Its time for early voting in Randolph County, here's what you need to know

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

As county and state officials prepare for the midterm elections, voters will get the chance to cast their ballots as early as mid October, thanks to the early voting period.

With early voting for the 2022 primaries ending in May, another early voting period is fast approaching, prior to the Nov.8 general election.

Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots days prior to a scheduled election day. It's meant to accommodate those who aren't able to make it to the polls on Election Day or those who simply wish to avoid waiting in lines. In recent mid-term and presidential elections, early voting has become increasingly popular, particular among older voters.

Oct. 20 is the official start of the early voting period, in Randolph County, and it runs through Nov. 5. Early voting times are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. Times on Oct. 22 and 29 are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov.5.

There is no early voting on Sundays.

According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the state's turnout percentage in non-presidential and midterm elections hit a peak in 2018 at 52.9%, the highest since 1990's percentage of 61.8%. North Carolina's eligible voters in 2018 totaled 7,089,657, greater than the 3,347,635 eligible voters in 1990.

Typically, counties provide several locations for people to cast their early ballots. In Randolph County, early voters may make use of four locations. These include:

  • Randolph County Board of Elections at 1457 N Fayetteville St., Asheboro

  • Braxton Craven School Gym at 7037 NC Highway 62. Trinity

  • Randleman Civic Center at 122 Commerce Square Randleman

  • Franklinville United Methodist Church at 227 West Main St. Franklinville

Among these locations, Braxton Craven School is the newest addition, being used for the first time prior to the May primaries.

"It's not an additional site," said Randolph County Board of Elections Director Melissa Johnson. "We had one in Archdale and we moved it to Braxton Craven School because of some traffic issues."

Unlike the general election, where voters must cast their ballots at their designated polling place, early voters may choose any of the four locations.

Same day registration, in which voters register to vote and cast an early ballot is also permissible this cycle. Same day registration is not allowed on Election Day.

For additional questions call the Randolph County Board of Elections at 336-318-6900.

This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Randolph County prepares for early voting.