(QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Midterm elections are now just two months away. That means voters in the Carolinas have about a month left to register or update their registration to be eligible on Election Day in November.
There are already signs that the 2026 cycle is heating up, with national Democrats like Pete Buttigieg and California Governor Gavin Newsom visiting South and North Carolina in recent weeks. Both are considering a run for president in 2028, but both insist their focus is on the midterms.
"This is it. Don't focus on 2028. It's not about the guy or the gal on the white horse to come save the day. Biggest mistake the Democratic Party makes is we watch cable TV and we focus on the next presidential," said Newsom during an event in Monroe on Saturday.
In North Carolina, Mecklenburg County Election Officials have already started sending out absentee and military ballots; 5000 had been mailed as of late last week.
South Carolina voters can request their absentee ballot right now and should get it around 30 days before the election, but election offices will accept applications up to 11 days out.
Regardless of where you reside, officials say it is best to get your application in now if you won't be able to vote early or on November 3.
"If you're concerned, go ahead and request your ballot as soon as possible. Get it mailed to you as soon as possible and return it as soon as possible so that if there is an issue that you have, it can be corrected," said Michael Dickerson, Executive Director for the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
Voters in NC can register or update registration until October 9. Voters in SC can do the same, in person, through October 2.
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