BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — With less than three weeks until Election Day, in-person early voting starts Thursday, Oct. 17, in North Carolina. Here is everything you need to know beforehand.
Can I still register to vote?
The final day to register to vote either online or by mail was on Friday, Oct. 11. Anyone who wishes to vote but missed the registration window must register at an early voting site during the early voting period. Those registering must bring a photo ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill.
After registering, the voter can immediately vote at the same site.
Voters who are already registered can update their name or address within the same county if needed.
How can I vote early in Western North Carolina?
Voters can request a mail-in ballot via the county's online portal or a paper form. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 29.
All absentee ballots must be received by your local county elections office/board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters can return their ballots by mail, in person at the elections office or at any early voting location.
TheNorth Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) has issued emergency measures in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that temporarily allow voters to return their ballots to another county if necessary. These emergency measures also allow Western North Carolina election offices to issue the ballot over the counter.
Voters who may require assistance are permitted to bring an eligible person to help them complete their ballot. Election officials will also be available to help voters. Curbside voting is available for any voters who may be unable to enter the voting site. More information on curbside voting is available here.
When can I vote early?
Starting on Thursday, Oct. 17, voters can cast their ballots in person at any polling location in the county they are registered in.Early voting will run through Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.
Early voting hours vary by county. Click hereto find the hours for your county's early voting locations.
Where can I vote early in Western North Carolina?
Buncombe County:
Haywood County:
Henderson County:
Jackson County:
Madison County:
McDowell County:
Mitchell County:
Rutherford County:
Polk County:
Transylvania County:
Yancey County:
Click here to find other voting sites by county in North Carolina.
Where can I vote on Election Day?
Voters who plan to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, can clickthis linktoview their jurisdictions, voting locations and more.
What do I bring to vote?
For all voting methods, voters must bring and show a photo ID.
The following photo IDs are acceptable and must be valid and unexpired, or expired for one year or less:
North Carolina voters who are 65 and older can use any expired form of photo ID if it was unexpired on their 65th birthday.
The following photo IDs are acceptable regardless of expiration:
Voters in Western North Carolina who lost their photo ID because of Hurricane Helene can fill out a Photo ID Exception Form at their voting site or return the form with their absentee ballot. More information for voters affected by Helene is available here.
Registered voters can also receive a free photo ID from their local county Board of Elections or an NCDMV office.
Where can I see a sample ballot or learn more about candidates?
Voters can use the NC Voter search tool online or visit their local county Election Office for a sample ballot. On that same link, voters can also check the status of their ballot.
For more information on the candidates for the North Carolina Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, click here.
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For any further information related to early voting in North Carolina, click here.