CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day. While a record number of voters in North Carolina have already cast a ballot, either absentee or in-person, there are still expected to be a lot of people who show up at the polls on Election Day to cast their vote. Here's what to expect if you're heading to the polls:
1. In North Carolina the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to cast a vote. The NC BOE says lines tend to be longest before the polls open and just as they are about to close.
2. Do your research ahead of time to find the correct polling place. While early voters had a choice of 33 different voting locations in Mecklenburg County, on Election Day voters must go to their designated polling location to cast a vote. Find your polling place here.
3. You can view a sample ballot before you head to the polls. A sample ballot will show you exactly what is on your specific ballot so you know what to expect. Here's how to find yours.
4. Voters are required to wear a mask in order to vote. Hand sanitizer will also be available at every polling location and social distancing will be enforced as well.
5. If you have an absentee ballot that has not been returned, you MUST mail the ballot to the county board of elections. You MAY NOT return an absentee ballot to a polling site on Election Day. If the absentee ballot is mailed by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, the ballot will be counted.
6. If you haven't registered to vote, you're out of luck. Same-day registration is not available on Election Day.
7. Voters do not need an ID to cast a ballot.
8. Curbside voting is available for all voters who are unable to enter a polling location. Disability includes age, health concerns -- including those related to Coronavirus -- and inability to wear a mask due to health reasons. The BOE has a list of resources for voters with disabilities available here.
9. Intimidating other voters is a crime. Voters who feel harassed should notify an election official immediately.
10. If you show up to vote and your name is not on the voter list, you can still vote. You can request a provisional ballot on Election Day. You can check the status of your provisional vote ten days after Election Day to see if your vote was counted.
