Voting on Election Day in Mecklenburg County? Here’s what you’ll need to cast a ballot
Voters in North Carolina will soon decide which candidates they want to vote for in the upcoming midterm election.
The statewide primary is scheduled for May 17, but those who want to vote early can do so from April 28-May 14.
Races on the ballot will include the Senate, House, General Assembly, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals. A number of city and county seats are also up for grabs in the Charlotte area.
If you want to vote, here’s what you’ll need to do before Election Day, what to bring with you on the day of, and some accommodations available if you are unable to vote in person.
Do I need to be registered to vote?
If you are not registered to vote by Election Day, you will not be able to participate in the election.
According to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of North Carolina and Mecklenburg County for more than 30 days, and 18 years of age or older to register. If a voter is 17 years old during primaries but will be 18 years old by the time the general election rolls around, they are permitted to vote.
If you’re a first-time voter, you will need to complete Mecklenburg County’s voter registration application. Once you’ve reviewed your eligibility, you can mail the registration form to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
To check the status of your registration, visit vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup.
More Info: How to register to vote in Mecklenburg County
Do I need an ID to vote?
Voters in N.C. are not required to show photo identification in elections, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Do I need to wear a mask to vote?
There is no mask policy in place, but NCSBE strongly encourages voters to wear masks indoors and maintain physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also recommend the following protective measures:
Get vaccinated.
Wash your hands before and after voting at your polling location.
Vote at off-peak times to avoid crowds.
Stay home if you do not feel well.
Can I vote after polls are closed?
As long as you’re in line to vote by 7:30 p.m., you will be able to vote, according to NCSBE.
What if I’m unable to enter the voting site?
Every voting site in the state offers curbside voting for those who are unable to enter the polling place without physical assistance due to age or disability, NCSBE says.
According to NCSBE, those with disabilities include people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. This also includes people who should wear a mask due to a medical condition or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
More Info: Polling places and hours in Mecklenburg County for 2022 midterm elections
Observer reporter Evan Santiago contributed to this story.
This story was originally published April 21, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
