Update, October 3: With just weeks to go until Election Day, Hurricane Helene has destroyed critical infrastructure and displaced thousands in North Carolina and several other states. State and local officials are scrambling to restore basic services. It’s still possible to vote if you live in western North Carolina, even if you’ve been displaced from your home, but time is of the essence. Here’s what you need to know.
Registering to vote: The voter registration deadline for North Carolina is Friday, October 11, at 5 p.m. Eastern time. If you have a North Carolina driver’s license, you can register for free online. Remember that the county where you register is the county where you must vote, whether in person or by mail. Requesting a mail-in ballot: Voters in North Carolina can request mail-in ballots, also known as absentee ballots, through this website. Under state law, your ballot must reach your county election office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, or it won’t count. Given disruptions to mail service, experts say that it’s best for voters to request absentee ballots by Tuesday, October 22, at the latest. This w... Read more
