Voting FAQs — League of Women Voters of Catawba Valley

Voting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated July 27, 2023

1. How can I check my voter registration?

It’s easy! Just go to VOTE411.org, click the Verify Voter Registration link, pick your state, and follow the directions. In NC, this takes you to the State Board of Elections Voter Search tool. Enter your information and then click on your name to see all sorts of relevant voter information (your voting jurisdictions/districts, where to vote on Election Day, a link to NC’s One Stop Early Voting Site Search, your voting history and more).

2. What are the deadlines for registering to vote in an election?

You must be registered to vote 25 days before an election. If you miss this deadline, you can register and vote on the same day during One Stop Early Voting.

3. Who is eligible to register and vote in NC?

To vote in NC, an individual must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a resident of your county and, prior to voting, must have resided at your residential address for at least 30 days.
Be at least 18 years old at the next election date. (16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register, and a 17-year-old may vote in a Primary if they will be 18 on/before Election Day).
Rescind any previous voting registration in another county or state.
Note: Per order of the NC Supreme Court in April 2023, NC residents convicted of felonies must complete their sentences—including any prison time and any period of probation, post-release supervision, or parole—before they regain their right to vote. Click here for more information from the NC State Board of Elections.

4. What are my options for voting?

All NC voters can elect to vote Absentee By Mail, or at One Stop Early Voting or on Election Day. Pick whichever method is best for you!

5. Do I have to bring any identification to vote?

Yes, beginning with the 2023 municipal elections, NC voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check-in to vote. Voters who vote by mail will be asked to include a photocopy of an acceptable ID when returning their ballot by mail.

There are several types of acceptable photo IDs AND voting options if a voter does not have an acceptable photo ID. For detailed information about these rules go to the NC State Board of Elections webpage on Voter ID here or to our website’s New NC Voter ID Requirements.

6. What options do college students have to vote?

College students who are registered NC voters can

Vote at home
Vote Absentee by Mail (the student or their parents may request the absentee ballot)
Change your voter registration to your campus address if you meet the criteria of the jurisdiction where you attend college

College students from outside of NC, attending an NC college can

Vote in accordance with the rules of your home jurisdiction
Change your voter registration to your NC address is you will be living in NC for at least 30 days before the election

7. What can I do at One Stop Early Voting?

Register to vote*
Vote
Update your name, physical address or mailing address
Obtain voting assistance for physically disabled or elderly voters (curbside voting, ADA Ballot or/and request assistance from an Election Official who has sworn an oath to assist without bias)

*Note that Party Affiliation may NOT be changed at One Stop Early Voting

8. What do I need to do to vote Absentee by Mail?

Current NC Absentee by Mail procedures are different than those used in the 2020 Election. Go to VOTE411.org, scroll down to the US map entitled “Explore Voting Information by State”, and select NC to see a summary of the current requirements.

9. How can I find out where to vote?

Know that One Stop Early Voting locations and those used for Election Day are different for many voters.

Early Voting locations and schedules vary by county and may not be the same for every election. NC voters can vote at any of their county’s One Stop Early Voting locations during the early voting period. Your NC voter registration information contains a link to NC’s One-Stop Early Voting Site Search.

Your voting precinct location for Election Day is also included with your voting registration information. Here is a link to NC’s Polling Place Search

10. How can I find out about upcoming elections?

NC voters have an election of some kind every year. The races on your ballot depend upon your voting districts. Your voter registration information contains dates for your upcoming elections (see the “How can I check my voter registration?” question and answer above). About a month before each election, go to VOTE411.org, click on the Find What’s On Your Ballot box, enter your address and you will see the races and candidates on your ballot.

11. How can I learn about the candidates on my ballot?

About a month before each election, go to VOTE411.org, click on the Find What’s On Your Ballot box, enter your address and you will see the races and candidates on your ballot. Candidates are invited to share their biographical information (picture, social media sites, contact information) and answer questions to help voters learn about why they think they are the best candidate for office.