With all the recent news about election processes, The Mountain Breeze felt that, as a public service, this would be a good time to address some common concerns about voting procedures. Angela Rhymer, Rutherford County Board of Elections, is the source of this information. See below for frequently asked questions and the official response:
1) Do you still have curbside voting for those who cannot easily get out of their car and walk into the polling places? If so, what is the process?
Yes. Any voter who is unable to enter the polling place due to age or a physical disability may vote curbside at all early voting sites and on Election Day. Simply park in the designated curbside area, notify election officials, provide your information and ID (or complete an exception), sign a curbside affidavit, and vote from your vehicle.
2) Do you have other accommodations for those with poor vision or hearing impairment? If so, what is the process?
Yes. All polling places in North Carolina are required to offer accessible voting. Voters may use an accessible voting machine (known as the “Express Vote”) with features like audio ballots, large print, or tactile controls, and may request assistance from a poll worker or a person of their choice. You also can request an Absentee Ballot as well.
3) Currently, what identification is required to vote?
Voters must show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. Acceptable IDs include:
- North Carolina driver’s license
- NCDMV-issued state ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military or veterans ID
- Tribal enrollment card (recognized tribe)
- Approved student or employee ID
- ID must be current or expired no more than 1 year (If 65 or older license can be expired as long as it expired after you turned 65).
- Board of Elections Photo ID Card (you can get these for free at the BOE office as long as you are a registered voter. )
If you do not have an acceptable ID, you may complete a Photo ID Exception Form and still vote by Provisional ballot.
4) There has been a lot in the news nationally about voting rolls being purged and people sometimes not knowing their voter registration is not current or correct. What steps can citizens take to verify their voter status and correct it if necessary?
Voters can take a few simple steps to confirm and update their registration:
- Check your status online: Use the NC Voter Search tool at ncsbe.gov to verify your registration, address, and polling place
- Update your registration: If your name, address, or party affiliation has changed, update your registration online (if eligible), by mail, or in person
- Register during early voting: If needed, you can register and vote at the same time during the early voting period (same-day registration)
- Watch for notices: Election officials may send address confirmation notices—respond promptly if you receive one
- Contact your county board of elections: They can confirm your status and help resolve any issues
Taking these steps ahead of Election Day helps ensure a smooth voting experience.
5) Please provide a brief summary of the process for absentee ballots.
Voting by mail in North Carolina is available to any registered voter. The process includes:
- Request a ballot: Submit an absentee ballot request form online or by mail (must be received by the deadline)
- Receive your ballot: The ballot will be mailed to you
- Complete your ballot: Mark your choices and place the ballot in the return envelope
- Witness requirement: Have 2 witnesses (or a notary) complete and sign the envelope
- Return your ballot: Mail it or return it in person to your county board of elections by the deadline
6) Would you provide links to key sections from your website?
Rutherford County Board of Elections: https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/board_of_elections/index.php
North Carolina State Board of Elections:
7) Lastly, is there anything else you think would be helpful to include?
New location: Rutherford County Board of Elections, Government Services Center (Old BiLo building), 145 College Ave, Suite C, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Mailing address: Rutherford County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 927, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Office hours: Monday -Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Phone Number: 828-287-6023