Vote 2023 FAQs

How do I register to vote?

• To register to vote in North Carolina, a person must meet the qualifications to vote and complete a voter registration application by October 13, 2023. 
• If you are a DMV customer with a N.C. driver’s license or DMV-issued ID, you may now register to vote or change certain parts of your registration online. 

Using this service existing DMV customers may register to vote, update their voter registration address, or update their party affiliation. They may not change their name.

This is a standalone service that does not require the user to complete a DMV transaction (such as duplicate or license renewal) at the same time.

There is no fee for voter registration services. 

Voter registration applications submitted fewer than 25 days before an election will not be processed until after the election. You may still register to vote in person using same-day registration in your county during the early voting period.

• If you would prefer to register in another state (where you are from) or request an absentee ballot you can find more resources here:  https://andrewgoodman.org/myvoteeverywhere/east-carolina-university/ 

Where should I register to vote?

• College students have the option of registering in the state where they are enrolled as a student OR register in the state where they are from and where their parents/guardians reside.
• Students can only register in ONE location and only vote ONCE!
• Students should consider the following:
  • Where do I reside the majority of the year?
  • Where will I be during the election season?
  • What community do I want to be a part of?
  • Which registration location will result in me actually voting?

Why do I need to register to vote?

• Voter registration takes place at the county level, and is a prerequisite to voting at federal, state and local elections. Registration ensures voters cast their ballot in the precinct in which they live and helps prevent voter fraud.  Each state has their own requirements, form, and processes.  

What are we voting for?

• During odd-numbered years (so as to alternate with statewide general elections) most municipal elections are held to elect the governing officials (mayor, city council, town council, etc.) of cities, villages and towns across North Carolina. Not all municipalities will have an election in a given odd-numbered year. A few municipalities elect their officials in even-numbered years. 
• Statewide general elections take place every two years on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November. This means that they can occur as early as November 2 or as late as November 8, depending on when the first Monday falls. Statewide general elections always occur in even-numbered years. Notably, every other statewide general election has the office of President of the United States on the ballot.
• This means there is an election in NC EVERY year!

When should I register to vote?

• The deadline to register to vote in North Carolina is 25 days before the election. The county board of elections must receive your application by this date. If an application is received after the deadline, it will still be timely if it is postmarked on or before the voter registration deadline. Otherwise, the application will not be processed until after the election.
• If you register at the DMV or another voter registration agency, your application will be deemed timely if it is received by the agency by 25 days before the election.
• Each time you move (even from one dorm to another) you must update your voter registration. 
• You must live in the county of your registration, and have resided there for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election.
• If you are not registered, you may register to vote during the one-stop early voting period. This process is called “Same-Day Registration.”
• Same-day registrants must attest to their eligibility to vote and must provide proof of residence. A voter attests to their eligibility by completing a voter registration application and signing it under penalty of a Class I felony, and show proof of residency.
  • On-Campus students only need to show their ECU One Card and tell the poll worker their residence hall and room number.
  • Off-Campus students will need to show their ECU One Card and the easiest other form of ID is to show an updated (Greenville) address in Banner to the poll worker.  This can be done on a phone or computer and print out. 
  • Instructions for updating address in Banner:
    • Login to Pirate Port
    • Click on Tools
    • Under Applications, choose Banner Self Service.
    • Click on Personal Information.
    • Click on Update Addresses and Phones.
  • Other documents that can be provided for proof of residency can be found here:  https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote

Do I need to register to vote every election?

• Only if you have moved, otherwise your voter registration should still be on file and active.  You can check your NC voter registration status here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/ or another states status here: https://andrewgoodman.org/myvoteeverywhere/east-carolina-university/  

What is one-stop early voting?

• One-stop absentee voting (commonly known as “early voting”) allows any registered voter to cast an absentee ballot in person on select days prior to Election Day. Unlike on Election Day, when registered voters can only vote at their specific precinct, one-stop voting allows registered voters to vote at any one-stop absentee voting site in the county. One-stop sites will have all the ballot styles for a given election at each site. 
• When you present to vote at a one-stop site, you may change your name or address, if it needs to be updated.
• The closest One Stop Early Voting location is in the Main Campus Student Center, Room 125 and anyone registered in Pitt County can vote at this location.

Who will be on my ballot?

• For most elections that will depend on where you live, which precinct you are in, and who represents you.  
• You can view/print your ballot ahead of time, which is known as a “sample ballot.”  This is important because it allows you time to research the candidates and/or ballot measures so that you can be an informed voter.  Voters can find out what will be on their ballot through this link:  https://andrewgoodman.org/myvoteeverywhere/east-carolina-university/  

Can my student organization host a political event?

• Yes but the location for your event matters.  During One Stop Early voting, all political events including voter registration, debates, GOTV, candidate information tabling, etc. is prohibited in the Main Campus Student Center.
• To reserve space on campus or if you have questions about this policy please contact the Central Reservations Office (CRO).

What do I need to bring with me to vote?

• Voter ID is required to cast your ballot. The ECU 1 Card has been approved by the NC State Board of Elections as an acceptable form of Voter ID for faculty, staff, and students. For a full list of acceptable ID’s for voting, please visit: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id#required
• If you are choosing to take advantage of same day registration and voting you will be required to provide proof of local residency and identification (see above).

When is election day?

• Election day is November 7, 2023 and voters who choose to vote on Election Day must vote at their assigned election day polling place, which can be here:  https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/