As Mecklenburg County heads to the polls for a primary election with several high-profile races, knowing the do’s and don’ts at polling stations becomes crucial.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, for North Carolinaโs primary election, and Mecklenburg County voters will see several high-profile races on the ballot.
Before heading out to vote, hereโs a breakdown of some common questions about what you can โ and cannot โ do at the polls.
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OUR SOURCES:
Do you need an ID to vote?
Yes. North Carolina law requires voters to show an acceptable photo ID at the polls.
Accepted forms of identification include:
- A North Carolina driverโs license
- A voter registration card with a photo
- A U.S. passport
- A federal military ID
But there are exceptions if you arrive without one.
โIf you donโt have an ID, they will vote you with a provisional ballot,โ Dickerson said.
Voters without ID must complete whatโs called a โreasonable impedimentโ form, explaining why they do not have an acceptable photo ID.
โThat tells us why you donโt have an ID โ you will put your name,โ Dickerson explained.
Election officials then review that information before determining whether the ballot will be counted.
Can you vote anywhere in North Carolina?
On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct.
If you are unsure where that is, you can look it up here.
Can you wear political clothing at the polls?
Yes โ but there are limits.
Dickerson says voters in North Carolina are allowed to wear political attire, including T-shirts, buttons, and stickers supporting candidates.
However, voters cannot disrupt the voting process. For example, by yelling political slogans inside the voting place.
Can you take pictures inside the polling place?
Taking pictures inside the voting area is against the law in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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