Cabarrus County voters can cast early ballots at four locations starting Thursday, Oct. 15, ahead of a Nov. 3 Election Day that includes bond questions totaling up to $400 million.

Two of the sites are in Concord. Voters may use any of the four regardless of their home precinct, and every site carries all ballot styles, according to the Cabarrus County Board of Elections.

Where to vote early

  • Cabarrus EMS HQ Station 9: 793 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord
  • Cabarrus Arena & Events Center: 4751 NC Hwy 49, Concord
  • Afton Ridge Active Living Center & Library: 6095 Glen Afton Blvd., Kannapolis
  • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at the NC Research Campus: 399 Biotechnology Ln., Kannapolis

The Board of Elections office at 369 Church St. N in Concord is not an early voting site.

Hours

Weekday hours run 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on most days. Saturdays close earlier, and the final day ends at 3 p.m. The full schedule:

  • Oct. 15–16: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 17: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Oct. 19–23: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Oct. 26–30: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All sites are closed Sundays, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25.

Photo ID and same-day registration

Every voter will be asked to show photo ID at early voting sites, just as on Election Day. Voters without an acceptable ID can get one free at the Board of Elections office or fill out an ID Exception Form, according to a Kannapolis city government post outlining the rules.

Early voting also offers same-day registration. Unregistered voters can register and cast a ballot in the same visit by showing proof of name and address. Acceptable documents include a North Carolina driver's license, a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government document showing the voter's name and address. Students living on campus can use documentation from their school.

Same-day registration is not available on Election Day. The deadline to register for Election Day voting is Friday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.

Afton Ridge adjusts hours during voting

Because the Afton Ridge Active Living Center & Library is serving as an early voting site, the 40,000-square-foot facility will adjust its regular hours and services from Monday, Oct. 12, through Oct. 31, according to Inform Cabarrus. The fitness center and game room will stay open for walk-ins Monday through Thursday only. The facility will close for regular library and active living services on Fridays and Saturdays during that stretch.

All programming normally held at Afton Ridge is moving to Frank Liske Park for the duration of early voting.

Key deadlines

  • Oct. 9, 5 p.m.: Voter registration deadline for Election Day
  • Oct. 15: Early voting begins; same-day registration available
  • Oct. 20, 5 p.m.: Absentee ballot request deadline
  • Oct. 31, 3 p.m.: Early voting ends
  • Nov. 3: Election Day; absentee ballots due at the Board of Elections office by 7:30 p.m.

Cabarrus County is hosting a "Gov 101: Voting 2026" event Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Nook, 363 Church St. N in Concord. Space is limited and registration is required.