Early Voting In Brunswick County: Start Date

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, early voting for the second primary election began on Thursday, April 25 and ended on Saturday, May 11. During the early voting period, voters can cast their ballots at any early voting site in their county. This is different from Election Day, where registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place.

Early voting site locations

Early voting in Brunswick County, North Carolina, offers registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballot in person at any early voting site in the county before Election Day. This is different from Election Day, where voters must vote at their assigned polling place. Early voting sites will have all the ballot styles for a given election.

During the early voting period, eligible individuals may also register to vote and cast their ballot at the same time. This process is called "same-day registration".

For the 2024 general election, the early voting period begins on Thursday, October 17, and ends at 3 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The general election will then be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The early voting site locations and schedules for Brunswick County can be found on the Early Voting Site Search tool. These change for each election, and the information is only available through the search tool once it is finalized.

Voter registration

Firstly, it is essential for voters to confirm their registration status before each election. This can be done through the Voter Lookup Tool, by referring to the registration card mailed upon registration, or by contacting the Brunswick County Board of Elections office. Voters are advised to confirm their registration details well in advance of Election Day to avoid any last-minute surprises.

For those who miss the voter registration deadline, Brunswick County offers same-day registration during the early voting period. This option is available to county residents who have lived in the county for at least 30 days before the election. To take advantage of this option, individuals must visit any early voting site in the county, provide acceptable proof of residence, and complete the registration process. This process is not available on Election Day, so it is crucial to plan ahead.

Early voting in Brunswick County offers registered voters the convenience of casting their ballots at any early voting site within the county, rather than being restricted to their specific precinct on Election Day. This flexibility allows voters to choose the most convenient location and time to cast their votes. However, it is important to note that early voting dates vary for each election, so staying informed about the specific early voting period for the upcoming election is essential.

On Election Day itself, registered voters in Brunswick County must report to their designated precinct, which can be found using the Voter Lookup Tool or by referring to their registration card. It is important to bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide the necessary information, such as name, residential address, and political party affiliation, if applicable.

In summary, voter registration in Brunswick County, North Carolina, involves confirming registration status, understanding early voting options, and knowing the requirements for voting on Election Day. By staying informed and proactive, voters can ensure they are ready to participate fully in the democratic process.

Photo ID requirements

Voters in North Carolina are required by law to present a photo ID when voting in person. This includes during early voting and on Election Day. If you are voting by mail, you will need to include a photocopy of your ID with your ballot return envelope. If you are unable to do so, you can fill out an ID Exception Form instead.

The following forms of ID are acceptable, provided they are unexpired or expired for one year or less:

• North Carolina driver's license
• State ID from the NCDMV (also called a "non-operator ID")
• Driver's license or non-driver ID from another state, the District of Columbia, or a US territory (only if the voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election)
• US Passport or US Passport Card
• North Carolina voter photo ID card issued by a county board of elections
• College or university student ID approved by the State Board of Elections
• State or local government, or charter school employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections

If you are 65 or older, you may use an expired form of acceptable ID, as long as the ID was unexpired on your 65th birthday.

The following forms of ID are also acceptable, regardless of whether they contain an expiration or issuance date:

• Military or veterans ID card (with photo) issued by the US government
• Tribal enrollment card (with photo) issued by a tribe recognised by the state of North Carolina or the federal government
• ID card (with photo) issued by an agency of the US government or the state of North Carolina for a public assistance program (note that the state board is not aware of any such IDs in circulation that contain a photo)

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can obtain one for free from your county board of elections or the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). Alternatively, you can fill out an ID Exception Form and vote with a provisional ballot.

Same-day registration

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, eligible voters who are not yet registered to vote in the county may register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period. This process is called "same-day registration".

To be eligible for same-day registration, an individual must have resided in Brunswick County for at least 30 days before the election. They must also provide acceptable proof of residence, such as a North Carolina driver's license, other government-issued photo identification with their current name and address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing their name and address.

It is important to note that, on Election Day, registered voters must vote at their designated precinct and cannot take advantage of same-day registration.

Absentee ballots

Firstly, registered voters can request their absentee ballot online through the NC Absentee Ballot Portal, or by printing and submitting an Absentee Request Form. The form must be submitted by mail or in person to the Board of Elections. It cannot be returned electronically. Voters are required to select a single election date for their request to be processed.

Secondly, voters who vote by mail must include a photocopy of an acceptable ID or an ID Exception Form. The ballot must be marked by filling in the rectangle next to the chosen candidate(s) using a blue or black pen. The ballot must be voted in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public, who observe the ballot being marked, but not how the voter votes. The ballot is then sealed in the provided return envelope, signed by the voter, and also signed by the witnesses or notary. If the voter received assistance, the assistant must also sign the envelope.

Finally, the ballot must be returned by mail or in person. If returned by mail, the correct postage of $1.63 must be applied. For the primary election, absentee ballots must be received by the board of elections by 7:30 pm on Election Day, May 14, 2024. The United States Postal Service recommends that ballots are mailed at least one week before the election. If returned in person, the ballot must be delivered to the office or an in-person early voting site by 7:30 pm on May 14, 2024. It cannot be returned to a polling place on Election Day. If the ballot is returned in person, the person delivering the ballot is required to complete a return log.

According to state law, the ballot can only be returned by the voter, the voter's near relative or legal guardian, a Multipartisan Assistance Team, or a person who has provided assistance to the voter due to a disability.

Frequently asked questions