“3 things happening in NC” is Cardinal & Pine’s weekly guide to the people, storylines, and events driving the news this week in North Carolina. Here’s what you’ll find this week:
- Early voting set to begin across the state this week
- Suspension of state gas tax takes effect
- North Carolina State Fair kicks off in Raleigh
Early voting for the midterm elections starts in North Carolina this week, and it’s as important as ever to show up.
I know, I know…we always say that. And to be honest, it’s always true, but this year I’m referring specifically to early voting. As pointed out in this Sailor Jones op-ed from August, early voting has been the target of especially heinous attacks at the hands of the North Carolina Republicans.
Even with locations cut or rejected across the state, early voting remains the best way to beat the lines on Election Day and show those bad actors that their voter suppression tactics won’t work.
Early voting set to begin across the state this week
Thursday, Oct. 15 marks the first day of early voting for the midterm elections in North Carolina.
In August, the North Carolina Board of Elections voted on early voting plans in 20 counties across the state, doing away with early voting on Sundays in several counties and cutting campus locations at NC A&T and UNC-Greensboro.
Check out this video from Dylan Rhoney breaking down how those changes are likely to impact the Black vote—or at least that’s the hope of the ones who made the changes.
Friday was the deadline to register to vote, and you can check your registration status here, but if you don’t show up on the rolls, all hope is not lost. You can still take advantage of same-day registration at any early voting location. The only difference is that your vote won’t be sent directly through the tabulation machine but submitted as an absentee ballot.
In North Carolina, voters will be asked to show photo ID when checking in to vote. You can use your NC driver’s license, a North Carolina state ID, non-NC driver’s licenses (only if you’ve been registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election), a US passport, a NC voter photo ID issued by a county board of elections, college photo ID, or a state or local government employee photo ID approved by the State Board of Elections.
Check out Jessica F. Simmons’ guide for first-time voters to find other tips, and be sure to visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website to find early voting locations and hours near you.
Suspension of state gas tax takes effect
In last week’s 3 Things Happening column, I described a plan to suspend the state’s gas tax amid soaring prices due to the Iran war. Gov. Josh Stein signed the emergency bill on Friday, and though it took effect immediately, residents aren’t likely to see prices fall at the pump until sometime this week.
As reported by NC Newsline, the law allows retailers to recoup the taxes they’ve already paid on the gas that was in their storage tanks when the bill was signed. The 42-cent tax reduction will take effect on their next refill, which will ostensibly lead them to pass those savings on to customers.
With each respective business owner setting their own prices, NC House Speaker Destin Hall estimates customers will see a drop of between 30 and 35 cents per gallon.
An amendment proposed by NC Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, a Wake County Democrat, would have forced retailers to pass on the savings of the tax suspension by making those who didn’t susceptible to price-gouging changes, but it was ruled out of order and did not receive a vote, NC Newsline reported.
North Carolina State Fair kicks off in Raleigh
Thursday marks the beginning of the 158th annual North Carolina State Fair, set to run from Oct. 15-25 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
This year’s theme is “A Memory Worth Making. A Story Worth Telling.” According to our own Brook Bolen, there are plenty of new ways to make memories at this year’s fair in Raleigh, including two new rides, the 230-foot-tall America 250 Ferris Wheel, a patriotic light show, and more.
Then there are the competitions. This year’s contests include country ham, plein air art, fresh eggs, and performing arts.
Check out Brook’s article for more details on what to expect this year, including ticket info.
