The League of Women Voters of North Carolina has released two new animated videos that walk voters through the election process, with particular attention paid to what's new in 2024.
Part 1 covers election changes and safeguards in place for 2024, including ID requirements, absentee ballot signature requirements, measures to prevent double voting, ballot tracking, and more.
Of note: Any North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot but decide later to vote in person instead.
Absentee ballots must be received at the County Board of Election by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. One notary public or two witnesses must be in the voter’s presence when they mark their absentee ballot. A photocopy of the voter’s photo ID must be returned with the absentee ballot.
Weekly absentee review meetings began at each county board of elections on Oct. 1 (five weeks before the election). Following these meetings, voters are informed with any issues regarding their absentee ballots and can follow steps to correct the ballot.
Part 2 covers the canvass process, hand-to-eye recounts, election security, and more.
A sample audit – a hand-to-eye count – ensures that the tabulators accurately record the votes marked on the ballots. Voted and unvoted ballots and authorization to vote forms are reconciled to ensure that the totals match. Provisional ballots are evaluated so that they can be approved and counted – or denied. During canvass, absentee ballots not received and tabulated before the election but by the deadline are evaluated, approved, and counted – or denied. Any irregularity can trigger an investigation by the State Investigation Division. Following canvass, the State Board of Election certifies all the contests, and the official winners are announced.
The video emphasizes that these meetings are open to the public, and the League encourages North Carolinians to attend. For information about what to look for at county board of election meetings, go to our website. The best protection of our election system is the vigilance and participation of voters. Rely on trusted, official sources of information, like your State and County Boards of Election.
Next step? Make a voting plan. In-person early voting is happening now and ends on Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. During early voting, you can vote at any early voting location in your county. This differs from Election Day, Nov. 5, when you must vote at your assigned polling place. Remember to bring your photo ID.
VOTE411.org – the League's non-partisan voter guide – is a tremendous resource. See what's on your ballot, find out where to vote, check your voter registration, and more.
The Election Protection Hotline is 866-OUR-VOTE. Utilize this should you encounter any problems at your polling place.
By exercising vigilance and patience, we can ensure that every eligible vote is counted and election results are accurate.
The League is here to answer your voting questions. Reach out to votingquestions [at] lwvnc.org for assistance.
