Voter Guide
Review the following voting information for answers to frequently asked questions and to prepare for voting in upcoming elections.
Eligibility to Vote
You can vote if:
- You are a US Citizen AND
- You are 16 or 17 to pre-register and you are 18 by Election Day to vote AND
- You live at your NC address for 30 days before Election Day AND
- You are not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole.
2025 N.C. ELECTION
Early Voting Period
October 16 - November 1
Election Day
November 4
Voter Identification
You will be asked to show a photo ID when you go to vote. If you have an approved ID, bring it with you to vote. For more information and a list of approved IDs, visit youcanvote.org/voter-id.
AppCards printed on or after August 10, 2023 will be the new voter ID card design (white background/10 year expiration date). Mobile AppCards cannot be used as a valid voter ID at this time. If you have an older physical AppCard or Mobile AppCard, you can request a valid voter ID card for free by emailing appcardoffice@appstate.edu. This type of voter ID will not have AppCard privileges for door access, dining hall access or retail spending. It can only be used as a voter ID.
What’s on my Ballot?
Elected officials on your ballot make decisions that impact you and your community. Find out what positions influence what issues in your community. Learn more about what is on the your ballot and who is on your ballot, as well as why local elections matter.
You Can Vote has partnered with Branch Politics to create a new, interactive, online tool where voters can access trusted, nonpartisan information about the candidates on their ballot this fall. If you’re looking for a more in-depth overview about what each office does, who the candidates are, and their stances on crucial issues, utilize this tool to build out your personalized ballot.
Election Dates & Locations:
Below are the North Carolina 2025-2026 Elections. If you are registered in another state, look up your polling location ahead of time.
- Local Elections: October 7, 2025 & November 4, 2025 (depends on your city/county/town). Find out more about local elections.
- Primary Election: March 3, 2026. Must be registered to vote by February 6th, 2026.
- Midterm Election: November 3, 2026. If voting on election day in NC, you can ONLY vote at your designated polling location. Must be registered to vote by October 9th, 2026.
Early Voting Benefits!
Voting early is usually the best option. Some benefits of early voting include:
- Avoid long poll lines and crowds.
- Allows for flexibility, you can choose when to vote!
- If you forget a required item to vote, you can come back later.
- Potential to increase the impact of early voting turnout.
- Update your voter registration same day.
%
In 2020, 55% of registered App State students voted early.
Additional Voting Resources
- App State Free Speech & Expression Information
- Harvard University Institute of Politics
- Campus Vote Project State Student Guides
- IDHE Talking Politics
- IDHE Speech, Inclusion, and Academic Freedom
- Democracy North Carolina
NC Voter Information
- Watauga County Board of Elections
- NC State Board of Elections
- Your Representatives
- Observing Elections in North Carolina
Nonpartisan Media/Fact Checking Resources
CAST YOUR VOTE EARLY!
You have the opportunity to cast your vote early in the upcoming election if you meet the requirements of voting in North Carolina – take advantage of this opportunity! Visit the link below for the early voting locations, dates, times, and more information for Watauga County.
THREE WAYS TO VOTE
Early Voting
Vote at any early voting site in your county: youcanvote.org/voting
Election Day
You must vote at your assigned polling place: youcanvote.org/lookup
Mail In Ballot
Request an absentee ballot with the portal: youcanvote.org/mail
CONFIRM YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION
Check your registration and make sure you’re registered at your current address. If you haven’t registered or need to update your registration, learn how you can register to vote. The Local Election registration deadline is October 10, 2025 at 5:00pm.