There have been numerous unknowns that we have each learned to navigate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve adjusted our work locations, grown used to wearing masks and have mastered the art of washing our hands. And while we’ve made some changes to our individual habits, it can be hard to follow the news as our general ‘normal’ continues to alter. So, here are some things you need to know to participate in this year’s election.
Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote
National Voter Registration Day is September 22, this is not the deadline to register, but a great chance to check your registration status. You can check your voter registration status on Vote.org.
Register to Vote!
After checking your voter registration status, if you find that you’re not registered NOW is the time to do it! The final day to register to vote in North Carolina is October 9. You can register to vote online. If you have moved or changed address since the last election you must make this change in your voter records.
Make a Voting Plan
With COVID-19 still with us, voting options have been expanded in order to slow community spread and ensure the safety of all community members. All North Carolina voters are able to request an absentee/mail-in ballot. And you can do this online! Request an absentee ballot and fill it out for the comfort of your home – because no one should have to choose between exercising their civic duty and staying healthy. The final day to request an absentee ballot is October 27 at 5pm.
After completing your mail-in ballot you have two options: drop it off at the Board of Elections or mail it in. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections is located at 741 Kenilworth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204 and open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. If you would rather mail in your ballot, you can track it through ballottrax to ensure that it is delivered to the Board of Elections.
Another option is early voting! One-stop early voting means that you can register to vote, make a change of name or address and vote all on the same day. Early voting takes place from October 15 to October 31 in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County. Only individuals who have been residents in Mecklenburg for at least 30 days can participate in the county’s one-stop early voting. There are 33 early voting sites in Mecklenburg, and you can vote in whichever one you’d like. Check times and locations here.
The final option is voting on Election Day! Election Day is November 3. You must go to your assigned polling location on Election Day. If you do not your polling location, you can look it up online by entering your address.
Voting is right that hundreds of thousands before us have fought for. Don’t let their hard work go to waste by sitting out this election. Use your voice and impact the community, hold representatives accountable and work toward the future you want to see.
