Unexpected Voter Registration Mailings Generate Questions Across North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State Board of Elections has received complaints from county boards of elections and citizens about a recent mailing from a group attempting to register voters in North Carolina.

The group, Ready to Register Inc., sent mailings to an unknown number of citizens with an outdated voter registration application which includes four political parties that are no longer recognized in North Carolina. In 2026, North Carolina’s recognized political parties are the Democratic, Green, Libertarian, and Republican parties. Voters can also register as unaffiliated. Voters who register with a party that is no longer recognized will be registered as unaffiliated.

The State Board has also received reports that mailings are being sent to deceased individuals and that the group may be using outdated voter data.

Additionally, Ready to Register provided an incorrect county board of elections return mailing address on letters sent to New Hanover County voters.

The State Board has also received several reports that QR codes on the mailings may cause information from other people to pre-populate on a form, which has raised privacy concerns among voters.

“Bulk voter registration mailings, when done carelessly, can do more harm than good,” said Sam Hayes, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “They can confuse voters and greatly increase the workload of county boards of elections. State Board staff are available to advise anyone who wishes to send voter registration mailings so that we can minimize potential issues.”

The State Board has contacted Ready to Register with the hope of reducing voter confusion and the impact on county boards with any future mailings.