Voting in Asheville: The Importance of Making Your Voice Heard This Election Season

Voting in Asheville: Making Your Voice Heard

Asheville, a charming city nestled in the heart of North Carolina, is buzzing with anticipation as the election season rolls around. With voting day just around the corner, it’s essential to remind ourselves why casting our votes is such an important duty and privilege. After all, when we vote, we aren’t just marking a ballot; we’re shaping the future for ourselves, our kids, and the generations to come.

Your Ballot: More than Just the Presidential Race

While it’s true that the presidential race steals the limelight, let’s not forget that there are many other races that deserve our attention. Residents in North Carolina will find a robust list of 16 races on their ballots, which include a US House race in all 14 Congressional Districts. These elections are pivotal, and participating in them ensures that your voice is part of the conversation on issues impacting your community.

At the state level, North Carolinians will also cast votes for key offices: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Treasurer, and more. There’s even a race for a North Carolina Supreme Court Justice and three positions for the Court of Appeals. Additionally, voters have the opportunity to elect representatives in the NC House and Senate, with all 120 and 50 seats respectively up for grabs. Don’t overlook the local level, where decisions made by those elected can directly affect your lives, family, and community.

An Important Constitutional Amendment

This election cycle, every ballot will include a proposed Constitutional Amendment, which states that “only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State.” This wording is actually nothing new—it’s aligned with existing North Carolina laws. However, it’s worth noting that this amendment is seen by many as an attempt to intimidate voters and shake their trust in the election process. The League of Women Voters of North Carolina suggests that voters consider voting AGAINST this amendment.

How to Vote: Know Your Options

When it comes to casting your vote, you have a few options available: absentee voting, early voting, and the big day itself on November 5. But, keep in mind—you’ll need a valid Voter ID to participate. It’s also notable that voters in Western North Carolina can cite natural disaster victim status on the exception form, which adds a layer of accessibility for some.

If you’re planning to vote absentee, make sure you’ve filled out your application correctly and secured required signatures. You can turn in absentee ballots to any county Board of Elections by 7:30 PM on November 5, and they will be routed to the appropriate location. If you’re opting for early voting, don’t forget that it wraps up at 3 PM on November 2, and you can vote at any site within your county. Finally, on the actual voting day, make sure to visit your assigned precinct. If you find yourself in line at 7:30 PM, good news—you have the right to cast your vote!

Encourage Others to Vote

As we gear up for the elections, let’s keep the momentum going by encouraging our friends, family, and colleagues to join us at the polls. Think creatively about how you can lend a hand—perhaps driving someone who needs a ride or helping fill out an absentee ballot.

It’s also crucial to instill the importance of voting in the younger generation. Share your voting experiences with your children and grandchildren, making it a cherished family tradition. Your vote is your voice; let’s make it heard loud and clear!