• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Votar
  • Events
  • News
  • Search
You Can Vote
  • Voter Guide
    • Learn
      • Election Dates
      • What’s on the Ballot?
      • Know Your Rights
      • Campus Voting Guide
    • Register
      • On Paper
      • Online
      • At an Event
      • Review your registration
    • Vote
      • Early Voting
      • Election Day
      • Vote by Mail
      • Voter ID
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Get Trained
    • Voting Rights Champions
    • Request an Educator
    • Resources
    • Join Our Mailing List
  • About
    • Programs
    • Events
    • Impact
    • News
    • Team YCV
    • Jobs
  • Give
7 Tips When Preparing for the 2025 Elections

7 Tips When Preparing for the 2025 Elections

August 12, 2025 · By Cherie Witter

This fall, cities and towns across the state are gearing up for their local elections. You have the power to use your vote and make a difference in your community by making sure you are #voteready this fall.

Here are 7 tips to make sure you can head to the polls with ease.

  1. Many cities and towns across North Carolina are voting in November. Go to our Local Elections page to find out if your county is one.
  2. If you’ve missed the October 10 voter registration deadline, you can register and vote on the SAME day—only offered during early voting. Same-day registrants have to attest to their eligibility and provide proof of address. Learn more: Early Voting.
  3. Early voting is happening between October 16-November 1. In North Carolina, you can vote at any early voting site in the county where you are registered to vote. Find yours at Early Voting.
  4. Before you vote, it’s important to research the candidates running on your ballot and discover what their stances are on issues that matter to you. Head to What’s on the Ballot? to see who’s running for your vote and print or email your custom sample ballot to bring with you while you vote!
  5. Voters will be asked to show a photo ID when voting. While most voters will show their driver’s license, there are many other acceptable forms of voter ID. For more information, including the full list of acceptable IDs and FAQs, head to: Voter ID.
  6. If you requested an absentee ballot, you can return it by mail or at an early voting site during voting hours. Just be sure not to forget your witness signatures.
  7. If you need any assistance while voting, you have the right to bring somebody else with you when you go to vote. This person can assist you inside OR remain in your vehicle when using curbside voting. Just know that only voters unable to get inside the polling location can use curbside voting.

PLEASE NOTE: VOTERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS WITHOUT HARRASSMENT & INTIMIDATION! IF YOU NEED HELP, REPORT IT TO A POLL WORKER AND CALL THE NC VOTER ASISTANCE HOTLINE AT 1-888-697-8683. If you see harassment or intimidation, or at any time feel harassed or intimidated yourself, notify an election official immediately and call the NC Voter Assistance Hotline at 1-888-OUR-VOTE (687-8683).

Remember, your vote is your voice this fall. You can strengthen your community and create real change by using the power of your vote. Head to our Voter Guide for more information about how you can be a voting superstar.

You Can Vote is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates and mobilizes North Carolinians to take civic action, know their rights, and successfully cast a ballot in each election.

(919) 213-9936
vote@youcanvote.org

PO Box 51941
Durham, NC 27717

Sign up below to receive updates from You Can Vote:

Clay the YCV mascot
© 2026 You Can Vote · All rights reserved · Privacy Policy · Website by Tomatillo Design
Search You Can Vote