, Chadbourn

3. Ransom Event Center

2696 General Howe Highway, Riegelwood

4. Tabor City Courthouse

110 West Fourth Street, Tabor City

5. Fair Bluff Fire & Rescue Department

152 Main Street, Fair Bluff

All five locations follow the same early voting schedule.

Early Voting Dates and Hours

Early voting continues through Saturday, October 31.

• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There is no Sunday early voting scheduled in Columbus County for this election.

Voters planning to participate on Election Day must visit their assigned precinct rather than choosing among the five early voting locations.

What Do You Need to Bring?

North Carolina requires voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification when voting in person.

Commonly accepted forms include a North Carolina driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, a U.S. passport, a qualifying military or veterans identification card, and certain approved student identification cards.

Most acceptable IDs must be unexpired or expired for no more than one year, although exceptions apply to certain identification types and voters age 65 and older.

Residents who do not have an acceptable photo ID may still cast a provisional ballot and complete the applicable identification exception process.

The Columbus County Board of Elections can also provide free voter photo identification cards to eligible registered voters.

Not Registered Yet? You May Still Have Time

Although North Carolina’s regular voter registration deadline passed on October 9, eligible residents who missed that deadline still have an opportunity to participate.

North Carolina allows same-day registration during the early voting period.

Eligible residents can register and vote during the same visit at an early voting location, provided they meet the requirements and present acceptable documentation establishing their residence.

Same-day registration is not generally available on Election Day, so residents who need to register should make plans to visit an early voting location before October 31.

What’s on the Ballot?

This year’s general election includes contests that will help determine representation at the federal, state, and local levels.

North Carolina voters will participate in races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, seats in the North Carolina General Assembly, and judicial offices.

Columbus County voters will also see local contests and ballot questions, depending on their districts.

Among the local issues are a proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase and three separate referendums concerning alcohol sales in unincorporated areas of Columbus County.

Voters can review their individual sample ballots through the North Carolina State Board of Elections before arriving at the polls.

Prefer to Vote on Election Day?

For residents who would rather wait, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Unlike early voting, Election Day voting takes place at each resident’s assigned polling location.

Residents who are unsure where they are registered to vote can check their information using the state’s online voter search system.

Every Election Brings Decisions Close to Home

While national political contests often dominate headlines, local elections can have a direct impact on everyday life in Columbus County.

Decisions about county services, public education, taxes, infrastructure, and community development are all connected to the work of elected officials.

For residents across Whiteville, Tabor City, Chadbourn, Fair Bluff, Lake Waccamaw, and the county’s smaller communities, this election provides an opportunity to participate in choosing the people and policies that will help shape the years ahead.

And with early voting already underway, residents don’t have to wait until November 3 to make their voices heard.

For more information: Visit the Columbus County Board of Elections at www.columbusco.org/board-elections or call 910-640-6609.