NC Midterm Elections: What, When, How?

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Midterm elections are approaching this November.

Joseph Pollard, Staff Writer
September 21, 2022

Every two years, each state holds midterm elections. While voting is not mandatory for citizens, it is highly encouraged as it plays an important role in United States democracy. Sadly, many citizens are apathetic towards elections because they either don’t have the time, find it to be too difficult, or because they don’t believe it will make a difference. In reality, voting is easy. It takes less time than expected, and makes a strong impact on American society. Below are answers to commonly asked questions and general information about North Carolina’s midterm election.

 

“When are the elections?”

The midterm elections take place on November 8th, 2022.

 

“What are we even voting for, anyway?”

In each midterm election, citizens vote for state and local officials. State officials include senators, House of Representatives members, the Supreme Court, General Assembly and Court of Appeals. Local representatives may include but are not limited to sheriffs, county commissioners, judges and prosecutors.

 

“How do I register?”

You must register to vote at least twenty-five days prior to election day, so you must register by October 14th unless you register same-day when voting early. If you need to register, you can do so in-person at North Carolina’s DMV or on their website. If you prefer to register by mail, or need to update your name, address or party affiliation, you may print and fill out the Voter Registration Application. After filling it, you may send it to your county’s Board of Elections (the mailing addresses are on the third page). In the span of two weeks you should receive your voter registration card in the mail. In order to register, you must at least be eighteen years of age. However, if you are going to be eighteen before the general election, you may still pre-register.

 

“How do I vote by mail?”

After registering to vote, you must request an absentee ballot on the absentee ballot portal. You may also fill out the paper absentee ballot request and mail it to your county Board of Elections. The Board of Election must have your request form by 5:00 PM on November 1st. After receiving your ballot, you must mark it in front of two witnesses or a notary public. The witnesses/notary public will write their address on the back of the envelope, along with printing and signing their names. Finally, you can either drop off the ballot in person at the County Board of Elections or an early voting site in your county, or deliver it to the County Board by mail. When mailing, be sure to use the correct post stamps (sixty cents or a Forever Stamp) and mail it well before Election Day (November 8th) so it reaches the board by November 14th (deadline for receiving ballots).

 

“How do I vote early?”

You may go to any early voting site in your county. Here, you can participate in same-day registration if you need to update your information or have not yet registered to vote. You may also drop off your mail-in ballot at the site when it is open. Early voting begins on October 20th and ends at 3pm on November 5th.

 

“How do I vote on Election Day?”

You must be registered before you can vote. Election day is November 8th, 2022, and polling stations will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Even if you are still in line at 7:30 PM, you will still be able to vote. However, you must go to your assigned polling station, which you can check here.

 

“Is there anything important I need to know about voting in North Carolina?”

  • A photo ID is NOT required to vote in the North Carolina elections. For further updates, check here.
  • You have every right to vote, and to have your voice heard. Voter intimidation is a serious crime. Nobody should threaten or otherwise prevent you from voting, or intimidate you into voting a certain way. If you feel as if you are being threatened at the polls, notify an election official immediately. You can read more about forms of voter intimidation (and how to combat it) here.

 

No matter who you support in the elections, your voice counts. We hope that we have made the seemingly-impossible process of voting much more understandable, and look forward to seeing our Green Hope Falcons participate in the democratic process.

Information regarding the upcoming elections is sourced from the official North Carolina State Board of Elections website. Information regarding voter intimidation is sourced from both the NCSBE site and the Campaign Legal Center site.

Further Resources