Make a Voting Plan: North Carolina

1. You must be:
   • 18 or older* by Election Day (November 3rd, 2020)
     • *16- and 17-year-olds may pre-register to vote by submitting a voter registration application via the online portal or by submitting a paper voter registration form. However, they will not be eligible to vote until they are 18 years of age (OR 18 years old by the date of the next General Election).
   • A U.S. citizen
   • A North Carolina resident (including students attending college in NC, and people who are homeless)
   • You must not be a convicted felon currently serving a prison term, parole, or probation. After completing all the terms of your sentence (including payment of all fines and fees) you can re-register to vote.
     • More information on eligibility: https://www.ncsbe.gov/Portals/0/Documents/VotingRightsGuide_CriminalJusticeSystem.pdf 
   • You do not need to have a government-issued ID of any kind to register. But if you don’t list on your registration application your NC Driver’s License number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, then the first time you vote you’ll need to show a document with your name and address that matches your voter registration such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or vehicle registration.
2. Am I registered to vote?
   • Check your registration status: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/
   • If not, you can register online or by filling out a paper registration form by October 9, 2020 (You can register and vote during the Early Voting period—October 15th-31st)
     • Paper registration form and version en Espanol 
       • Be sure to complete all sections highlighted in red
       • Mail this form to:
         • NC State Board of Elections
           P.O. Box 27255
           Raleigh, NC 27611-7255 
         • OR deliver this registration form by mail or in person to your County Board of Elections Office
     • Online registration
       • https://payments.ncdot.gov/

1. Vote by Mail
   • In order to vote by mail, you must request an absentee ballot  (Formulario Estatal de Solicitud para la Boleta del Voto en Ausencia). The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27^th. Note that the State Board of Elections (SBOE) or your county BOE must receive it by October 27^th. They will not accept it if it is received after this date, even if it is postmarked on October 27^th.
   • When filling out your absentee ballot request form, you will need:
     • The name and date of birth of the voter
     • The residential address of the voter (where the voter is registered to vote)
     • One of the following identification numbers for the voter:
       1. North Carolina Driver’s License
       2. North Carolina special identification card for non-drivers
       3. Last four digits of Social Security Number
     • The address where the voter wants the ballot to be mailed (if different from the residential address)
     • The name and address of the voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian if that individual is making the request
     • The signature of the voter or the signature of the voter’s near relative or legal guardian if that individual is making the request
     • If a person is eligible to receive assistance (blind, disabled, or unable to read or write, but is not a near relative or legal guardian), the person assisting them must also print their name and address on the form.
   • After you return your absentee ballot request form, voters can now track the status of their absentee ballot by visiting northcarolina.ballottrax.net. You can see your absentee ballot at every step of the process from the day your absentee ballot is printed to the day your ballot is received at your County Board of Elections office.
   • Once you receive your absentee ballot, complete your voting ballot with your choices in the presence of one adult witness. Anyone can serve as a witness as long as they are 18 years of age or older and not running for political office.
     • If the voter is a patient or resident at a hospital, clinic, nursing home or adult care home, the following individuals are prohibited from serving as a witness: an owner, manager, director, or employee of that facility; an individual who holds an elected federal, state, or local office or precinct political party or organizational office; or a campaign manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party.
     • The voter and witness must each complete and sign the certificate on the return envelope and provide their addresses. Ensure all parts of the certificate form on the envelope are filled out, including your signature, the witness’ name, their address, and their signature.
   • There are different options to return your absentee ballot:
     • You may return your completed absentee ballot by mail to your County Board of Elections.” It must be postmarked no later than 5:00 PM on Election Day (November 3^rd) and received by 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 12^th.
       • Remember: USPS no longer postmarks mail. To ensure a postmark, a voter must go into a post office and request it.
     • You may also return your completed absentee ballot to any Early Voting site in the voter’s county of residence during operating hours OR the voter’s county board of elections office during operating hours (between September 4th and November 3rd at 5:00 PM).
     • Completed absentee ballot envelopes may also be returned by a voter’s near relative/legal guardian to the county board of elections during operation hours (between September 4^th and November 3^rd at 5:00 PM) or at any early voting site in the voter’s county of residence.
       • A near relative is the voter’s spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, stepparent, or stepchild.
2. Vote Early [In Person] (you can register to vote and vote at the same time)
   • You can vote early in North Carolina from October 15^th to October 31^st, 2020
   • Find your early voting location and operating hours
   • Did you miss the deadline to register? You’re in luck because you can still register to vote and vote at the same time, which is called same-day registration
     • To use same-day registration at an Early Voting site, you will need one of the following:
       • NC Driver’s License
       • DMV Identification Card
       • Other government photo ID with name and current address
       • Utility bill, bank statement, or payroll stub with name and current address
       • Student photo ID with a school document showing the student’s address
       • Any document from any government agency with the voter’s name and current address
3. Vote on Election Day [In Person]
   • Election Day this year is Tuesday, November 3^rd, 2020
   • Check your polling location: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/PPLkup/

1. Absentee Ballot
   • Beginning September 4^th, 2020, ballots will be mailed by County Boards of Elections to voters who have returned a complete absentee ballot request form.
   • After you return your absentee ballot request form, voters can now track the status of their absentee ballot by visiting northcarolina.ballottrax.net. You can see your absentee ballot at every step of the process from the day your absentee ballot is printed to the day your ballot is received at your County Board of Elections office.
   • Once you receive your absentee ballot, ensure you fill out all the required fields and send it in as soon as you can. You can mail it (see above for address), return it to your County BOE, or submit it during early voting in your county of residence.
2. Early Voting
   • Check with your County BOE for operating times and locations
     • Check with your employer as they may let you vote during working hours
     • Choose the day and time that works best for you
     • Mark your calendar!
3. Election Day
   • Ensure you know your polling location 
   • Plan ahead for the time of day you will go

**National Vote Early Day is Saturday, October 24^th, 2020**
Learn more: https://voteearlyday.org/

1. Visit the State Board of Elections Voter Search page
   • Enter the required fields, including your First Name, Last Name, and Voter Status
   • Click “Search.” The system will display a list of matching voter names and the county and city/town where that voter is registered.
   • Click on the name from the list that matches yours. The system will display your voter information, including your precinct, congressional district, NC Senate district, NC House district, county commissioner district, etc.
   • Click the blue band labeled “Sample Ballots.” Under “Election” you will see the name of the current/next election. To the right of that, under “Ballot(s),” you will see a link to a sample ballot for the precinct where you live if an election is pending or underway and a sample ballot has been assigned. If a link to a sample ballot appears, click the link to display the ballot as a PDF, which you can download and print if desired.
   • What will be on the ballot in NC?
     • View this chart from You Can Vote 

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) is a federal law that requires states to allow certain voters who are absent from their county of residence to have special rights that provide an expedited means for them to register and vote by mail-in absentee ballot. In order to qualify under the provisions of UOCAVA in this state, a voter must be a legal resident of North Carolina. Citizens covered by UOCAVA include:

• A member of the active or reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States who is on active duty
• A member of the Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, or the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States
• A member of the National Guard or state militia unit who is on activated status
• A spouse or dependent of a member of a uniformed service as listed above
• U.S. citizens residing outside the United States

The two special ways to register and vote for military and overseas voters are the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) and the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). 

Federal Voting Assistance Project (FVAP) links:

• FVAP.gov homepage
• Election Materials (Including FPCA/FWAB printable forms)
• Election Official Information (Guides for Processing Voting Materials / Sending Ballots / Election Official Online Training)
• Voting Assistance Guide
  
• FPCA forms or ABRFs must be received by the voter’s county board of elections by 5 PM on Monday, November 2. Completed ballots submitted by email or fax must be received by 7:30 PM on Election Day (November 3^rd). Completed ballots submitted by mail must be received by 5 PM on November 12.

Poll workers play an important role in our elections. In NC, poll workers receive compensation. Poll worker compensation will not affect unemployment benefits.

• In order to become a poll worker, you must:
  • Be registered to vote in North Carolina
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a resident of state and county for 30 days prior to the election BUT the NCSBE is making an exception this year because of the shortage of poll workers!
  • Complete required training, exam, and certification
  • Students 17 years of age with county residency may be appointed if they are enrolled in high school and have consent from a parent and have permission from your school principal or director. Access the Student Election Assistant application.
• To apply to become a poll worker contact your County BOE or fill out this interest form.

**National Poll Worker Recruitment Day was September 1^st, 2020**
Learn more: www.eac.gov/help-america-vote

If you are asked to vote a provisional ballot, that ballot will be held aside until you can prove your eligibility to vote. Federal law requires that anyone who presents to vote be given the opportunity to vote, and provisional ballots guarantee every voter is given that chance. Examples of reasons for provisional voting:

• There’s no record of your registration
• You moved to a different precinct and didn’t report the change within 30 days before the election
• You were previously registered in the county but the registration was canceled
• Your address can’t be verified in the lookup files
• You’re trying to vote at the incorrect precinct
• The records indicate you already voted in this election
• Voting during extended hours on Election Day

If you need to vote by provisional ballot, you will receive a provisional ballot application. After completing the application, you will be given the ballot to vote. Then, the application and ballot will be placed in a sealed envelope and sent to the board of elections for review.

You will receive a PIN number and phone number. You can begin checking the status of your ballot 10 days after the election.

• There are three ways to check the status of a provisional vote:
  • Online: Provisional Ballot Lookup
  • Call (919) 733-7173 or (866) 522-4723
  • Call your local County Board of Elections office

After the election, board of elections staff will review each provisional ballot and determine whether the voter was eligible to vote and if their ballot can be counted.

Polling sites are required to be accessible to all voters. Voters with disabilities or older voters may require the removal of barriers at polling places or registration sites in order to make the voting experience accessible to them. Many of the current accessibility stipulations were codified in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. For more information on your rights and how NC BOE complies with HAVA, visit www.ncsbe.gov/voting-accessibility.

Each polling place location has been photographed in order to better inform voters of accessible pathways, parking, and entrances. These photographs can be viewed through NCSBE’s polling place search. Any disabled or elderly voter assigned to an inaccessible polling place will be assigned to an accessible polling place upon advance request.

• Curbside Voting
  • Elderly or disabled voters who attest that they are unable to enter the voting enclosure to vote in person without physical assistance must also be allowed to vote “curbside” – either in the vehicle that brought them to the polling place or in the immediate proximity of the voting place. This includes all One-Stop Early Voting sites. A curbside voter has the same rights to assistance as any other voter.
  • In 2020, elderly or disabled voters include voters who:
    • Are unable to enter the polling place due to age or physical or mental disability
    • Have a medical condition that puts them at increased risk of contracting COVID-19
    • Should not wear a mask due to a medical or behavioral condition or disability or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
  • Curbside voters must sign an affidavit affirming that they are unable to enter the voting place to cast their ballot. However, poll workers cannot question voters about their reason for voting curbside or ask them for proof.

Got questions? We have voting answers! Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE

• Voting in Person
  • Any registered voter is entitled to assistance from a near family member when voting. A near family member is defined as a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, mother or father-in-law, son- or daughter-in-law, stepparent or stepchild chosen by the voter.
    • Voters who are blind, disabled, or cannot read English and need assistance voting are entitled to have a person of their choice, other than the voter’s employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union, mark the voter’s choices or assist the voter in marking their choices on the ballot.
• Voting by Mail
  • A voter’s near relative or legal guardian can help them complete and sign their absentee ballot request form. A near family member is defined as a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, mother or father-in-law, son- or daughter-in-law, stepparent or stepchild chosen by the voter.
  • If a near relative or legal guardian is not available and a voter needs help completing the request form due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, the voter may get help from another person, who must list their name and address on the form.
  • Any voter residing or staying in a facility that provides residential or in-patient health care (such as an assisted living facility or hospital) may request assistance from a Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT). MATs can help voters complete and return their absentee ballot request form. Call your county board of elections to request MAT assistance.
  • If neither the voter’s near relative nor verifiable legal guardian is available, and a MAT is not available within seven calendar days of a telephonic request for assistance, the voter may obtain assistance from anyone who is not: (1) an owner, manager, director, or employee of the Facility; (2) an elected official; (3) a candidate; or (4) an officeholder in a political party or a campaign manager or treasurer for a candidate or political party.

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice: AAJC builds political power by increasing the voting power of the Asian American electorate at the regional and national level.
• Black Voters Matter: Black Voters Matter’s goal is to increase power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities. Effective voting allows a community to determine its own destiny.
• Common Cause North Carolina: Building a democracy that’s fair, vibrant and inclusive for all. Common Cause North Carolina’s strength comes from citizens across North Carolina standing together to hold power accountable.
• Democracy North Carolina: Democracy North Carolina is a non-partisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to increase voter participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics and achieve a government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. Democracy NC grew out of Democracy South which began as a project of the Institute for Southern Studies. 
• Election Protection: The national, non-partisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 100 local, state, and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote.
• Enlace Latino NC: Voting guides and election-related information for Spanish speakers.
• Fair Elections Center: Fair Elections Center is a national, non-partisan voting rights and election reform 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C. FEC’s mission is to use litigation and advocacy to remove barriers to registration and voting, particularly those disenfranchising underrepresented and marginalized communities, and to improve election administration.
• League of Women Voters of North Carolina: The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
• Let America Vote: Let America Vote advocates for pro-voter policies that make the process more reasonable. Through online and grassroots organizing, an aggressive earned media strategy, and advertising campaigns, Let America Vote plays a crucial role among the existing network of organizations fighting for voting rights.
• Movement Voter Project: Movement Voter Project works to strengthen progressive power at all levels of government by helping donors – big and small – support the best and most promising local community-based organizations in key states, with a focus on youth and communities of color.
• ncvoter.org: This website is brought to you by Democracy North Carolina. It is your source for NC voting information.
• North Carolina State Board of Elections: The State Board of Elections (State Board) is the state agency charged with the administration of the elections process and campaign finance disclosure and compliance. The state’s 100 County Boards of Elections conduct local elections, operate voting sites, maintain voter registration lists and handle numerous aspects of election administration. The office of the State Board works in conjunction with County Boards of Elections offices to ensure that elections are conducted lawfully and fairly.
• North Carolina Voter Guide: The NC Voter Guide is a public service provided by Common Cause North Carolina. For 18 years, the NC Voter Guide has given voters facts on candidates and elections in North Carolina.
• SafeVoterNC.org: In partnership with Disability Rights North Carolina and Equality NC, the North Carolina Black Alliance has created this platform for voters to receive credible, up-to-date information regarding voting options, and provide clear guidelines on how you can proactively engage in the vote-by-mail process and avoid obstacles while casting a ballot at the polls.
• Spread The Vote: Spread The Vote helps members of our communities empower themselves to be heard at the polls: with IDs, registration, education, and turnout.
• The 100 Million Project: The 100 Million Project is a comprehensive national study of the non-voting adult population in the United States and aims to understand citizen disengagement from the political process.
• USA.gov: USA.gov’s mission is to create and organize timely, needed government information and services and make them accessible anytime, anywhere, via your channel of choice.
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration. EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as audits the use of HAVA funds. Other responsibilities include maintaining the national mail voter registration form developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
• Vote.gov: Register to vote.
• Vote 411: Launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in October of 2006, VOTE411.org is a “one-stop-shop” for election-related information. It provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on the following aspects of the election process: factual data on candidates in various federal, state and local races; ballot measure information (where applicable); absentee ballot information; early voting options (where applicable); election dates; ID requirements; polling place locations; registration deadlines; voter qualifications; and voter registration forms.
• When We All Vote: When We All Vote is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is on a mission to increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap by changing the culture around voting, harnessing grassroots energy, and through strategic partnerships to reach every American.

North Carolina Department of State
State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement
430 N. Salisbury St
PO Box 27255
Raleigh 27611-7255
Phone number: 913-814-0700
Fax number: 919-715-0315
elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov
www.ncsbe.gov

1. Do I need an ID to vote in NC?

No, you do not need an ID to vote. You would need an ID if you would like to register to vote and vote during Same-Day Registration or you failed to provide your NC Driver’s License number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number when you registered to vote, and this is your first time voting since registering to vote. You will need to provide one of the following that lists the voter’s name and address that matches their voter registration:

• Current utility bill (electric, cell phone, cable, water, etc.), bank statement, government check, paycheck or payroll stub that shows the voter’s name and address; or
• Student photo ID, plus a school document showing the student’s address; or
• Any document from any government agency that shows the voter’s name and current address.

2. Who can vote by absentee ballot?

Any registered voter in North Carolina can vote absentee.

3. When is in-person early voting?

October 15^th – October 31^st.

4. How do I request an absentee ballot?

• If you have access to a computer/smartphone with Internet access: you can use the Absentee Ballot Request Portal. You should already be a registered voter, and must have either a NC Driver’s License/DMV issued ID OR the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You can find your voter record, fill out and sign the application.
• If you prefer a paper form, download a request form from the NC State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website. The voter should read all instructions, fill out their own absentee ballot request form and sign it. Return the form via mail, email, fax, or in-person to your county board of elections office. Forms must be received by your county board of elections office by Tuesday, October 27 at 5 PM.

5. What’s the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?

5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27^th – though it’s best to request it well before that date.

6. Who can I request an absentee ballot for, other than myself?

Only a close relative, defined as a spouse, brother, sister, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, mother- or father-in-law, daughter- or son-in-law, step-parent, or step-child.

7. When will absentee ballots be mailed out?

Starting on Friday, September 4^th. After you return your absentee ballot request form, voters can now track the status of their absentee ballot by visiting northcarolina.ballottrax.net. You can see your absentee ballot at every step of the process from the day your absentee ballot is printed to the day your ballot is received at your county board of elections office.

8. How many witnesses do I need to complete the absentee ballot?

Only one. Mark your ballot in the presence of that witness who is at least 18 years old. A witness cannot be running for political office (unless they are related to the voter).

The witness then must sign the Absentee Application and Certificate (on the back of the return envelope) on the appropriate lines. The witness must also print their name and address.

9. When is the deadline for returning absentee ballots?

The ballot must be postmarked no later than 5:00 PM on Election Day (November 3^rd) and received by the county board of elections by 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 12^th.

10. Where can I return my absentee ballot?

• You may mail your ballot to your county board of elections office. You may physically drop off your ballot at your county board of elections office during operational hours or any one-stop Early Voting site in the voter’s county of residence.
• Ballots may only be returned by the voter or a voter’s near relative or legal guardian. Absentee ballot envelopes will not be accepted at polling places on Election Day. If returning an absentee ballot at an Early Voting site, you will need to wait in line with other voters.

Read more FAQs about voting by mail in North Carolina on the NCSBOE website, and about voting more generally at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission website.