Those in North Carolina have several important voter registration deadlines coming up. (Getty)
The voter registration deadline in North Carolina is quickly approaching. In the state, there are two ways you can get registered: by mail or in person. Unfortunately, there is no way to register online. The deadline to register by mail is October 14th, and the deadline to register in person is also October 14th, although it’s extended to November 5th if you want to register to vote and then cast your ballot on the same day during the early voting period.
Note: North Carolina does not have same-day voter registration. If you are not registered to vote by November 5th, you cannot vote on election day, November 8th.
Here’s what you need to do to register to vote in North Carolina.
How to Register to Vote By Mail
A bucket of “I Voted” stickers inside the Early Vote Center in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 5, 2016. (GettY)
The first option you have is to register through the mail. Simply print out this voter registration form and fill it out with the proper information. You’ll need the last four digits of your Social Security number. It should be noted before you choose your political party that North Carolina has a semi-open primary system. That means if you register as a Republican or a Democrat, you can only vote in that party’s primary. If you remain unaffiliated, you can vote in either primary.
Once you’ve completed the form, mail it to your county board of elections. You can find your county’s address by visiting this link; click your county on the map and the address will pop up on the left side of the screen.
You’ll need to mail the form by October 14th, or you can drop it off in person at the board of elections by October 19th.
How to Register to Vote in Person
Signage outside the Early Vote Center in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 5, 2016. (Getty)
Your second option is to register in person. You can do so by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles, Departments of Social Services, Departments of Public Health, or your county’s board of elections (you can find the address of your county’s office here). You’ll have to register here by October 14th.
But North Carolina also gives you the option to register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day during the early voting period. You don’t need photo ID to register, but you’ll need to present some sort of document that shows your current address. Early voting ends on November 5th, so you can register and vote any time between now and then.