North Carolina has changed its primary election date by moving it up in the calendar year. Next year’s statewide primary election will be Tuesday, March 15 instead of in May.
With the change in the election date, many other important dates have changed as well. The candidate filing period will begin at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and run until noon, Dec. 21.
The close of filing will be at noon Monday, Dec. 21. Anyone planning to run for an elected seat in the 2016 election will need to file during this time period.
Absentee voting by mail will begin on Monday, Jan. 25.
One-Stop Voting will be held from Thursday, March 3, to Saturday, March 12. The hours of operation will be approved by NC State Board of Elections in late January.
As the current law states, voters will be required to present a photo ID to vote in any election starting in 2016.
During odd-numbered years, North Carolina cities, villages and towns hold “municipal elections.” Municipal elections are held to elect the governing officials (mayor, city council, town council, etc.) of cities, villages and towns.
Not all municipalities have an election in any given odd-numbered year. Ocracoke will not have one this year. Sometimes, the contests for a municipality are held every four years. Also, a few cities or towns elect their officials during even-numbered years.
In a municipal election, only residents of the municipality are qualified to vote in the election. These voters must have resided in the municipality for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election. Municipal election methods and dates vary based on the municipal charter for the municipality.
Voter registration is the first step to become an active voter. Becoming a registered voter is simple. There are several convenient ways to become a registered voter in Hyde County.
For online voter registration applications visit http://www.ncsbe.gov/ncsbe/Voter-Information/VR-Form. Hard copies can be obtained from the Elections Office during business hours or any public library. You can also register to vote while at the DMV. To request an application by mail you can call our office at (252) 926-4194, send a fax to (252) 926-3707, or email a request to Viola Williams.
Requirements for voter registration:
• A U.S. Citizen
• A Resident of North Carolina and this county for 30 days before the election
• At least 18 years of age on or before the next general election
• Not registered and not voting in any other county or state
• If convicted of a felony, your rights of citizenship must have been restored
