It’s that day, with major national, state and local races on the ballot. Here’s information about where to vote, and how to protect your rights at the polls.
Welcome back, readers. Today is Election Day and while many of our readers and local voters already cast their ballots during early voting, there’s also plenty of chances today to weigh in on a large number of key elections. Today thousands of locals will go to their precinct polling place, walking past signs rows of signs beside public buildings or in the medians of parking lots. But, as we all know, the stakes of what happens in these places couldn’t be higher.
Here’s important things to know.
Today, you must vote at your polling place — Unlike with early voting, you can’t simply vote at any location in the area. Today you must vote at the polling place specific to your precinct. You can find where that is here. You can vote at any time from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you’re in line by 7:30 p.m., you have the legal right to cast your ballot. Polling places aren’t allowed to close while there are still people in line, as long as they arrived before the polls closed.
You do not need an ID — North Carolina’s voter ID law was struck down by the federal courts. Like in the early voting period, you do not need an ID to cast your ballot. However, unlike the early voting period, you can only vote today if you’re already registered.
No one can prevent you from voting or try to intimidate you from voting — You have a constitutional right to cast your ballot. If anyone tries to intimidate you away from the polls or stop you from casting your ballot, call the Election Protection hotlines at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Here’s a handy, specific list about your rights to cast a ballot in North Carolina. You can also call the Department of Justice.
There are useful tools and information to help you vote — The Blade has guides to two major local matters on the ballot, the $74 million bond referendums for Asheville voters and the Buncombe County Commissioner elections. Code for Asheville also developed a handy tool to help you find more information about every race on your ballot, including links to media coverage, campaign websites and voter info locations.
Well-informed is well-prepared. Now get out there and vote.
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