What will be on my ballot?
When you go to vote, your ballot will contain several things you can vote on depending on your precinct. In North Carolina, if you are already registered to vote, you can download your sample ballot online. If you are not registered to vote yet or are registered outside of North Carolina, you can use your address to look up the races happening in your district.
How do I return my absentee/mail-in ballot?
Across the United States, you can return your absentee ballot by mail. You’ll need to send it to your local board of elections office. And yes, you’ll need a stamp.
In North Carolina, you can also drop off your ballot in-person to your local board of elections office or drop it off to an early voting site in your county. If you choose to drop off your ballot, be sure to check the rules about who can return your absentee ballot.
All ballots must be turned in by Election Day, which falls on Nov. 3.
How do I find the address of my local board of elections?
In North Carolina, find your county board of elections at the North Carolina State Board of Elections website. You can find your local board of elections office at USVotefoundation.org
Where do I go to vote?
Your polling place is based on the address you used to register to vote. If you plan on voting in person on Election Day, you will need to go to your assigned polling place. For those registered in North Carolina, you can find your assigned polling location on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.
For those planning on voting on Election Day in other states, you can look up your polling place at vote.org
If you are registered to vote in Orange County, or are eligible to use same-day registration at an Orange County early voting site, the closest early voting location to campus is The Chapel of the Cross, 304 E. Franklin St. (next to Morehead Planetarium).
Students registered at campus housing and in Granville Towers can vote on Election Day at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History.
How can I find my polling place?
If you are registered in North Carolina, you can find your local polling precinct on the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Do I need to bring my ID to vote?
Voter ID laws vary state by state. In North Carolina, if you are registered to vote, you do not need to show your ID or any other form of documentation to receive your ballot.
You can check if your state requires identification to vote.
However, if you are planning on registering to vote on the same day as casting your ballot, most states require some form of proof of residency. See the next section for more details.
Can I register and then vote at the same time?
In North Carolina, you can register to vote and then cast your ballot at any early voting location in your county of residence during the early voting period. The early voting period runs from Thursday, Oct. 15 to Oct. 31. You will need some form of proof of residency, such as:
- A North Carolina driver’s license.
- Other photo identification issued by a government agency. Any government-issued photo ID is acceptable, provided that the card includes the voter’s current name and address.
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing the voter’s name and address.
- A current college/university photo identification card paired with proof of campus habitation.
For voters outside of North Carolina, it depends on where you plan on casting your ballot. In 21 states and in the District of Columbia, you can register to vote and cast your ballot at the same time.