There’s an election coming up Nov. 4 here in Western North Carolina.
While it’s not as big and flashy as a presidential presidential election, nor as boisterous as a mid-term election, it’s just as important as both of those. Most of the issues on the ballot are very local, meaning they impact your day-to-day life more directly than voting for national offices.
There are three counties in WNC that do not have any elections this cycle (I’m looking at you, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford!).
Blue Ridge Public Radio is here to inform you with some logistical information you’ll need to get out and vote.
Voter Registration
Unfortunately, if you aren’t registered, the deadline to do so for this election has already passed. BUT you may still be able to register and vote thanks to “same-day registration.”
During this early-voting period (up until Nov. 1), you can register at an early-voting site and immediately vote at the same time.
Now, there are some eligibility criteria for same-day registration. You have to be qualified to register – meaning you have to be a U.S. citizen, live in the county where you are registering, be at least 18 years old and not currently be serving a felony sentence (this includes probation and parole).
Bring your ID with you – a driver’s license or a North Carolina DMV ID will do.
Fun fact: 16- and 17-year olds may preregister to vote!
Early Voting
In-person early voting started Oct. 16 and ends Saturday, Nov. 1. You can only vote in the county in which you are registered, although not every county has an early voting site.
Buncombe County
- Elections Services Warehouse
50 Coxe Ave
Asheville, 28801 - Weaverville Community Center
60 Lakeshore Dr.
Weaverville, 28787
Haywood County
- Haywood County Senior Resource Center
81 Elmwood Way
Waynesville, 28786
Macon County
- Highlands Civic Center
600 N 4th St. #1
Highands, 28741 - Macon County Community Building
1288 Georgia Rd
Franklin, 28734
Swain County
- Swain County Board of Elections Office
45 East Ridge Drive
Bryson City, 28713
Transylvania County
- Transylvania County Board of Elections Office
150 Gaston St. #A
Brevard, 28712
Election Day Voting
Registered voters in North Carolina can vote at their assigned polling place only. The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone already in line at their polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has made it easy for you to find out where your polling place is with this handy Voter Search Form.
Don’t forget your photo ID!
