Down Home NC Voting Guide
Welcome to Down Home NC’s Voting Guide! We’re excited to help you exercise your right to vote and have your say in your community. Below are some important information to get started.
Why Municipal Elections Are Important
Municipal elections impact our local communities directly. These elections decide who represents us in local government. Your vote holds the power to shape important decisions on issues like schools, infrastructure, and community development. Let’s make our voices heard together!
People in power have purposefully limited the voting power of rural people, women, the poor, and Black and Brown people. Our ancestors fought and died for the right to vote, and the powerful fought to keep it from them.
Voting isn’t the only way to build power, but it’s one of the strongest. Down Home wants to make sure that everyone in our community can vote. Here are some ways you can vote in North Carolina.
Vote by mail: Can’t make it to the polls? No worries! You can still request and submit a mail-in absentee ballot. Click for more info.
Early voting: During the early voting period, you can cast your ballot at any early voting site in your county. You can even register to vote and cast your vote at the same time. Early voting information is available here.
Election day: If you have recently moved or changed your name, update your registration before the deadlines.
Voter ID Requirements
The new North Carolina voter ID law requires you to show a photo ID to vote, but don’t fret! Acceptable forms of ID include your North Carolina driver’s license, state ID from NCDMV, and many more. Even if you don’t have a valid ID, you can get a free voter photo ID from your county board of elections or a free non-driver’s ID card from the NCDMV.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Oct. 13, 2023: Voter registration deadline for November municipal elections
Oct. 19, 2023: Early voting begins for November municipal elections
Oct. 31, 2023: Absentee ballot request deadline for November municipal elections (5 p.m.)
Nov. 4, 2023: Early voting for November municipal elections ends
Nov. 4, 2023: Last day to update your address for your voter registration for November municipal elections
Nov. 7, 2023: Election Day for November municipal elections!
Municipal elections will be held on November 7, 2023, for all cities in North Carolina except for Camden, Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Harnett, Iredell, Nash, Pasquotank, Richmond, Vance, and Wake Counties. The city of Charlotte will also hold a general election on the same day.
More information on election dates and deadlines is available here.
Make A Plan to Vote
Mark Your Calendar: First things first, grab your trusty pen and mark the day and time you’ll be voting on that calendar of yours. Whether it’s early voting or Election Day itself, knowing when you’ll cast your ballot will help you stay prepared and focused.
Secure Reliable Transportation: It’s essential to have a reliable way to get to your polling location. If you’ve got a car, fantastic! Just make sure it’s fueled up and ready to go. But fret not if you don’t have a ride. Reach out to a neighbor, a friend, or even a family member and kindly ask if they wouldn’t mind giving you a lift. Remember, y’all, our community is full of folks who are always ready to lend a helping hand.
Bring Friends and Family Along: Voting is more fun with company! Try to rally at least three friends or family members to join you in casting their ballots. Inspire them with the spirit of unity and the power of our collective voices. Let’s encourage each other to make a difference and create positive change together. After all, when we come together as a community, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish!
Down Home NC has put together a voter plan just for you. There you can map out exactly how you plan to vote – early, by mail, or on Election Day. It’s like having your own personal roadmap to democracy!
Videos
Want to feel inspired and empowered to make a difference in your community? Check out these incredible videos featuring some of our amazing members sharing their personal stories about the importance of being involved and voting.