Due to so much upheaval during and after the 2020 election, this election year involves particulars that must garner attention in order to understand the process and take the proper voting steps.
For example, NC Bill 747 is an act to make various changes regarding elections law. It was enacted October 10, 2023, and sections 1-36 and 38-43 became effective Jan. 1, 2024. Gov. Roy Cooper initially vetoed the bill, but the state legislature overrode the veto.
“NC Bill 747 has introduced a ton of changes for us,” said John Williams, elections specialist, Macon County Board of Elections. “This press release from the state has important information for the upcoming election: https://www.ncsbe.gov/news/press-releases/2024/01/04/absentee-ballot-request-portal-now-open-2024-presidential-primary. The election dates at the bottom are the most current.”
For example, the site suggested by Williams points voters to ways to request an absentee ballot for the 2024 primary election online through the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal. Absentee-by-mail voters may mail or drop off a paper request form for an absentee ballot to their county board of elections.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the March 5 primary is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, which is one week before Primary Election Day.
“The absentee ballot portal has helped hundreds of thousands of voters securely request their absentee ballots since we launched it in 2020,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We encourage voters to educate themselves about new laws pertaining to absentee voting, including the photo ID requirement and the new Election Day deadline to return your ballot.”
Williams shared a list of all the candidates on the Macon County March Primary ballot. He explained, “There are many. They won’t all be on one ballot at least, since it’s a primary. Some of the ones listed will go straight to the general election in November as they are uncontested among their party.”
Some of the local candidates are: Josh Young and Chris Browning, for Macon County Board of Commissioners District 02, and Paul Higdon and Barry Breeden for District 03.
The 2024 election is also important for North Carolinians as Gov. Roy Cooper cannot seek reelection due to his term ending. Several candidates are vying for the top spot at the state house in Raleigh: Chrelle Booker (D), Shannon Bray (L), Dale Folwell (R), Gary Foxx (D), Bill Graham (R), Michael Morgan (D), Mark Robinson (R), Mike Ross (L), Josh Stein (D), Wayne Turner (G), and Marcus Williams (D).
Further important upcoming dates regarding this year’s presidential primary include:
- Feb. 9 (5 p.m.) Voter registration deadline
- Feb. 15 One-Stop voting begins
- Feb. 27 (5 p.m.) Last day to request absentee ballot by mail
- March 2 (3 p.m.) One-Stop voting ends
- March 5 (5 p.m.) Last day to return an absentee ballot
- March 5 (6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.) Primary election day – all polls open
For more detailed information and a complete list of 2024 candidates, visit www.maconnc.org/board-of-elections.html, or call the Macon County Board of Elections office at 828-349-2034.