How to Register to Vote in Johnston County, North Carolina (Step-by-Step for Three Methods)

To register to vote in Johnston County, North Carolina, you have several methods available: online, by mail, or in person.

Eligibility Requirements

Before registering, ensure you meet the following qualifications:

• You are a U.S. citizen (if you have a felony conviction, your citizenship rights must have been automatically restored upon completion of your sentence, including probation or parole).
  
  
• You are at least 18 years old (or will be 18 by the general election; 17-year-olds may register and vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the subsequent general election).
  
  
• You will have been a legal resident of Johnston County for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election.

Method 1: Register Online

If you have a valid North Carolina driver’s license or a DMV-issued ID card along with your Social Security number, you can register to vote entirely online.

• Visit the NCDMV Voter Registration Portal (this service is provided for free and powered by PayIt).
  
  
• Existing DMV customers can use this portal to register for the first time, update their voter address, or change their party affiliation. (Note: You cannot change your name through the online portal).

Method 2: Register By Mail

If you do not have a DMV-issued ID or prefer a paper form, you can register by mail.

1. Get the Form: Download the standard North Carolina Voter Registration Application (available as a PDF) from the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website or the Johnston County Board of Elections website.
   
   
2. Complete the Form: Fill out all required fields carefully. When registering, you will need to declare a political party affiliation or choose to remain unaffiliated.
   
   
3. Mail the Form: Send your completed and signed application to the Johnston County Board of Elections at:

Johnston County Board of Elections
P.O. Box 1172
Smithfield, NC 27577

Method 3: Register In Person

You can pick up and submit a voter registration form at several public locations throughout Johnston County, including:

• The Johnston County Board of Elections Office: 205 South Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 (Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
  
  
• Public libraries during their regular operating hours.
  
  
• Various Town Halls, high schools, and driver's license offices.
  
  

Important Deadlines and Information

• Standard Deadline: To vote in an upcoming election, your registration form must be postmarked or delivered to the Board of Elections office no later than 25 days before Election Day
  
  
• Same-Day Registration: If you miss the 25-day deadline, you can still register to vote in person using "same-day registration" during the early voting period at any early voting site in Johnston County. You cannot use same-day registration on Election Day itself.
  
  
• Confirmation: Once your application is processed, the county will mail you a voter registration card.