2018 midterm elections: Key races, when to vote, what to bring in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Polls have opened in North Carolina as voters choose their parties' nominees for dozens of legislative and congressman primary races.

More than 35 General Assembly members and eight congressional incumbents are trying to advance through Tuesday's primary elections.

In addition to voting on state, county and municipal seats, voters will be deciding who will be on the November ballot for 13 U.S. House seats. Neither one of North Carolina’s Senate seats is up for election this year.

Outside of the sheriff's race in Mecklenburg County, at-large and District 2 seats on the County Board of Commissioners are up for grabs. Pat Cotham, Trevor Fuller, Ella Scarborough and Vilma Leake are all seeking re-election.

Eight of North Carolina's 13 members of Congress face challengers in the primary. That includes the 9th District, where Rep. Robert Pittenger faces Rev. Mark Harris and Clarence Goins.

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Here is a guide for North Carolina voters.

When are elections being held in North Carolina this year?

The primary is May 8. The general election is Nov. 6.

What time do the polls open and close?

Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

How do I find my polling place?

Click here to find out where you need to go to vote.

What do I need to bring to the polling place?

You do not need to present identification to vote in North Carolina with two possible exceptions: if you use same-day registration to vote or if there is a problem with verifying the information on your registration form. If you fall into one of these categories, you must show a current photo ID or any of the following documents that contain your name and current address:

a utility bill (cellphone, electric, cable, etc.)
bank statement or payroll stub
a document from any government agency (a bill, permit, letter, etc.)

Who can register to vote in North Carolina?

You are qualified to register to vote in North Carolina if you meet certain requirements. Click here to see those requirements.

How do I register?

Click here, download and print a North Carolina voter registration application. Mail it to the county board of elections in the county where you live. Click here to find the address of your county board of elections office. You can also fax or email the voter registration application to your county board of elections office. However, you must also submit your original signature in person or by mail within 20 days of the registration deadline.

The deadline for registering to vote in the May 8 primary has passed. You can still register for the Nov. 6 General Election. You must register at least 25 days prior to the election.

I think I’m registered, is there any way to check?

Click here to check on your registration.

Can I see a sample ballot?

Yes. Click here, fill out the information and you will be able to see a sample ballot for your polling district.

Can I post a selfie showing my friends how I voted?

No. Photographing a marked ballot in North Carolina is illegal.

What if I have trouble casting my ballot at the polling place?
If you are having trouble voting or are told you cannot vote, ask to speak to a supervisor. If your problem is not resolved, you can report the issue to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The phone number to call to report an issue with voting is (800) 253-3931.

For more information

Click here for more information on elections in North Carolina.

For more information about the 2018 midterm elections, see:

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