Source: Editorial Board
Election Day is set for Nov. 5, with polling places open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters can locate their polling sites and view a sample ballot using the State Board of Elections’ voter search tool.
This year, North Carolina voters must present an approved form of identification to cast their votes. Acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, passports, and student IDs. To see the full list of acceptable IDs visit the State Board of Elections website. Those without an approved ID can obtain a free voter photo ID from their county’s board of elections.
This year, election results may take longer than in past years to tally due to new legislation prohibiting early votes from being counted until Election Day.
Voters in the 25 counties affected by Hurricane Helene should be aware of changes to polling locations and mail-in ballot procedures. The State Board of Elections has created a dedicated webpage to provide updates and guidance for these voters, including exemptions from ID requirements and modifications to absentee ballot processes.
Absentee ballots must be completed and returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can hand-deliver their completed ballots to their county board of elections or any early voting site during the early voting period, which runs from October 17 to Election Day.
To track absentee ballot status, voters can use BallotTrax for updates on their ballots, or the NCSBE’s voter search tool. ensuring secure handling of the thousands of requests received.
