First time voting? Everything you need to know before election day in NC

Voting for the first time can be nerve-wracking, especially with the stakes as high as they are in this year’s election. Here’s what you need to know before you go to the polls.

I remember my first time voting in the last election and not having a clue where to start. I brought my state ID, social security card, school transcript, and then I voted for names I recognized from headlines, or just thought sounded cool. Don’t be like me. Here’s your guide to ensure you’re prepared.

Why Your Vote Matters

Outside of social media, your vote is your voice in our democracy. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or environmental policies, your vote plays a crucial role in shaping the decisions that affect our communities and our country.

What to Expect at the Polls

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Bring ID: North Carolina now requires a photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
• Check-In: When you arrive, you’ll check in with a poll worker who will verify your registration and ID.
• Cast Your Vote: Follow the instructions to complete your ballot. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask a poll worker.

[Editor’s note: If you not have ID, you still have options: complete an ID Exception Form and vote with provisional ballot right away, OR vote with a provisional ballot and bring your ID to your county board of elections’ office later. According to the NC State Board of Elections, the deadline for this is Thursday, Nov. 14.]

Registering to Vote

Before you can vote, you need to be registered. Here’s how to do it:

• Check Your Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5), and a resident of North Carolina. You also must not be serving a felony sentence.
• Register Online or by Mail: You can register online if you have a North Carolina driver’s license or DMV-issued ID. Otherwise, you can fill out a voter registration form and mail it to your county board of elections.
• Deadlines: Make sure you register by the deadline, which is typically 25 days before the election. For the 2024 general election, that deadline is 5 PM on Friday, Oct. 11.

Researching the Ballot

Knowing who and what you’re voting for is crucial. Here are some steps to prepare:

• Get Informed: Visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website to see a sample ballot and learn about the candidates and issues.
• Use Reliable Sources: Seek information from trusted news outlets, candidate websites like Cardinal & Pine or Ballotpedia.
• Attend Events: Participate in local candidate forums, debates, or town halls to hear directly from those running for office.

How to Vote

North Carolina offers several ways to cast your vote:

• Early Voting: You can vote early in-person starting 19 days before the election. This year, early voting runs from Thursday, Oct. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 2 by 3 PM. Find early voting sites on the NC State Board of Elections website.
• Absentee Voting: If you prefer to vote by mail, request an absentee ballot by Friday, Oct. 29. Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully and return it by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
• Election Day Voting: If you choose to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5), find your polling place using the NC State Board of Elections website. Polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Final Tips

Voting is your right and responsibility. Here are some final tips:

• Plan Ahead: Decide when and how you’ll vote, and make a plan to get to the polls or send in your absentee ballot on time.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest election news and updates from reliable sources.
• Encourage Others: Talk to your friends and family about voting, and encourage them to participate as well.
• Show Off Your New Voter Merch: Be sure to grab a voter’s sticker or pen before you leave the polling place to show off of social media.

Your Vote, Your Voice

Get registered, get informed, and get ready to vote. For more info, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections or check out more about issues and candidates at Cardinal & Pine.