Voters in this perennially purple state will head to the polls Tuesday to choose candidates for the U.S. House and Senate in races that, come November, could help predict control of Congress. But a more obscure contest for state legislature, in which one of the state’s most powerful Republicans is fighting for his political life, could capture the spotlight Tuesday.
Here’s what to know before you head to the polls.
Where do I go to vote?
You can find your designated polling site by visiting the State Board of Elections Voter Search portal and entering your information. You can also confirm that you’re registered to vote in the portal.
When are polls open?
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Is it too late to vote by mail?
It’s too late to apply for a mail-in ballot, but if you have already applied and received one, there’s still time to send it in or bring it to your county board of elections. Mail ballots will be accepted until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Who is allowed at polling stations? Could Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers show up?
North Carolina has specific rules about who is allowed to visit a polling station if they are not voting. State law stipulates that officers cannot be stationed at a polling site.
Election officials in the state have been trained to watch out for voter intimidation, and to address situations that might interfere with a voter’s ability to cast their ballot. You can read more about that here.
That said, The Hill reported this week that the Department of Homeland Security, which operates ICE, told election officials that immigration agents will not be stationed at polling sites this year.
What if I’m in line when polls close?
You will be able to vote if you’re in line when polls close.
Do I need identification?
Yes, you need a government-issued ID. If you don’t have one, speak with an election official at your polling location about filling out a provisional ballot. If you have one but didn’t bring it to the polls, you will have another chance to bring your ID to your county elections board office by noon on Friday, March 6, or fill out a form explaining why you aren’t able to show ID. You can read more here.
What is the likelihood of a runoff? And if there is one, when will it be?
Runoffs are known as “second primaries” in North Carolina. Given the number of candidates in this year’s primary races for Senate and House, second primaries are possible. Any second primaries will take place on May 12.
Do I need to be registered with a party to participate?
No, you can be unaffiliated and still vote in a primary. But you can participate only in one party’s primary, and only in that party’s second primary, if there is one.
How do I confirm my vote after it’s been cast?
You can check the status of your vote in the state election board’s Voter Search portal.
If you voted early in person, you will usually see an update to your status the day after you vote.
If you vote in person on Election Day or absentee by mail, it may take several weeks to see an update in the portal.
And if you voted with a provisional ballot, you will be able to check its status 10 days after the election using the Provisional Search tool.
