Election Day: Tips and important information

James Moser, Reporter

The North Carolina State Board of Elections prepared a list of 10 tips for Election Day voters. Those who have not yet voted, or are in need of a plan for Tuesday, may find the information to be helpful. Election Day is Nov. 8.

  1. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Voters who are still waiting in line at 7:30 p.m. can vote, but those who arrive after will be turned away.
  2. You can find your Election Day polling location using either the Voter Search or the Polling Place Search.
  3. Sample ballots are available for viewing through the Voter Search tool.
  4. Contact your county BOE to learn about any COVID-19 safeguards at local voting sites. Read more at the Voting and Coronavirus page.
  5. Mail-in voters who have not yet returned their ballots will be unable to return them to a polling site on Election Day. However, according to the state BOE, “you may mail your ballot back or return your ballot sealed inside the completed envelope to your county board of elections by 5 p.m. on Election Day.” Ensure that your mailed ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day.
  6. Same-day registration is not offered on Election Day. Anyone who has not registered to vote by Nov. 8 will be unable to cast a ballot.
  7. Photo ID is not required to vote. See Voter ID for details.
  8. If you need assistance at the polls, it is important that you request that assistance. Curbside voting will be available for anyone unable to enter a polling location due to age or disability, and election workers will be on standby to offer help inside. Consider viewing the Help for Voters with Disabilities page.
  9. Be respectful to others as they participate in the election process. Voter intimidation of any kind is a crime. If you feel harassed or intimidated, notify an election official immediately. 
  10. Provisional ballots can be requested by those whose names do not appear on the voter list. Voters who cast a provisional ballot can check the status of their ballot with the Provisional Search tool about 10 days after the election.

More information about voting on Election Day can be found here, curated by the State Board.