N.C. election official urges patience in early voting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In-person early voting is underway across North Carolina, and election officials are expecting turnout to be strong, despite it being a municipal cycle rather than a presidential election year. 

Michael Dickerson serves as director of the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. 

Dickerson said this year’s elections are fueled by mayoral races, including in Charlotte, Greensboro and Durham, and a one-cent sales tax referendum in Mecklenburg County backed by local and state lawmakers.

“We got something for everybody to vote on here in Mecklenburg County,” Dickerson said. “We [also] have school board.”

Dickerson urged voters to bring patience and a photo ID to help keep the voting process running smoothly.

“It’s not a matter of whether or not you [do or] don’t want to show it, I have to ask for that photo ID in order to accept your ballot,” Dickerson said.

According to the N.C. State Board of Elections, over 7.5 million people are registered to vote statewide.

Mecklenburg County accounts for more than 810,000 registered voters and between 2,000 and 3,000 poll workers this election cycle.

At the Hal Marshall Center in Mecklenburg County, poll workers have been busy welcoming voters since the polls opened Thursday morning.

Vanessa Ramseur, the Hal Marshall Center site’s chief judge, said she returns each year to help ensure a smooth process.

“We always work a little earlier than all the other locations because we are here to help to make sure everything gets a great start, which includes having all our staff here ready to greet and meet all our voters and give them the excellent service they need,” Ramseur said.

Although Ramseur retired, she said helping people exercise their civic duty is both critical and meaningful work.

“The reason I come back from year to year is to make sure every voter gets the opportunity to vote. It allows me to get up real early, go through the traffic and it means a tremendous amount to me because voting is a right,” Ramseur said.

Some reports show safety remains a national concern for polling staff.

A 2025 Brennan Center Research Department survey found that 52% of local election officials expressed concern about threats to themselves or their staff.

Dickerson said wellness of poll workers remains top priority.

“We don’t write the rule to do it, we follow the process. Our goal is to get you to vote, that’s the most important thing,” Dickerson said.

“I am very proud of our poll workers. Our workers are trained to make sure we do have the process work smoothly, and their security is the most important thing to us. They know the procedures to take care of themselves, and they know to get in touch with us if they have any issues, and we will work them through it,” Dickerson said.

Ramseur said she also feels safe doing this job, crediting election officials for security coordination.

“We don’t have to worry about anything else except doing our job,” Ramseur said. “We’re thankful.”

Early voting in North Carolina continues through Nov. 1. Election Day falls on Nov. 4.

In Mecklenburg County, the Hal Marshall Center remains the only open early voting site until next Thursday, when 21 locations will open to voters.

Residents can find a list of early voting sites and everything you need to know before you vote on the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website.

Although voters will be asked to show ID, residents can still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form.