Get Ready to Vote, Asheville!
Hey there, Asheville! The countdown is on for the 2024 general election, which will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5. With so many important positions on the ballot, including the President, North Carolina Governor, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and Asheville City Council, it’s crucial that you arm yourself with the knowledge you need before heading to the polls. So, let’s dive into what you need to know to make your voting experience smooth and enjoyable!
Registering to Vote
First things first, let’s talk about registration. Are you eligible to vote? If you’re not sure, you can easily check your status using NC’s Voter Search Tool. If you need to register or update your information, you can do that too! Just print out the registration form and either mail it or deliver it in person to the Buncombe County Election Services office. For those with a North Carolina driver’s license or ID, registering online is a breeze!
Oh, and here’s a handy tip: if you’re thinking of registering during the early voting period, you can take advantage of same-day registration. Just bring a valid ID and proof of residency along with you!
Don’t Forget Your ID!
This year, you’ll need to show a photo ID when you cast your vote. If you don’t have an ID handy, don’t sweat it! You can swing by the Election Services Headquarters during regular hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) to get a free photo ID card. All you need to do is provide some basic information, and they’ll snap your picture right there!
Voting Options
Alright, now let’s chat about how you can vote! You have a few different options to choose from:
1. Early Voting
If you’d like to dodge the lines on Election Day, early voting is a fantastic option. It runs from Thursday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 2. During this time, you can vote at any of the 14 polling places in Buncombe County. The hours are pretty convenient too: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on weekends with varying times.
2. Vote by Mail with an Absentee Ballot
Want to vote from the comfort of your home? No problem! Registered voters can request an absentee ballot. Just make sure to request your ballot by Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. You can do this online or print a request form, fill it out, and submit it to the Buncombe County Election Services. Once you get your ballot, remember to return it by Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
One important note: if you’re voting by mail, don’t forget to include a copy of your eligible photo ID! If that’s not possible, you can fill out the Photo ID Exception form that comes with your ballot. And guess what? You can even track your mail-in ballot through BallotTrax to ensure it gets where it needs to go!
3. Voting on Election Day
If you’re planning to vote on Election Day itself, the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Remember, on this day you’ll need to head to your assigned polling place, so make sure you check in advance where that is!
Let’s Make Our Voices Heard!
So there you have it, Asheville! With so much at stake, it’s essential to be prepared, informed, and ready to make your voice heard. Whether you choose to vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, every vote counts. Let’s show up and participate in this exciting election!
