In-person early voting began yesterday, and North Carolinians were fired up and ready to make their voices heard.
We’re still 18 days out from Election Day, and nearly a quarter of a million ballots have already been cast– a 25% increase from this point during the 2022 midterms.
Ready to join the party? Here’s what you need to know about early voting.
You can vote early through Oct. 31
The in-person early voting period began yesterday and runs through 3 pm on Saturday, Oct. 31. However, the days and times vary slightly from county to county. For example, some counties are not offering early voting on Sundays. You can find the schedule for your nearest early voting site through this tool, or visit your county’s board of elections website.
Still need to get registered? No problem
You can register and vote early at the same time at any early voting site in your county. Just bring proof of residence, like a drivers license, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Regardless of the document you bring, you will also be asked to show a photo ID to cast your ballot
Bring your photo ID, but if you don’t have one, don’t sweat
Most voters use their driver’s license, but you can find the full list of acceptable photo IDs here. Most college students can use their school photo ID.
And if you don’t have a photo ID, you can still vote. You just have to request and fill out an ID exception form when checking in at your polling place.
Find an early voting site– there should be a few great options in your county
Unlike Election Day, during early voting you can vote at any early voting site in your county. You can choose the site next to your favorite restaurant and make an afternoon out of it, or just walk to the one that’s just a few blocks away from home– whatever is most convenient for you. You can find the location and schedule for your nearest early voting site here.
Need to research the candidates? Check out your sample ballot
You can find your sample ballot by using the voter search tool. If you’re not yet registered, you can find your sample ballot by simply typing in your address at ncvoter.org. They’ll even walk you through each race on your ballot, offer you candidate info, and email you a copy of your sample ballot afterwards.
And in case you’re wondering, yes– you can reference notes on your phone while voting. Just don’t call, don’t text, don’t post, and don’t take photos of your ballot.
Have confidence in casting your ballot
Poll workers might write on your ballot, and that’s okay! That doesn’t mean your ballot will be rejected. Fill in the bubbles fully and don’t forget to flip over your ballot– depending on the length, you may have a couple more races or the constitutional amendments on the back. Make a mistake? Just request a new ballot.
And if there’s an issue with a voting machine, rest assured that your ballot will still count. Poll workers prepare for all sorts of issues like a power outage or a voting tabulator becoming jammed. Your ballot will be stored securely and counted once the machine is repaired at the end of the day.
Trouble voting? The Election Protection Hotline has your back
Just call the NC Election Protection Hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683). There are trained volunteers ready to help with whatever questions you may have.
More questions?
Check out ncvoter.org! It’s a great resource for all things voting.
Bring a friend, tell a friend!
The best part of voting is the sense of hope and community at the polls. You’ll see people from all walks of life, taking a few moments out of their day to make their voices heard and shape our community for the better. It’s a right that generations of Americans have fought to have, and a freedom that we defend simply by exercising it.
Share this info with a friend, or bring them with you to the polls. You can join a No Kings: Vote Early event tomorrow, Oct. 17, to find that sense of hope, resistance, and community right near your home. And if you’re a college student, there’s tons of early voting parties happening across the state being hosted by Influence NC.
A great start, let’s keep it going
North Carolina, we’re off to a great start. Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to send a powerful message to our leaders that we’re done with the broken promises and corrupt decision-making, the painful cuts and the skyrocketing prices, the wars abroad and the wars at home against our own communities.
For two years, this regime has run roughshod over our communities. Now it’s our turn to hold them accountable at the ballot box.
When you get the chance to cast your ballot, I hope you feel the weight of history in your pen as you fill in those bubbles, and I hope you feel a burden lifted as you walk out of your polling place– the relief that you’ve done your part, and the hope that our country will finally get back on the right path.
