As the election draws closer, Wake Forest students have likely noticed many recent initiatives on campus to register students to vote. However, registering is only one step towards exercising one’s constitutional right to shape local, state and national governance, so it’s important that intended voters still turn out to actually cast their ballots.
Deb Marke, who serves as the University’s assistant director for advocacy and social justice education and leads the Deacs Decide project, said it is crucial for students to create a clear plan to vote — not only to decide who and what they will be voting for, but also understanding the logistical details of when, where and how they will vote.
“The research shows that when you write down your goals, you’re more likely to actually do them,” Marke said. “It’s really important to think through: are you going to vote early? What day are you going to go? Are you going to take the shuttle? Are you going with a friend?”
North Carolina voters
As North Carolina is a highly contested swing state, voting here can prove more pivotal to this presidential election than nearly anywhere else in the country.
“Most elections here are decided by a few thousand votes,” Marke said. “And even though that may seem like a lot, that’s all of campus. When you really think about it, it’s such a small margin. And so your vote does actually really matter, and it makes a difference. These decisions that we’re making throughout October and November are going to shape our communities for generations.”
One Stop Early Voting
Why? Because classes will be in session on Election Day, early voting is a good option for Wake Forest students. Early voting is also a much more flexible process than voting on Election Day itself. Early voters may cast their ballots at any polling location in Forsyth County. Additionally, it is possible to register to vote at the polls during One Stop Early Voting.
Students who are not registered to vote or are not sure if they are registered, should plan to vote early. To register to vote at the polls, you will need to bring a paper copy of your proof of residency. This document is available in the housing portal for students who live on campus. Follow these directions to access and print your proof of residency.
All North Carolina voters must provide photo identification or sign an ID exemption form at the polls. Wake Forest students should be aware that DeaconOne cards satisfy this requirement.
When? Early voting in Forsyth County begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 and continues every day until Saturday, Nov. 2. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays (except on Nov. 2, when voting will run from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Anyone who is waiting in line to vote at closing time still has the right to vote and should stay in line.
Where? Early voters may cast their ballot at any early voting station in Forsyth County. The closest location to the University is the Polo Park Community Center at 1850 Polo Road. For the duration of early voting, Wake Forest will offer free shuttles to the community center.
Additional details on early voting times and locations are provided on this flyer published by the Forsyth County Board of Elections.
Voting on Election Day
Students planning to vote on Election Day should be certain that they are registered to vote beforehand, as it is not possible to register to vote at the polls on this day. Voters will be asked to provide photo identification or sign an exemption form. Wake Forest students can use their DeaconOne Cards.
When? Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Just as with early voting, anyone in line to vote by closing time is still legally allowed to vote.
Where? Unlike early voting, Election Day voters must report to their assigned polling location. Wake Forest University is split into two voting precincts; South Campus students will vote at Salem Chapel and North Campus students at Bethabara Moravian Church. The University will provide free transportation to the polls.
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail is another option for both students who vote in North Carolina as well as those who prefer to vote in their home states. The last day to request an absentee ballot for North Carolina is Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Because of North Carolina’s voter identification requirement, mail-in ballots must be accompanied by a photocopy of an ID. Free scanners for this purpose are available in Benson 334 and Benson 506. North Carolina mail-in ballots can be tracked using this website.
Regulations and deadlines for mailing in ballots vary by state — the websites listed in the next section offer specific guidance for those choosing to vote by mail.
“Don’t wait until the last minute,” Marke said. “Make sure you have everything that you need to fill [your ballot] out. Do you need a witness? Do you need a notary? Do you need a stamp? Knowing that mail sometimes takes a long time, you want to give yourself a little extra padding, just to be sure.”
Preparing to Vote
There are many online resources available to help voters understand their rights and create a plan to vote.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search tool allows voters to quickly check their registration status, view a sample ballot and see their assigned polling location.
VOTE411 offers nonpartisan guides to help voters choose who they would like to vote for. By entering their address, users can view the profiles and policy stances of the candidates who will be on their ballot. VOTE411 also contains information on the voting procedures of each state.
TurboVote offers comprehensive information about steps towards voting, from registration to setting reminders to go to the polls.
While it is illegal to take a picture of a ballot in North Carolina, voters are free to take their phones with them into the voting booth and can even research candidates and policies while at the polls.
“You can take as long as you need. You don’t have to feel rushed,” Marke said. “So take your time if you need to look something up, if you just want to be sure.”
