Read before you vote: A primer on Tuesday's election in Randolph County

Dean-Paul Stephens, The Courier-Tribune
·4 min read

Before Randolph County voters take to the polls to decide the fates of offices in Washington, Raleigh, and their respective neighborhoods, they should first make sure they are prepared to cast their ballots.

Nov. 8 is the last day to cast a ballot for the 2022 midterms, which means people will be coming and going to any of the county's 22 voting precincts. Some precincts might not be busy while others could be busy enough to have a line. Voters are encouraged to wait in line while maintaining behavioral standards reinforced by the state Board of Elections in the weeks leading up to today.

More:Following spirited primaries, election officials want manners in general election

This, according to state officials is to avoid any behavior that may endanger or otherwise intimidate voters waiting to cast their ballots.

Voter intimidation is of particular concern among state officials.

"If at any time a voter feels harassed or intimidated at a polling place, the voter should notify an election official immediately," reads information from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Voter intimidation is a crime.

"The chief judge and judges may call upon the sheriff, the police, or other officers to aid them in maintaining order," according to the State Board of Elections. "They may order the arrest of any person violating any provision of the election laws, but such arrest shall not prevent the person from registering or voting if they are entitled to do so."

Randolph County's Elections Director Melissa Johnson said she and the dozens of those who will work the precincts do not anticipate any of the issues experienced in other parts of the state during the primaries. However, Johnson still urged Randolph County residents to be courteous and for electioneers to adhere to established rules.

"It's important for campaigners and electioneers to remember that the voters are there to cast their [ballot] and they have every right to cast their vote," Johnson said. "If people can remember to follow some basic rules of decorum to make sure people feel free and confident to cast their vote."

This includes staying within the area that is 25-50 feet away from the precinct and respecting a six-foot buffer zone for those who are voting curbside.

Prior to waiting in line, however, voters should be aware of their designated precinct.

More:Find your polling place: Where to vote in Randolph County

The following is a list of precincts in Randolph County and their addresses:

  • Archdale, Randolph Community Services Building 213 Balfour Dr., Archdale 27263

  • Asheboro East, Central United Methodist Church 300 S Main Street, Asheboro 27203

  • Asheboro North, Balfour Elementary School 2097 N Asheboro School Road, Asheboro 27203

  • Asheboro South, Guy B. Teachey Elementary School 294 Newbern Avenue, Asheboro 27205

  • Asheboro West, Sunset Avenue Church of God 900 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro 27203

  • Back Creek, Friendship Baptist Church 2235 Spero Road, Randleman 27317

  • Deep River, Franklinville United Methodist Church 227 W Main Street, Franklinville 27248

  • Grant, Bethel Friends Meeting 2519 Bethel Friends Road, Asheboro 27205

  • Level Cross, Level Cross Elementary School 5417 Old Greensboro Road, Randleman 27317

  • Liberty, American Legion Liberty Precinct 604 S Greensboro Street, Liberty 27298

  • New Market, Cedar Square Friends Meeting 7546 Harlow Road, Archdale 27263

  • Providence, Friendly Baptist Church 8102 NC Hwy 22, Climax 27233

  • Ramseur, Southeastern Randolph Middle School 5302 Foushee Road, Ramseur 27316

  • Randleman, First United Methodist Church 301 S Main Street, Randleman 27317

  • Southeast, Coleridge Elementary School 4528 NC Hwy 22-42, Ramseur 27316

  • Southern, First Baptist Church of Seagrove 7931 U.S. Highway 220 S, Seagrove 27341

  • Southwest, Farmer Elementary School 3557 Grange Hall Road, Asheboro 27205

  • Staley, Staley Fire Station 410 West Railroad Street, Staley 27355

  • Tabernacle, Tabernacle Elementary School 4901 Tabernacle School Road, Asheboro 27205

  • Trinity, Hopewell Elementary School 6294 Welborn Road, Trinity 27370

  • Trinity Tabernacle, Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting 3673 Hoover Hill Road, Trinity 27370

  • Union Grove, Southmont Elementary School 2497 Southmont Drive, Asheboro 27205

Precinct assignments are based on the geographic location of one's household. Randolph County residents received information on their designated precinct when registering to vote. If a voter goes to an incorrect precinct, they will be directed to the correct one. If they are unable to make it to their designated precinct, they will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, a ballot that officials will consider after the election.

Voter identification regulations remain a bit murky going into the midterms. Although Senate Bill 824, which requires identification, became law in 2018 a court injunction currently renders that law unenforceable. The end result is voters do not have to show identification.

This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: A guide on voting in Randolph County's midterm elections