(Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)
Justin Merriman/Getty ImagesAlot of folks are headed to the polls today (November 6th) as it's Election Day! There are several races folks will keep their eyes on - specifically in Georgia where Stacey Abrams could become the nation's first black female governor or in Florida where Democrat Andrew Gilliam could be that states first black governor.
No matter your party affiliation, those on the other side of voting are encouraging you to exercise your right to vote! And apparently, many in North Carolina have. More than 2 million North Carolinians have already cast their ballots in the midterm elections. Some 5 million remaining registered voters get their chance today (Tuesday).
Here is some basic information you need to know when heading to the polls:
North Carolina
- The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. statewide in North Carolina. Lines are typically longest before and after business hours. The N.C. Board of Elections says if you’re in line by 7:30 p.m., you WILL be able to cast a ballot.
- There aren’t any statewide offices up for grabs this year. But voters in some congressional races — the 9th District seat in southeast Charlotte and Union County, the 13th District north and east of Charlotte — will elect representatives who will help determine whether or not Democrats win enough seats to retake control of the U.S. House. State legislators are also on the ballot, as Democrats try to “break the supermajority” Republicans hold in the N.C. General Assembly. Mecklenburg County commissioners are on the ballot, as is $223 million worth of borrowing the city of Charlotte wants to use for roads, housing and infrastructure.
- If you have an issue on Election Day, you can report it to the state Board of Elections at https://www.ncsbe.gov. Look for “Report an Election Incident” on the home page.
South Carolina
- South Carolina does not offer an early voting period. If you will be unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot by mail or by visiting your local election office.
What to bring
- You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in South Carolina. Acceptable forms include: South Carolina driver's license or South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card; South Carolina voter registration card with photo; US military ID; or US passport.
- Voters without ID: If you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot after showing your non-photo voter registration card. If you do not have photo ID and do not have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one, or you simply forgot to bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote a provisional ballot. However, for your vote to be counted, you must provide one of the photo IDs to the county board of voter registration and elections prior to certification of the election (usually Thursday or Friday after the election).
- Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
- For more information or to address issues concerning voting on Election Day, contact your County Election Commission.
