How to prepare for the May 17th election day

According to the Board of Elections, 8,053 voters cast their ballots during the early voting season. Officials call it a "modest" early voting turnout considering there is no presidential race plus confusion between primaries and Lexington's Municipal Election.

Lexington residents should know that May 17 will be the final decision for several local contests including mayor, school board and city council races. 

Voting sites are coming to a ward near you with more than 30 regular polling locations opening for the election. Note that the Davidson County Board of Elections will not be an election day option. One major change this season is that City of Lexington Fire Department Station 1 on Center Street is no longer the voting site for EASTSIDE/38 38 8 81 30. The new location is 1st Reformed UCC, 104 E Center St, Lexington.

Check your precinct to make sure your voting district is the same. Additionally, voters can view sample ballots. Boundaries have shifted due to the census and redistricting. “Sample ballots are available through the Voter Search tool. Knowing your candidate choices in advance and being familiar with the ballot will help your voting experience go more quickly.”

Any voter who qualifies for assistance may ask for help at an early voting site. N.C.G.S. § 163-166.8. To find more information, visit Help for Voters with Disabilities. Curbside voting is available for eligible individuals. For details, see Curbside Voting.

And if you're thinking about posting on social media remember that North Carolina law prohibits photographing or videotaping voted ballots. “Voters may use electronic devices in the voting booth to access a slate card or candidate information, provided they don’t use the devices to communicate with anyone or take photographs of their ballot.”