Voting in the 2020 Elections
Voting for the 2020 elections is underway in North Carolina, and North Carolinians have cast their ballots in record numbers by mail and in person during early voting. Of course, you can still vote on Election Day, Nov. 3. However you choose to vote, Attorney General Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Justice are working to ensure that every eligible North Carolinian can vote easily, safely, and securely.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in North Carolina, and our work to protect elections:
Voter intimidation is illegal
Know your rights when you cast your ballot in person. Attorney General Josh Stein released this fact sheet to help inform voters of their rights.
Voter intimidation is illegal. North Carolina law allows for official election observers to help maintain the integrity of our elections. But a political candidate’s supporters cannot show up unofficially at polling places to watch voters cast their ballots. If you feel your right to vote is being threatened by anyone, notify the precinct chief judge. If you are concerned about your personal safety, contact local law enforcement.
You may not vote twice
It is against the law to vote or attempt to vote twice. Do not vote more than once – no matter what anyone may tell you, including the president. Anyone who intentionally votes twice faces serious legal consequences, as does anyone who directs others to engage in this illegal conduct. Read Attorney General Stein’s statement on voting in North Carolina and the importance of voting integrity.
You can vote safely by mail.
Attorney General Stein sued the U.S. Postal Service and the Postmaster General for undermining the timely delivery of mail with their operational changes. As a result of Attorney General Stein’s lawsuit, a federal court ordered the Postal Service to reverse many of these unlawful changes that slowed mail delivery. The ability to send and deliver mail on time is critical to our elections, our businesses, and our rural communities. Attorney General Stein will continue to fight to ensure the Postal Service follows through on the court’s orders and delivers mail and ballots on time.
Learn more about voting by mail. While the deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed, if you requested and received a mail-in ballot, you should turn in your ballot as soon as possible. You can send back your ballot through the mail, or you can return it in person at your county board of elections office before 5 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 3).
On Oct. 28, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to extend the receipt deadline to count ballots postmarked on or before Election Day. Now, ballots put in the mail by Election Day and received within nine days will be counted. But don’t wait until Election Day to turn in your ballot – get it in as soon as possible.
And if you’re not voting by mail, it’s not too late to vote in person on Election Day.
Questions about voting?
Under state law, the North Carolina Department of Justice does not oversee or administer state or local elections. The NCSBE works in conjunction with county boards of elections offices to ensure that elections are conducted lawfully and fairly.
If you have questions related to registering to vote, requesting a ballot, or anything else related to voting, NCSBE’s website is exceptionally helpful.
If you have additional questions about casting your vote, contact the county board of elections office in the county you reside in. You can find contact information for your county board of elections office here.
If necessary, you can also contact the NC State Board of Elections by calling (919) 814-0700 or emailing elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov.
North Carolina’s election system is strong. When you cast your ballot—however you choose to do so—please know that your vote will count, your voice will be heard, and the candidate who garners the most votes will be the winner.