how to actually vote
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Question 1
Are you registered to vote in North Carolina?
Yes, in the same county as my college or where I’m currently living.
Yes, but in a different county than my college or where I’m currently living.
We totally believe you but it doesn’t hurt to double-check here, right?
If that’s the case — confirm here — you might need to request an absentee ballot. If you want to vote in your college town, you can update your registration and vote the same day during early voting until 3PM Nov. 2.
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GLOSSARY
Polling place: a designated location for registered voters to go vote during an election, often schools or community centers.
Voter registration: a requirement that an eligible voter must adhere to in order to be permitted to cast their ballot in local, state, and federal elections.
Early voting: the ability to vote in person before Election Day at a designated early voting location.
Absentee ballot: a vote cast by an eligible voter who is unable to attend their official polling place on Election Day, usually sent by mail.
Down ballot: relating to a role or position that requires voter selection but commonly further down the ballot; often local or low-profile positions with equal importance to federal positions.
Voter ID laws: state-specific laws that may or may not require eligible voters to bring identification to vote in person.
Voting plan: a concept for eligible voters to prepare for casting their vote, including identifying any barriers or roadblocks that may cause them to not be able to cast their vote (access to polling places, early voting and absentee ballot deadlines, available time off to cast their vote, etc.).
Local ballot measures: local laws that need to be voted on by eligible voters directly in order for potential policy changes to pass or fail.
Poll worker: qualified officials residing in the county that are responsible for overseeing a fair and orderly voting experience at their polling place. Volunteer to be a poll worker this Election Day!
The Gen Z Guide To Voting
As A College Student In NC
No, I’m not registered to vote.
Honestly, I’m not sure?
TIP: The online and by-mail registration window closed on October 11. But don't worry, you can still register through same-day registration at an early voting location (starting Oct. 17 through Nov. 2). After you register on the spot you'll be able to vote immediately after! It's a quick and easy way to make sure your voice is heard this election. Important note: Same-day registration is not available on Election Day, so you must vote early if you aren’t already registered.
You can still register through same-day registration at an
early voting location until Nov 2nd at 3PM. Learn about the importance of making your voice heard here.
No problem! Check your registration status here and if it turns out you’re not yet registered, you can still register through same-day registration at an early voting location until 3PM on Nov. 2.
In person on Election Day!
Through early voting in person.
Via absentee ballot/vote-by-mail.
TBH, I haven’t figured that out just yet.
You’re in your “I Voted” sticker era. Let’s find your polling place here so you know where to go!
Huge — early voting is so important, especially for busy college students. Early voting in North Carolina begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Have you requested your absentee ballot yet? (If not, do it ASAP here.) The deadline to request your ballot is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
From Oct. 17 through Nov. 2, you can cast your vote at any early voting site in your county. If you wait until Election Day, you have to go to your assigned polling place. Want to vote by mail? Request your ballot before Oct. 29 here.
Question 2
How do you plan on voting?
Next Question ↓
Yes, I think so!
I’m not sure!
I don’t think I have what I need!
I’m good — I’m voting by mail.
OK good! You can double-check here.
No problem! You'll need to bring photo identification to the polls. You can bring your NC driver’s license or at most campuses, you can use your physical student ID. If you don't have either of those, find more options here.
Don't worry! You'll need to bring photo identification to the polls. You can bring your NC driver’s license or at most campuses, you can use your physical student ID. If you don't have either of those, find more options here.
Absentee voters still have to provide a photocopy of an accepted form of photo ID when returning their ballot. If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you can fill out an ID exception form and submit it with your ballot. Learn about your ID options here.
Question 3
Do you know what the voter ID laws are in North Carolina & do you have what you need?
Next Question ↓
TIP: You’re busy, we get it! Finding time in your schedule is just one of the many reasons to vote early, especially for college students who may not be able to get to your polling place on Election Day. You can vote at any early voting location in your county, giving you plenty of choices near campus. Early voting runs from October 17 to November 2, so click here to find your school and discover where you can cast your vote!
TIP: Never got your driver’s license? Don’t worry! Learn about your options as a North Carolina voter here.
Where to go to vote early?
When you have to vote early by?
Where and when to return your absentee ballot?
This is great, but I'm voting in person on Election Day.
Voting early near your college has never been easier. Click here to find your school and early voting location now.
Early voting begins Oct. 17. and runs through Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. Block off time on your calendar to vote right now so you don't double-book.
You can find a few return options here. (And make sure to track your ballot here if you mail it in.) Don’t wait to return your ballot though — if you mail in your ballot, it must arrive by Election Day at 7:30 p.m. to count.
You’re going to love the next question!
Question 4
Voting early or by absentee ballot?
Do you know…
Next Question ↓
TIP: Find a few friends that are also voting absentee and fill out your ballots together! North Carolina requires you to have two witnesses (or one notary public) in your presence when you mark your absentee ballot. Remember: Your friends are there to observe you marking your ballot, not influence your vote!
Where you are going to vote?
How you are getting there?
What time you’re going to vote?
I’m realizing I don’t have a plan to make it work!
Let’s confirm your polling place here — and make sure to put the location in your calendar now so you don’t forget!
Good news — there are a ton of rideshare discounts offered on Election Day. Check them out here.
Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. Find a convenient time and block off your calendar now so you don’t double-book.
You already have your polling place, but need help getting there? Find discounted rideshare offers here. We’ve even created some email templates for you to use if you need to miss work or class.
Question 5
Voting in person on Election Day? Let’s make your day-of plan now. Do you know…
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You DID It! you now know...
how to actually vote!
Gen Z will play a monumental role in this election and by using our guide you've taken an important step in making your voice heard.
Click here to download a graphic you can share to encourage others to do the same. Tag @hercampus and use #HowToActuallyVote to be featured on Her Campus.
how to actually vote
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
Want to help your friends in other states vote with confidence? Share HowToActuallyVote.com with them so they can easily navigate the process and feel prepared as college voters this election!
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined you are to make your voice heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined young people in North Carolina are to make their voices heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote In North Carolina, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student in North Carolina crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote in North Carolina.
Paid for by Rally NC and not authorized by any political party, candidate, or committee.
Want to help your friends in other states vote with confidence? Share HowToActuallyVote.com with them so they can easily navigate the process and feel prepared as college voters this election!
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
IN north carolina
TIP: Make a voting plan to hold yourself accountable and play a key role in this election. Pledge to vote here before Election Day and encourage your friends to do the same. And remember: Whether you're voting in person, early, or by mail, change starts locally, and it's *crucial* to be prepared for the entire ballot. Learn about your local measures here, so there are no surprises when you vote!
TIP: Make a voting plan to hold yourself accountable and play a key role in this election. Pledge to vote here before Election Day and encourage your friends to do the same. And remember: Whether you're voting in person, early, or by mail, change starts locally, and it's *crucial* to be prepared for the entire ballot. Learn about your local measures here, so there are no surprises when you vote!
To find an early voting location in your county, select your university below and we’ll provide you with the exact address you need to go to make your voice heard early this election season.
To find an early voting location in your county, select your university below and we’ll provide you with the exact address you need to go to make your voice heard early this election season.
presented and paid FOR by her campus X rally NC
Campus
Appalachian State University
Bennett College
Davidson College
Duke University
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Early Voting Locations
Open HOuRs
On Campus:
Plemmons Student Union,
263 Locust St., Boone 28608
Nearby on NC A&T Campus:
Dudley Building, 202 University Circle, Greensboro 27411
Near Campus:
Davidson Town Hall & Comm. Center 251 South St., Davidson 28036
On Campus:
Karsh Alumni Center,
2080 Duke Univ. Rd., Durham 27708
On Campus:
ECU Student Center,
501 E. 10th St., Greenville 27858
On Campus:
Kermit White Graduate Center,
1704 Weeksville Rd., Elizabeth City 27909
Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 8 am-7:30 pm
Sun. 2 pm-7:30 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
A - E
E - J
J - N
N - U
Elon University
Fayetteville State University
Forsyth Tech
Greensboro College
Guilford College
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
On Campus:
Elon South Campus Gym,
329 S. Antioch Ave., Elon 27244
Near Campus:
Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave., Fayetteville 28301
1.6 miles from Campus:
Miller Park Comm. Center,
400 Leisure Lane, Winston-Salem 27103
0.7 miles from Campus:
Guilford Co. Board of Elections Office,
301 W. Market St., Suite 108,
Greensboro 27401
2 miles from Campus:
Leonard Rec Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro 27410
1.5 miles from Campus:
Junior Achievement Bldg. Suite 100,
1701 N. Graham St., Charlotte 28206
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-5 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Johnson C. Smith University
Livingstone College
Meredith College
Methodist University
NC Agricultural & Technical University
North Carolina Central University
1.7 miles from Campus:
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library,
2412 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte 28216
Near Campus (shuttle bus on Oct. 30):
Board of Elections office in Old Salisbury Mall, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Salisbury 28147
2 miles from Campus:
NCSU Talley Student Union, Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh 27607
2 miles from Campus:
College Lakes Rec Center,
4945 Rosehill Rd., Fayetteville 28311
On Campus:
Dudley Building,
202 University Circle, Greensboro 27411
On Campus:
Turner Law Building,
640 Nelson St., Durham 27707
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1-6 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm;
Sat., Oct. 26, 8 am-7:30 pm;
Sun. 2 pm-7:30 pm;
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
North Carolina State University
Queens University of Charlotte
Saint Augustine's College
Salem College
Shaw University
UNC School of The Arts
On Campus:
Talley Student Union, Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh 27607
3 miles from Campus:
Southpark Esplanade Bldg., Suite 168W, 2101 Rexford Rd., Charlotte 28211
2 miles from Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
1.5 miles from Campus:
Sprague St. Comm. Center,
130 E. Sprague St., Winston-Salem 27107
Near Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
1 mile from Campus:
Sprague St. Comm. Center,
130 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem 27127
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Wake Forest University
Warren Wilson College
Western Carolina University
William Peace University
Wingate University
Winston-Salem State University
1.4 miles from Campus:
Polo Park Comm. Center,
1850 Polo Road, Winston-Salem 27106
5 miles from Campus:
East Asheville Branch Library,
3 Avon Rd. Asheville 28805
On Campus:
University Center (UC),
245 Memorial Dr., Cullowhee 28723
2 miles from Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
9 miles from Campus:
Edwards Mem'l Library,
414 Hasty St., Marshville 28103
On Campus:
WSSU Anderson Center,
1545 Reynolds Park Rd., W-S 27107
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Everyday, Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 9 am-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 9 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26 & Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm -5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina Charlotte
University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina Wilmington
On Campus:
Health & Counseling Center,
118 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville 28805
Next to Campus:
Chapel of the Cross,
304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 27514
On Campus:
Cone Center,
9025 University Rd., Charlotte 28223
On Campus:
Kaplan Center,
1301 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro 27412
Near Campus:
Pembroke Library,
413 Blaine St., Pembroke 28372
1 mile from Campus:
New Hanover Co. Board of Elections Bldg.,
226 Government Center Dr.,
Wilmington 28405
Everyday, Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 9 am-5 pm Sat., Nov. 2, 9 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. Noon-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 26-27, Noon-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
U - U
W - Z
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
University of North Carolina at Asheville
On Campus:
Health & Counseling Center,
118 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville 28805
Everyday, Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 9 am-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 9 am-3 pm
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Next to Campus:
Chapel of the Cross,
304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 27514
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. Noon-5 pm
University of North Carolina Charlotte
On Campus:
Cone Center,
9025 University Rd., Charlotte 28223
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
University of North Carolina Greensboro
On Campus:
Kaplan Center,
1301 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro 27412
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 10 am-4 pm
Sun., Oct. 27, 10 am-4 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Near Campus:
Pembroke Library,
413 Blaine St., Pembroke 28372
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
University of North Carolina Wilmington
1 mile from Campus:
New Hanover Co. Board of Elections Bldg.,
226 Government Center Dr., Wilmington 28405
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Wake Forest University
1.4 miles from Campus:
Polo Park Comm. Center,
1850 Polo Road, Winston-Salem 27106
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
Warren Wilson College
5 miles from Campus:
East Asheville Branch Library,
3 Avon Rd. Asheville 28805
Everyday, Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 9 am-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 9 am-3 pm
Western Carolina University
On Campus:
University Center (UC),
245 Memorial Dr., Cullowhee 28723
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26 & Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
William Peace University
2 miles from Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm-6 pm
Wingate University
9 miles from Campus:
Edwards Mem'l Library,
414 Hasty St., Marshville 28103
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat. 8 am-3 pm
Sun. 1 pm -5 pm
Winston-Salem State University
On Campus:
WSSU Anderson Center,
1545 Reynolds Park Rd., W-S 27107
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-7:30 pm
Sat., Oct. 26, 9 am-5 pm
Sun. 1 pm-5 pm
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 am-3 pm
U - U
W - Z