County boards of elections offices across North Carolina have scheduled more than 42,400 total hours of early voting for the 2016 general election, a 16 percent increase over 2012. Also, the 444 early voting locations statewide represent a 21 percent increase over 2012.
In many counties, voters who want to beat longer Election Day lines also can take advantage of more evening hours and more Saturday and Sunday hours in 2016 compared to four years ago. (Download: PDF/Data for more details on early voting hours statewide and by county.)
“Voters have many options when casting ballots this year, and we encourage them to use the option that best fits their schedules,” said Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Early voting begins October 20 and ends November 5. Voters may participate at any early voting location within their county of residence. Those who miss the regular voter registration deadline on October 14 can register and vote at one-stop early voting locations. Dates and times vary by county and location. Voters can look up the one-stop locations in their counties on the State Board of Elections website, ncsbe.gov/OSsite or by contacting their local board of elections office.
Early voting accounted for 56 percent of total votes cast during the 2012 general election in North Carolina.
As of October 1, 6,749,460 voters were registered in the state, more voters than at any other time in history. More than 23,100 voters had returned absentee ballots as of Friday, Oct. 7.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections is the state agency charged with overall responsibility for administration of the elections process and campaign finance disclosure in North Carolina. The office of the State Board of Elections works in conjunction with County Board of Elections offices to ensure that elections are conducted lawfully and fairly.
For additional information visit North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov.