Craven County Democratic Party

October 2, 2022

Midterms FAQ

Have questions about voting? We have answers. Be prepared before you head to the polls.

For more information also check out:

Why should I vote?
Voting isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility of citizenship. Every time we have an election, it’s our opportunity to influence the direction of our local, state, and federal government. The right to vote must be protected, but it must also be exercised. Your vote is your voice. This is the year when you stand up and say I can do something, I did something, I voted.

How do I register to vote?
There are two ways to register to vote (or update your voter registration) in North Carolina:
1) One-Stop Early Voting: You can register and vote on the same day! For more information about one-stop early voting, see the NCSBE website.
2) Traditional Registration: Fill out this form and return it to your county Board of Elections. Or click here register to vote online via the DMV.

Am I registered to vote?
Visit this handy link to make sure you are registered to vote.

When can I vote? Voting for the Midterm Election is November 8th, 2022. Polls will be open from 6:30AM until 7:30PM. The One-Stop Early Voting period will begin 8 AM Thursday, October 20th and end at 3 PM on Saturday, November 5th. Find out more by clicking here.

How do I vote?
There are three main ways for folks in Craven County to vote in the 2022 Primary election: Absentee-by-mail voting, One-Stop Early voting, or voting on Election Day.

What is absentee voting?
Absentee-by-mail voting is fairly self-explanatory. A voter fills out a request form for an absentee ballot, then mails it to their county board of elections. The BOE will process the form and mail the voter a ballot, which the voter should complete, have witnessed, and return by mail. The witness can be anyone who is 18 years of age or older.

What is One-Stop Early voting?
Don’t want to worry about long lines on Election Day? Stop by One-Stop Early voting and get your vote in. We’re encouraging as many people as possible to vote early and bring as many friends, family members, and neighbors with them as possible! You can register and vote on the same day!

Who can vote?
Registered voters across the state can vote in the primary. However, voters affiliated with any political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party. Unaffiliated voters may choose the ballot of candidates for any party primary.
Due to a 2022 NC court ruling: Once you complete your felony sentence or receive a pardon, you are eligible to vote and may register. You can ask your releasing officer for your Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship. This is not required to register to vote but will prove your eligibility to vote if someone challenges your registration. If you have been discharged from probation you are eligible to register and vote, even if you still owe money or have a civil lien.

I have completed my felony sentence, can I vote?
Yes!
Due to a 2022 NC court ruling: Once you complete your felony sentence or receive a pardon, you are eligible to vote and may register. You can ask your releasing officer for your Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship. This is not required to register to vote but will prove your eligibility to vote if someone challenges your registration. If you have been discharged from probation you are eligible to register and vote, even if you still owe money or have a civil lien.

Does my vote count?
Yes! Every vote counts. However, you may receive a provisional ballot. A voter receives a provisional ballot when questions arise about: The voter’s qualification to vote, the voter’s eligibility to vote in a given election, or the voter’s eligibility to vote a specific ballot style.

What is a provisional ballot?
If a voter is not able to cast a regular ballot, the voter will go the Help Station for help casting a provisional ballot. The voter will receive a Help Referral Form explaining the reason for the referral to the Help Station. A voter receives a provisional ballot when questions arise about: The voter’s qualification to vote, the voter’s eligibility to vote in a given election, or the voter’s eligibility to vote a specific ballot style.

What do I need to bring to the polls?
Yourself! No voter ID needed on Election Day!

Do I need a voter ID?
No. If you are at the polls only to vote, then you do not need an ID to vote.

What is my voter card for?
Voter cards are not used for any purpose other than informational purposes for the voter and to validate a mailing address. The voter card is an approved proof of residency for such things as obtaining REALID driver licenses, etc. It is not required to vote.

What is on my ballot?
Click on this link to find out what is on YOUR ballot. Primaries decide the candidates who will run in the November election. Municipal elections decide who will be your elected officials.

Who are my candidates?
Click on this link to view our 2022 Midterms candidate guide.

Can the candidate do that?
To make a formal written complaint about campaigning violations, contact the N.C. State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement Campaign Finance division at campaign.reporting@ncsbe.gov or 919-814-0700. Election related questions can be addressed to the Craven County Board of Elections at 252-636-6610, cravenboe@cravencountync.gov or www.cravenvote.com.

Should that sign be placed there?
Neither the Craven County Board of Elections or N.C. State Board of Elections enforce the placement of signs or investigate any alleged crimes associated with harming/removing the signs. Complaints about the timing of placement, location of placement and ultimate removal of signs should be addressed by contacting the local DOT district office, or by calling the NCDOT toll free line at (877) 368-4968. Residents can also contact each municipality or the candidates.

My sign was damaged or stolen
Take a picture of the damage. Report the damage or theft to the Police non-emergency number. New Bern: 252-633-2020 or Craven County: 252-636-6620. Then come to our office and we will replace the sign.

I need help voting
All polling locations, including One-Stop Early Voting, have curbside voting available. Otherwise click this link to find out more about help for voters with disabilities.

I want my opinion to be heard
Vote! Elect candidates who support the values you believe in.

I want to contact my legislator
Click this link to find out how to contact your Federal and Local representatives.