Election Security

Protecting Your Vote

The State Board of Elections is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all voters and the elections process. Find out about the safeguards in place, and learn about ways you can help secure North Carolina’s elections.

Combating Misinformation

Mis- and disinformation are widespread in elections, which can erode public trust and threaten our democracy. Visit Combating Misinformation to find out how to report false claims, and see what we are doing to debunk common misinformation.

Preparing for Accurate Elections

Find detailed information about pre-election testing of voting equipment to ensure accurate vote counts that North Carolina voters can be confident about at Preparing for Accurate Elections.

Tips for Monitoring or Observing the Election at Polling Sites

On-site elections officials have the duty to ensure a safe and orderly voting site where voters are not obstructed. View the guide for monitors, observers, and runners at Tips for Monitoring or Observing the Election at Polling Sites.

Post-Election Procedures and Audits

Learn about county canvass, the audits that occur after every election, and review the audit reports for previous elections at Post-Election Procedures and Audits.

Investigations Division

The State Board investigates potential election law violations and refers cases to prosecutors when warranted based on the findings. To find out more information about this and the three-step process of most cases, visit Investigations Division.

Cybersecurity

The State Board of Elections works with many partners to improve the security of elections at the state and county levels. To find out about these efforts, see Cybersecurity.

Voter Intimidation

Intimidating any voter is a crime. Please be courteous toward others at the voting place, regardless of differences of opinion, and remain calm at all times. If at any time a voter feels harassed or intimidated at a polling place, the voter should notify an election official immediately. Read more: Voter Intimidation.

Phone Usage at the Polls

Find out why taking photos of or videotaping voted ballots are illegal in North Carolina and learn about the acceptable usage of personal electronic devices while voting. Visit: Phone Usage at the Polls.

How Can You Help Secure North Carolina’s Elections?

Ways North Carolina voters can help secure our elections:

• Please register and vote if eligible. To make sure it’s up to date, check your voter registration on the Voter Search.
• Carefully review your selections on your ballot before casting it. Remember, once you put your ballot in the tabulator it cannot be retrieved, so it is important to make sure you have selected each desired ballot item.
• If you encounter any issues when voting, immediately report the issue to a precinct official at the polling place.
• Advocate for additional state or federal funding for cybersecurity improvements and new voting systems.
• Seek information about elections from trusted sources, such as the State Board and county boards of elections. Be mindful that information about elections that you find and share on social media may not be accurate. 
• For regular updates on voting in North Carolina, follow the State Board on Twitter and Linkedin, and like us on Facebook.
• Witness the process firsthand, serve your community — and get paid — by becoming a precinct official or election worker.