The State Board of Elections is encouraging voters to check their proper polling location ahead of Tuesday’s Primary. Changes to election law effective this year require voters to appear at their proper polling location or risk disqualification of their entire ballot.
“We want every voter to fully participate in our democratic process, and that requires appearing at the right polling place,” said Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach.
Voters may confirm their polling location online or contact their county board of elections for more information. Voters who moved within the same county on or before April 6, 2014 are eligible to vote in their new precinct and should enter their new address into the online tool. Voters who moved after April 6, 2014 are eligible to vote in their old precinct and should enter their old address into the online tool.
Also new this cycle, election officials will ask voters whether they have an acceptable form of photo identification, though voters will not be required to present one until January 2016. Voters who state they do not possess acceptable identification will be asked to provide contact information so the State Board may offer assistance obtaining needed identification before 2016. A partnership with the State Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles allows voters to obtain no-fee photo identification.
“Counties are working to ensure that lines move quickly while providing information to voters ahead of 2016,” said Election Preparation & Support Manager Veronica Degraffenreid.
Many North Carolinians have already participated in the primary. One-stop early voting concluded Saturday with 259,590 votes cast over the 10-day period. Turnout in the 2010 primary totaled 172,972 votes cast over a 17-day period. A greater proportion of registered voters participated in 2014 (3.98%) over 2010 (2.83%).
The State Board will report primary election results online in addition to posting raw data.