Student Guide to Voting in North Carolina

Early Voting: October 17-November 2 (ends at 3:00pm), 2024
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

• REGISTER by Oct. 11 *or* at the polls during Early Voting. Learn more at ncvoter.org/voteearly.

• UPDATE your voter registration every time you move, even if it is in the same county. You CANNOT change your voter registration on Election Day and must vote where you are registered. Learn more at ncvoter.org/register

• BRING ID! Don’t forget your approved photo ID to vote a regular ballot, in person or by mail. Learn more below.

Have questions or problems voting? Visit ncvoter.org or CALL 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683)

Does Your Student ID Also Work as a Voter ID? 

Under the voter photo ID requirement, your student ID issued by North Carolina community colleges and public and private colleges and universities must be approved for voting. Not all student IDs can be used for voting. Find out if your school ID will work for voting in 2024 here. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you can still vote with a provisional ballot.

👉🏾WHAT ID CAN I USE?

Some examples include an NC driver’s license (or a license from another state for voters registered in NC within 90 days of the election, Aug. 7), a U.S. Passport, an approved college or university student ID by the State Board of Elections, or a FREE NC voter photo ID issued by a county board of elections (a great alternative if your school’s ID hasn’t been approved by the NCSBE!) Find the full list of valid IDs here. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! The address on your voter ID does not matter – the law says ID is only used to prove who you are, not where you live!

👉🏾 WHAT IF I CAN’T SHOW AN ID WHEN I VOTE?

You can vote a provisional ballot and either complete an ID Exception Form (also known as a reasonable impediment form) or bring your acceptable photo ID to your county elections board by November 14, 2024 . All mail-in absentee ballots come with an ID Exception Form. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! It is your right to ask for an ID Exception Form if you cannot show ID. Having trouble voting without one? We can help! Text or call (888) OUR-VOTE.

👉🏾 WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL BALLOT?

A provisional ballot is used when there is a question about a person’s eligibility to vote. If voting without photo ID, your provisional ballot will count if you truthfully complete and sign the ID Exception form (per the NCSBE) or the voter does not return to their elections board’s office by the day before county election results are certified (November 14, 2024).

👉🏾WHAT IF I VOTE BY MAIL?

Mail-in absentee voters must include a photocopy of their acceptable ID with the ballot return envelope.  No photocopier, no problem! Complete the ID Exception Form included with your ballot and mark the reason why you can’t provide a copy of photo ID. Don’t forget to sign the bottom of the form!

Registering to Vote

👉🏾TO REGISTER: You must be (1) a U.S. citizen; (2) 18 by Election Day; and (3) live at your address at least 30 days before the election. You can register to vote online, by printed form or during Early Voting. Make sure your voter registration matches the residential address where you currently live!

👉🏾FIRST TIME VOTER? Amazing! Make sure you provide your date of birth and  either your NC driver’s license number or social security number on your voter registration form. If you don’t have these ID numbers, you must provide an additional document (cell phone bill, paycheck) when you go vote.

👉🏾MISSED THE DEADLINE? Register and vote on the same day during Early Voting! Just bring an acceptable photo ID AND a paper or electronic document with your name and current residential address, e.g. a current utility bill (cell phone), paycheck, bank statement, etc. For a list of approved documents go to gotidnc.org.

• You must provide an address where you can receive mail. If you can’t receive mail at your residential or campus housing address, provide a mailing address (e.g.,  a family member’s home address, P.O. Box, etc.)
• You should provide a phone number and/or email address to the election official if there are any issues with verifying the address.
• You may also provide proof of residence by presenting any paper or electronic document from your college or university that contains your name and residential address (e.g. invoice, transcript, or correspondence). NOTE: This only applies if the student goes to public university or college. If you are a student at a private university, for this to apply, your student ID must be approved.

👉🏾 TIP! Students living on-campus should ask if the election official has their university’s or college’s housing list.

🔥HOT TIPS FOR VOTING🔥

DON’T WAIT, VOTE EARLY

Use Early Voting sites (Oct. 17 – Nov. 2) in your county: ncvoter.org/voteearly.

👉🏾PRO-TIP: use a location near your campus to increase turnout and be a voice in your community!

VOTE ON ELECTION DAY

On Election Day (Nov. 5) go to your precinct’s poll anytime between 6:30AM and 7:30PM. STAY IN LINE! – You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polls close. Find your precinct at ncvoter.org/lookup.

👉🏾PRO-TIP: If you mess up your ballot, just ask for a new one.

VOTE BY MAIL

Go to ncvoter.org/absentee to request an Absentee Ballot by Oct. 29 at 5:00PM. If you mail your ballot, it must arrive by 7:30PM on November 5 (postmark no longer counts). If you’re worried about making the deadline, drop off your ballot at your county board of elections by 7:30PM on November 5.

VOTE THE WHOLE BALLOT – NOT JUST THE TOP

You’re not just voting for the President — judicial and local elections can directly impact your life. Preview your ballot at ncvoter.org/guide.

👉🏾PRO-TIP: Vote your ballot from the bottom up!

USE YOUR CELL PHONE, NOT TOO MUCH

You can take a cellphone or paper into the polls to help remember your choices, but no photos/selfies are allowed.

AVOID LINES

Best times to vote are mid-morning (9:00AM-11:00AM.) or mid-afternoon (1PM-4PM) during Early Voting or on Election Day. Grab food at the dining hall and head over to your closest voting site!