Voter FAQ

What is the Voting Rights Task Force?

We're the Watauga County Voting Rights Taskforce. We advocate for equal voting rights for all people, regardless of political persuasion, and oppose voter suppression tactics. The Taskforce is nonpartisan and conducts surveys, voter registration drives, advocates for voters whose ballots have been challenged, informs citizens about upcoming elections and voter requirements, and engages in informational and advocacy voter outreach. Subscribe today.

Who does the Voting Rights Task Force support?

The Voting Rights Taskforce does not endorse candidates.

VOTING OPTIONS FOR THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Why should I vote during the early voting period this year?

As you know, because of Hurricane Helene, Watauga County has experienced significant damage from floods and high winds. As a result, some places still do not have communication by text or phone and lack internet access. In addition, secondary roads in particular have experienced major damage and, in some cases, are not passable at all.

By voting early, you can cast your ballot at any early voting site and can avoid having to travel to your assigned precinct on Election Day. You can also fix any problem with your voter registration (for instance a change in address), and vote on the same day. You cannot fix voter registration problems on Election Day, and you may only be able to vote on all eligible contests (based on residency, election district assignments) by voting at your assigned Election Day voting location.

Where/When can I vote at ASU during the Early Voting Period?

You can vote at ASU (in the Blue Ridge Ballroom) or any other early voting site (see below for a full list of early voting sites) from October 17 through November 2. See the hours of early voting listed below.

Where are all the early voting sites?

Here's a current list of early voting sites and hours: The ASU Student Union "Blue Ridge Ballroom,” the downtown Boone Administration Building (beside the Courthouse), The Deep Gap Fire Department, Blowing Rock American Legion Building, Western Watauga Community Center, and Meat Camp Fire Department.

October 17-18 | 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM
October 19 | 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM
October 20 | 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM
October 21-25 | 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM
October 26 | 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM
October 27 | 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM
October 28-November 1 | 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM
November 2 | 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM

Where can I park to vote?

All early and Election Day sites provide free parking for voters.

Do I need an ID to vote?

YES! You need to show an ID when you go to vote. A current ASU student ID counts as proper ID. An unexpired NC driver’s license counts as proper ID. If you do not have an ID when you go to vote, you can sign a form to explain why you are unable to show ID. Just ask for the “ID Exception Form.” If you have lost your ID in the storm, you can check reason #3 on the “ID Exception form.” The address on your NC driver’s license does NOT have to match the address on your voter registration record. Go HERE for a full list of acceptable Voter IDs.

What if I changed my address since I registered to vote or since the last election?

Have you changed your address but are still living in Watauga County? If you have changed addresses since the last election or since you registered to vote but are still living in Watauga County, you should vote during the early voting period to update your address and cast your ballot at the same time.

What if I’m not already registered to vote?

Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, is the deadline for advance registration or to change your registration to a new location. Not sure if you’re already registered? Go HERE to check that out.

Don’t worry - if you miss the registration deadline you can register and vote on the same day during NC’s Early Voting Period. You CANNOT register and vote on Election Day itself, November 5th.

If you are registering to vote at the same time you cast your ballot, you will need proof of residency. if you are an ASU Student, you can provide (through Web Self-service) your current, local residential address. Any of these will also do:

-- (1) NC Driver's license (if the address on the license is where you currently live); or

-- (2) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document if it has your name and current Watauga County address; or

--3) A student transcript, tuition statement, invoice, or any receipt issued by the college or university (ASU has sent all ASU dorm students a copy of the document they need to prove residency for voting via email); or

-- Documents issued by a temporary or transitional housing facility. You can show any document from ASU that has your name and on-campus housing address. This information can be presented when you go to vote in hard copy OR from your cell phone.

ALSO NOTE: If you register and vote at the same time, be sure the poll worker enters two very important things: Your mailing address (ie: if you live in an Apartment complex, be sure you include the apartment number) or your po box if you have your mail delivered there. AND be sure to give the poll worker your phone number so they can call or text you with any problems.

What are we voting for?

This is an important presidential election where we choose the US President, the NC state legislature, NC Supreme Court, local school boards, and more.

How do I get a Mail in Ballot/for Watauga or Any Where Else Statewide?

Hurricane Helene has caused some delays with the postal service, so you should try to cast your ballot during the early voting period if you can. And REMEMBER: The last day for your mail ballot to be received by the local Board of elections is 7:30PM on Election Day, November 5th.

If that’s not possible, you can request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you. The deadline to request a mail ballot be mailed to you is Tuesday, October 29th. But in light of postal issues this election, you should request your mail ballot as soon as possible. You can submit the request for a ballot to be mailed to you online HERE. Be sure to follow all the instructions.

Once you receive your ballot, you will need two witnesses to sign it. You will have to provide a copy of your ID. If you are unable to provide a copy of a photo ID, complete the Photo ID Exception form (it will be a yellow form included in your ballot package). If you lost your photo ID due to Helene, you have options: fill out a Photo ID Exception Form at your voting site or send the form back with your absentee ballot. Check the box for “Exception 3: Victim of a Natural Disaster.” Make sure to sign the form. Return it with your ballot.

You can track the progress of your mail in ballot online HERE

What if I’ve been displaced and am temporarily living out of the County where I’m registered?

If you are displaced, you can request an absentee ballot to be delivered to your new location or anywhere else where you can easily retrieve the delivered ballot. If you have already requested an absentee ballot and need it to be sent to a new location, contact your county board of elections to spoil your current ballot and reissue a ballot to your new location. You can call the Watauga County Board of Elections Office at (828) 265-8061 or send an email to matthew.snyder@watgov.org

If needed, you are currently able to return your ballot by in-person drop off to any NC County Board of Elections office as long as you do so by Election Day, Nov. 5. If you need to return by mail you need to act fast so that you have ample time to receive and return the ballot to the Watauga County Board of Elections by the receipt deadline (Election Day, Nov. 5). See “How do I get a Mail in Ballot” above. You can track the progress of your mail in ballot online HERE

Have other questions? Need more information? Contact the Watauga County Voting Rights Taskforce through our online portal HERE. Be sure to fill out all the information so we can get back to you.