Early voting is officially underway in North Carolina and millions of voters have already visited polling sites to cast their ballots. Here’s what you need to know about voting early in Orange and Chatham counties.
Where can I vote early?
This year, there are six locations in Orange County where residents can vote early:
- Orange Works at Hillsborough Commons
- 113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough
- Carrboro Town Hall
- 301 West Main Street, Carrboro
- Chapel of the Cross
- 304 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
- Efland Ruritan Club
- 3009 Forest Avenue, Efland
- Seymour Senior Center
- 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
- University Mall
- 201 South Estes Drive, Chapel Hill
There are six locations in Chatham County where residents can vote early:
- Goldston Town Hall
- 40 Coral Avenue, Goldston
- Governors Village
- 40150 Moring, Chapel Hill
- New Hope Baptist Church
- 581 New Hope Church Road, Apex
- Chatham County Agricultural Conference Center
- 1192 US-64 Business, Pittsboro
- Paul Braxton Gym
- 115 S. 3rd Avenue, Siler City
- CCCC Health Science Center
- 75 Ballentrae Court, Pittsboro
When are early voting sites open?
Early voting sites in Orange and Chatham County are open from:
- 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
- Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Can I see a sample ballot before voting?
Yes, just enter your address into the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ website to see a sample ballot and which candidates you’re eligible to vote for.
Additionally, you can print out a sample ballot and bring it with you to early voting locations.
Do I need to bring a photo ID to early vote?
No, you do not need to bring a photo ID to vote early.
However, if you did not register online to vote by the deadline and wish to do so at an early voting location, then you need a valid form of government ID.
What health precautions are early voting sites taking?
We spoke with Orange County Board of Elections Director Rachel Raper about health and safety precautions taking place at early voting sites to combat the spread of coronavirus.
If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you before entering an early voting site since masks are required. Greeters will also be present to control the flow of foot traffic going indoors. Safety guides will wipe down each surface between voters and hand sanitizer stations will be available.
Additionally — and perhaps the biggest change — there will be no “I Voted” stickers distributed this year.
“You’re going to be using an ‘I Voted’ ink pen to use throughout the entire voting process,” Raper said. “That pen is yours to use and yours to keep.”
What if I want to vote by mail?
Any North Carolina registered voter may request and receive a mail-in absentee ballot. Ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on October 27.
Visit Orange County’s election website to request an absentee mail-in ballot, or call 919-245-2350 or email vote@orangecountync.gov.
Ballots can then be mailed to the Orange County Board of Elections (208 S. Cameron Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278) or taken to the office in person.
More information about voting early and mail-in ballots can be found on Orange County and Chatham County’s election websites.
How can I get to early voting sites?
In Orange County, there are public transportation options available to assist traveling to early voting locations. Chapel Hill Transit offers four bus lines (Routes CW, D, HS and A) to access four of the early voting sites, while the Orange County Hillsborough Circulator provides service to the early voting site at Orange Works at Hillsborough Commons.
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The early voting period in North Carolina will end after the evening of Saturday, October 31.
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