Partner with Election Officials Now and Avoid Complications Later 

During election seasons, the Center for Vulnerable Voters receives numerous calls from North Carolina directors requesting assistance. In many cases, critical deadlines have already been missed, creating challenges in delivering optimal services and safeguards for residents. 

Now is the time to establish partnerships with your county election officials. The County Board of Elections begin preparing for elections up to nine months in advance, and directors should do the same. Planning ahead helps prevent confusion and unnecessary complications for directors, vulnerable voters, and the election officials alike. 

Recommended steps: 

• If you do not already have the North Carolina Voting Assistance Legal Guide, the Center for Vulnerable Voters will be happy to provide a copy. Please make requests at the email listed below. 
• Residents who wish to vote and are mobile should be encouraged to and usually enjoy voting at polling locations. Polling locations are required to be accessible. Verify the process of curb side voting with your county election office. 
• For residents who wish to vote and are unable to leave the community to participate in the voting process, please contact your county election officetoday and request a visit from the multipartisan assistance team (MAT). To learn more about these services, visit: Assistance for Voters in Care Facilities | NCSBE. 
• It is best practice to utilize the MAT services for residents who are unable to go to the polling place. According to the North Carolina Voting Assistance Legal Guide, “Because MATs are professionally trained and familiar with all state and federal legal rules concerning absentee voting, it is best practice to submit a request for the assistance of a MAT team and allow them to assist voters within your care facility.” 
• Locate your county election office at: County BOE Information. 

A few tips to consider: 

• Outside organizations should not be permitted to enter the community to assist with ballot applications, voting, or to deliver the residents’ ballot. 
• Any request for assistance with voter registration, ballot application, or ballot marking must be initiated by the resident voter. 

Taking time today to partner with your county election officials will help ensure deadlines are met, reduce unforeseen challenges, ensure residents who wish to vote are not prevented from doing so by unintentional obstacles and make certain safeguards are in place to protect residents from possible vote fraud. 

For complimentary resources, such as the North Carolina Voting Assistance Legal Guide, training requests, or general inquiries, please contact Laura.Williams@centerforvulnerablevoters.org. 

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney before taking action to ensure that recent changes in law have not altered your obligations.