Early voting in Orange County opens next week in an election year that’s seen a wide array of contested races.
Only three of the four usual sites for early voting are in use this season, as county elections officials opted not to open Carrboro Town Hall for early voting.
Residents who are registered to vote can do so at any one of the sites. If you are not registered, you may still register and vote at the sites. If you can provide proof of residency, you can also register and vote at the site. For more information on forms and procedures for one-stop voting, visit the board of elections site at www.co.orange.nc.us/elect/onestop.asp
Dates and times for early voting are:
• Board of Elections Office — 208 S. Cameron St., Hillsborough
Thursday–Friday, Oct. 14–15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday–Friday, Oct. 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday–Friday, Oct. 25-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Morehead Planetarium — 250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill
Monday–Friday, Oct. 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday–Friday, Oct. 25–29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (No voting on Saturday, Oct. 30)
• Seymour Senior Center — 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Monday–Friday, Oct. 18-22 from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday–Friday, Oct. 25-29 from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Contested federal offices this year include a rematch between incumbent Democrat David Price and Republican B. J. Lawson for the Fourth U.S. Congressional District and the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Richard Burr, Democrat Secretary of State Elaine Marshal and Libertarian Michael Beitler.
Contested state legislative races include the contest between incumbent Democrat Ellie Kinnaird and Republican Ryan Hilliard for the N.C. Senate District 23 seat; incumbent House Speaker and Democrat Joe Hackney and Republican Cathy Wright for N.C. House of Representatives District 54; and Democratic incumbent Bill Faison and Republican Rick Smith for House District 50. Incumbent Democrat Verla Insko is running unopposed for re-election in House District 56.
Also on the ballot is a local referendum that would allow the board of county commissioners the right to enact a one-quarter percent sales tax. Commissioners want to devote the funds raised from the tax to schools and economic development.
There also is a statewide referendum on the ballot that would amend the N.C. Constitution to prohibit individuals convicted of a felony from serving as Sheriff.
Complete sample ballots are available on the board of elections site at www.co.orange.nc.us/elect/SampleBallot.asp – Staff Reports