By RJ JONES
ONE FEATHER EDITOR
To vote in North Carolina, a person who meets the following qualifications must sign and complete a voter registration application. In order to vote in an election, the form must be received by the voter registration deadline which is Oct 12.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a resident of North Carolina.
• Prior to voting, must be a resident of the county for at least 30 days prior to election day.
• Must be at least 18 years old or will be 18 by the date of the next general election.
• Must rescind any previous registration in another county or state.
• If previously convicted of a felony, the person’s citizenship rights must be restored (must not be serving an active sentence, including probation or parole).
In addition to the printable voter registration application accessible at www.ncsbe.gov, voter registration applications are available at county boards of elections’ offices, public libraries, high schools and college admissions offices.
General Election Information
Sept. 7 – Absentee ballots available for General Election
Oct. 12 – Voter registration deadline for Nov. 6 General Elections
Oct. 18 – Nov. 3 – One–Stop absentee voting (early voting)
Oct. 30 – Deadline to request absentee ballot in writing
Nov. 5 – Deadline to request ballots for sickness/disability
Nov. 5 – Absentee ballots must be received in CBE office
Nov. 6 – General Election Day – Polls open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm
Nov. 16 – Canvass Day for county boards of elections
Individuals who miss the registration deadline may register in person and then vote at One-Stop Voting sites (early voting). In order to register during a one-stop period, the applicant must show acceptable proof of name and residence in the county.
In NC counties, One Stop Voting will be held from Oct. 18 through Nov. 3. Swain County will have two voting sites.
• Swain County Board of Elections, 1422 Highway 19 South, Bryson City. Monday through Friday from 8 am-5 pm daily. Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 am-1 pm.
• Cherokee Life Center, 37 Cherokee Boys Club Loop, Cherokee NC. Monday through Friday from 12noon-7 pm. Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 am-1pm.
In Jackson County, One Stop Voting will be held at five sites:
• Jackson County Board of Elections, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva. Monday through Thursday from 8 am-6 pm, Fridays from 7 am-5 pm, Saturdays Nov. 20 and 27 from 10 am -1 pm, Nov. 3 from 10 am-5 pm.
• Cullowhee Recreation Center, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road, Cullowhee. Monday through Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm, Fridays from 10 am-5 p, Saturdays, Nov. 20 and 27 from 10 am–1 pm, Nov. 3 from10 am – 3 pm
• Cashiers Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd Cashiers. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am–6 pm. Fridays from 12 noon-5pm. Saturdays from 10 am–1 pm.
• Wolfetown Community Building, 28 Long Branch Road, Cherokee. Closed Mondays. Tuesday through Friday 12 noon-5pm, Saturdays from 10 am–1 pm
• Balsam Willets-Ochre Hill Fire Department, 36 Mount Pleasant Church Road, Sylva. Closed Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am-6 pm, Fridays from 11 am – 5 pm, Saturdays from 10 am–1 pm.
In Graham County there will be one site:
• Graham County Board of Elections, 18 Court Street, Robbinsville. Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-5pm, Saturday from 8:30 am-1pm.
Contact information:
Swain County Board of Elections
1422 US Highway 19 South
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6177
Jackson County Board of Elections
401 Grindstaff Cove Road, suite 249
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-7538
Graham County Board of Elections
18 Court Street
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-7969
