MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — If exercising the right to vote is one’s civic duty, protecting that right is an election official’s civic responsibility.
The director of Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Michael Dickerson said right after an election is over, the work begins to get ready for the next one.
"We do not have a dog in the fight, so to speak. We are here to make sure that you are able to exercise your right," he said. "This is our job. This is our career choice."
This includes preparing anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 people who decide to get involved in the democratic process.
"My staff is doing the training, and they are getting those people ready for the upcoming election," Dickerson explained, "We're very fortunate in this county. We've got great poll workers."
From reviewing specific information in training manuals to learning how voting devices operate, preparation for early voting and Super Tuesday has already begun in Mecklenburg County.
Melissa Dupont, who has been an election official since 2008, said that training is required by law. She helps people who get assigned to a polling location.
"We want each of the poll election officials to feel confident in what they're doing," she said. "That they have the proper skills set, knowledge set to provide to the voter's experience when they’re coming to each site, you know, to make their choices."
For Mecklenburg County, preparing for an election is not just about the what but also the why.
"Our business is in the business of getting people to vote," Dickerson said. "We're in the business of getting you out, getting you a spot, getting you in an early voting location, getting you to your polling place, getting you an absentee ballot, whatever it is you want."
It’s part of the job to make sure everyone who shows up to the polls feels confident, too.
"I want to be there to serve, to help them have a good and friendly safe place to come and make their choices for who they want to run in these offices," Dupont said.
Polls open for early voting on Thursday, and residents can participate in early voting through Saturday, March 2.
The primary election is March 5 in North Carolina.
Voters should make sure their voter registration information is updated so they vote at the correct location. And, of course, don’t forget to bring a photo ID.
For those with more questions about the election process, WCNC Charlotte compiled a comprehensive voter guide.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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