Primary election: Know before you go + Baby formula giveaway
Good afternoon, Charlotte. Molly here. It’s Monday, May 16 — which means tomorrow is Election Day! Voters across the state can line up at the polls to make their selections for local, state and federal office in the 2022 primary. If you didn’t vote early, tomorrow is your chance to cast your ballot.
So, today’s newsletter will run you through what to know before you go. And don’t forget to follow along with us tomorrow on our website and social media for live updates.
Noteworthy: We’ve made it to the top 2. The final round of the Reader’s Choice burger poll is now live. Head over to CharlotteFive and vote for your favorite!
1. Your guide to Election Day tomorrow in Mecklenburg county:
Let’s start with an easy question: “Where do I go to vote?” Our 2022 Voter Guide has a handy map, but you can also follow these steps:
To find your polling place, visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website at mecknc.gov/BOE. From there, go to the “Polling Locations” tab, and you’ll be able to input your name or address to get all the information on your precinct.
Important: You must vote at your assigned polling place. This is different than early voting, where eligible individuals may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county.
Pro tip: At that website, you’ll also be able to verify your voter registration, see a sample ballot and get directions to your polling place.
What you should bring:
Now, your next question might be: “What do I need to bring?” The good news: not much!
First and foremost, if you are not registered to vote by Election Day, you will not be able to participate in the election.
If you are a registered voter in North Carolina, you are not required to show photo identification.
Pro tip: For more specific answers to questions about accessibility and curbside voting or COVID safety recommendations, read Evan Moore’s story here.
When you should arrive
And, what about hours of operation? Here’s what we know:
Polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to NCSBE.
Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.
The busiest times tend to be early in the morning and just before polls close. Avoid longer lines by voting at off-peak times.
Quick links for more information:
How did early voting go? More Mecklenburg County voters cast ballots early this year than in any other non-presidential primary on record.
Not sure who to vote for? Research candidates running for office or check out The Charlotte Observer’s Editorial Board candidate endorsements here.
Browse our Voter Guide page — a coverage hub for all things North Carolina elections
Opinion: Opponents unhappy about mailer suggesting NC Governor endorsed in Meck race
2. StarMed announces baby formula giveaway. Here’s how to get a free supply in Charlotte.
A Charlotte-area medical group will distribute baby formula for free to families impacted by the recent formula shortage that has created issues in the region and around the country.
StarMed Healthcare plans to give away formula at its locations on 4001 Tuckaseegee Road and 5344 Central Ave. starting at noon on Tuesday.
The formula will be “100% free,” StarMed said, and no registration is required.
Find out more about what kind of formula will be offered, and how you can get some, from Mary Ramsey.
Plus: How safe are alternatives to baby formula? We broke down how breast milk banks work in North Carolina
3. Reminder: Super Abari Game Bar opens today — see y’all at the pinball machines!
In case you forgot: Super Abari Game Bar opens in its new Charlotte location on Monday, May 16.
Among the highlights of this new spot:
55 arcade games
35 pinball machines
12 beer taps
Read more about what’s in store from Alex Cason and Melissa Oyler. And if you can’t make it this week, you can take a peek inside the game bar here.
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