N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-258.29
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, any covered voter under this Article shall be permitted to vote a ballot during early voting pursuant to Part 5 of Article 14A of this Chapter if the covered voter has not already voted an absentee ballot which has been returned to the board of elections, and if the covered voter will not be in the county on the day of the primary or election.
In the event an absentee application or ballot has already been mailed to the covered voter applying to vote during early voting pursuant to Part 5 of Article 14A of this Chapter, the board of elections shall void the application and ballot unless the voted absentee ballot has been received by the board of elections. The covered voter shall be eligible to vote during early voting pursuant to Part 5 of Article 14A of this Chapter no later than 5:00 P.M. on the day next preceding the primary, second primary or election.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-258.29