CharMeckVotes.org

Vote!

Election 2010

The primary election is Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Voting sites will be open 6:30AM-7:30PM. If you are not available to vote on that date, you have several options. You can vote absentee by mail (March 15-April 27) or in person (April 15-May 1). The Board of Elections can assist you if you are sick or disabled and unable to vote on May 4.

The general election is Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Voting sites will be open 6:30AM-7:30PM. If you are not available to vote on that date, you have several options. You can vote absentee by mail (September 3-October 26) or in person (October 14-30). The Board of Elections can assist you if you are sick or disabled and unable to vote on May 4.

Are You Registered to Vote?

You can register to vote for the primary election until  April 9 at 5:00 PM.

You can register to vote if you are:

• A United States citizen
• A resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days before the election
• At least 18 years old by the general election (November 2, 2010)
• Not registered to vote in another county or state
• If you have been convicted of a felony, your rights of citizenship have been restored

Learn more about voter registration and register today.

Know Before You Go!

You have an important opportunity to make your voice heard in the election. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

• Check your voter registration card or look up your directions and a map to your polling site.

If you can’t make it to the polls on the primary or general election date, you can still vote.  Here are your options:

• Obtain an absentee ballot from the Board of Elections
• Vote absentee at an early voting site. The Board of Elections will announce the locations prior to voting dates.
• If you are sick or have a disability, you can apply or have a near relative or verifiable legal guardian apply in person at the Board of Elections office for an absentee ballot that may be hand delivered to the voter. This option is only available for sick or disabled voters and has a specific process and deadline.

Didn’t we vote last year? Why are there 2 elections in 2010?

Elections were held in 2009 for offices of mayor, city and town councils and school board districts.  In 2010, different offices will be on the ballot. Every elected office has a specific term that dictates how often those elections are held – some are every 2, 4 or 6 years. That means each year there is an election for something.

In 2010, several races are on the ballot including:

• US Senate and House of Representatives
• NC Senate and House of Representatives
• Mecklenburg County Commissioner Districts and At-Large
• County offices such as Sheriff, District Attorney and Clerk of Superior Court
• Judges for NC Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Court

The May primary election is a political process that helps political parties select their nominees for the general election ballot.

Some candidates are running for district offices. District representation helps officials have a better idea about the particular concerns in your neighborhood or community. When you vote, your ballot will automatically list your districts. However, it is always a good idea to find out your districts ahead of time so so you can learn about your candidates.

After the polls close

Winners of the election will be announced in the media and posted on CharMeckVotes.org. Unofficial results are reported by the media and posted by the Board of Elections sometime after the polls close. The Board of Elections will certify the results a week after the election.  To ensure a complete and accurate vote, the Board of Elections checks and double checks voting results before certifying the election.

Still have election questions? Check out the Board of Elections FAQ.

The Charlotte Observer will report additional election information including voter turnout data, election results for each polling site and more.