Early Voting Opens in Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland County

Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln Counties, NC (WNN)- Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election officially began on February 12th, 2026, and will run until 3 pm on February 28th in Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln County.

When and Where To Vote

In Gaston County, four voting locations are accepting early ballots.

• Gaston County Board of Elections Office, 410 W. Franklin Blvd. Ste. 30 in Gastonia
• Mount Holly Municipal Complex, 400 E. Central Ave. in Mount Holly
• Gaston County Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy in Dallas
• Gaston County Main Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia

The Gaston County Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, NC. February 13th,2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

These locations will be open for voting during these dates and times:

• Feb. 12, 13, 16-20, and 23-27 from 8 am-7:30 pm.
• Feb. 21 and 28 from 8 am-3 pm.

In Cleveland County, there are two voting locations accepting early ballots.

• Cleveland County Board of Elections, 827 W. Marion St. in Shelby
• H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 E King St. in Kings Mountain

H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain, NC. February 13th,2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

These locations will be open for voting during these dates and times:

• February 12,13,16-20, and 23-27 from 8 am-7:30 pm
• February 21 and 28 from 8 am- 3 pm
• Closed weekends (February 14-15 and 21-22)

In Lincoln County, three voting locations are accepting early ballots:

• East Lincoln Community/Recreation Center, 8160 Optimist Club Rd in Denver
• Lincoln County Board of Elections Office, 451 Salem Church Rd in Lincolnton
• West Lincoln Library, 4797 Westwinds Rd in Lincolnton

The Lincoln County Board of Elections Office in Lincolnton, NC. February 13th,2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

These locations will be open for voting during these dates and times:

• February 12,13,16-20, and 23-28 from 8 am-7:30 pm
• Closed weekends (February 14-15 and 21-22)

Missed Opportunity

If you miss the opportunity to vote early, you can still vote on election day by visiting a polling location from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on March 3rd.

Voting By Mail

For those who plan to vote by absentee mail-in ballot, you can request one by clicking here. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, February 17th. 

Hear More From Those Running

At the beginning of January, WNN opened our studio to any  2026 candidates in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties. This gives the public a chance to hear the platforms and issues for which the candidates are running. 

The Candidates we have interviewed include:  Kelly Hastings, who holds the NC House District 110 seat, and Caroline Eason, who is running to represent the same district.

Cleveland County School Board candidates Aaron Bridges, the current Vice Chairman seeking re-election, and Brandon Bridges, seeking a Republican seat on the board.

Lastly, Cathy Cloninger,  the Republican incumbent running for Dallas Township Commissioner. Melissa Elmore, running for Lincoln County Register of Deeds, and Stacey Crouse, a candidate for Clerk of Court in Lincoln County. Each of these candidates has spoken with us and explained what they hope to do if elected.

For those looking to learn more about each of these candidates, their interviews can be found by clicking here.

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