Election Day Preview: What you need to know before you vote in Charlotte and surrounding Carolina counties

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s almost time to head to the polls. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and voters across the Charlotte region are getting ready to cast their ballots in local races.

Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re ready before you go.

When to vote on Tuesday

Polling places in North Carolina will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. can still vote.

In South Carolina, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone in line at closing time will also be allowed to vote.

Bring a photo ID

North Carolina now requires voters to show a photo ID when checking in. Acceptable forms include:

• Driver’s license or state ID card
• U.S. passport
• Certain student or employee IDs

If you’re voting in South Carolina, a photo ID is also required.

Find your polling place

If you’re voting on Election Day, you must go to your assigned polling place. You can look it up anytime using the N.C. State Board of Elections’ Voter Search tool or your local elections office website.

Voting by mail?

If you already have an absentee ballot, you can still:

• Mail it in
• Drop it off at your county board of elections office
• Hand it to an election official at an early voting site (during open hours)

What’s on the ballot?

This year’s Charlotte-area ballot features several major races and a high-profile referendum:

Charlotte Mayor:

• Terrie D. Donovan (R)
• Vi Lyles (D), incumbent, seeking a fifth term
• Rob Yates (L)

Charlotte City Council At-Large (4 seats): Dimple Ajmera (D), Misun Kim (R), James “Smuggie” Mitchell Jr. (D), Edwin B. Peacock III (R), LaWana Slack-Mayfield (D), and Victoria Watlington (D).

Voters will also decide on City Council Districts 3 & 6, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board races, and several town elections throughout the county.

Transportation Sales Tax Referendum: Voters in Mecklenburg County will decide whether to approve a one-cent sales tax increase to fund transportation projects like road repairs, expanded bus service, and new rail lines.

Plan ahead

Before you head out, it’s a good idea to check your registration status, view your sample ballot, and confirm your polling location. You can find more information here.

Where to find Election Day results

Queen City News/QCnews.com will have live election results on Tuesday night for all area counties. Stay with Queen City News for full coverage on air and online as results come in.

MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM

2025 Elections

Election Day Preview: What to know before you vote

Everything you need to know before heading to the polls

Early voting surges in Meck. County ahead of election