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Learn how to vote with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and WFAE.

How To Vote In The 2020 General Election

October 26, 2020

University City Regional Library is the only Library branch designated as a voting precinct. To verify that this is your assigned voting location please visit the Board of Elections site here.

Do you have questions about the 2020 General Election? This year, with the coronavirus pandemic, knowing how to vote is just as important as what is on the ballot. WFAE has answers to some of the biggest questions you might have about the Nov. 3 election.

Where Do I Vote?

Where you vote depends on what precinct you live in – and there are around 200 precincts in Mecklenburg County.

To find your Mecklenburg County precinct and polling place, put your first and last name here. It is a good idea to double-check this page as locations can change.

For the other counties in North Carolina, search for your polling place here or find a convenient early voting site here.

You must vote in your assigned precinct and each polling place will have a list of all registered voters in the area.

What Do I Need To Vote?

In North Carolina, you do not need your photo ID. In 2019, a federal court stopped the ID requirement for the state.

If you are voting in person, you can bring your cellphone into the booth with you, but there are rules.

You cannot take any photos inside the booth, including ballots, other voters, or even of yourself. Once you are outside the booth, you are free to take selfies.

You also cannot use your cellphone to text, call, email, or communicate in any way with anybody while voting. If you need assistance voting, let somebody working at the polls know.

Cellphones are allowed to look up information on candidates and issues. You are also allowed to bring other voter information to the polls.

Unless you are dropping off an early ballot, you do not need a ballot or any other materials to vote.

How Will Voting Be Different This Year?

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, more people are expected to vote by mail or early in person. As many as 30-40% of voters in North Carolina are estimated to vote absentee, and another 50% are expected to vote early in 2020.

Those who vote in person will be provided with single-use pens to sign in and cotton swabs to use touchscreen voting machines to reduce physical contact with equipment and the possible spread of the virus.

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting has two methods voters can cast ballots other than the traditional method. These methods are absentee by mail and absentee one-stop.

Absentee by Mail

Registered voters in Mecklenburg County can request an absentee ballot from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Voters have to ask for the form before Oct. 27 by completing the absentee ballot request form. An application and ballot will be mailed to the voter after the request form is received. Ballots began to be mailed on Sept. 4.

Here's how to send a request form:

Email the request form to [email protected]
The application form can be faxed at 704-319-9722
The document can be mailed to PO Box 31788 Charlotte, NC 28231
The document can be dropped off at 741 Kenilworth Ave. Suite 202 Charlotte, NC 28204.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, in June, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a law that will allow voters to request absentee ballots online. Additionally, it changed the number of required witnesses from two to one.

If you are in the military, the immediate family of an active-duty military member, or a U.S. citizen overseas, visit FVAP.gov to register and request your ballots.

How To Fill Out Your Absentee Ballot

If you've never voted absentee-by-mail before, it's a good idea to read directions carefully and check out the State Board of Elections guide to ensure that you fill out your ballot correctly and your vote is counted.

Most importantly, you must remember to sign your absentee ballot envelope. Sign the outside of the ballot return envelope and have your witness complete and sign the witness certification.

How To Return Your Absentee Ballot

You can return your absentee ballot in several ways:

By mail to your county board of elections. It must be postmarked on or before Election Day, Nov. 3, and received by 5 p.m. Nov. 6.
By commercial courier service (FedEx, UPS or DHL).
Dropped off in-person at your county board of elections by 5 p.m. Nov. 3. (Mecklenburg County's Board of Election is located at 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 202, Charlotte, NC 28204.)
Dropped off in person at any early-voting site during voting hours.

The U.S. Postal Service has suggested that voters returning ballots by mail send them no later than Oct. 30. Some election experts have recommended sending it back even earlier -- no later than Oct. 25.

You can track your absentee-by-mail ballot to ensure that it has been received at a new State Board of Elections website here.

Election officials have repeatedly reminded voters that voting twice is a felony, and voters who submit absentee-by-mail ballots should not show up to vote in person on Election Day.

Early Voting

Voters can choose to vote in person if they’re worried about post office delays or crowds on Election Day. Registered voters can use one-stop early voting, which begins Oct. 15 at 8 a.m. and ends Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. Specific dates, times and locations vary by site. Find an early voting site by using the drop-down menu to select your county here. A map should appear with several locations.

One-Stop Early Voting

At one-stop early voting sites during the two-week early voting period, eligible voters can register to vote and vote on the same day. One-stop early voting sites can be found here.

Same-day registrants must provide proof of where they live and their eligibility to vote. Proof of residence can be provided with any of the following documents showing your current name and address:

A North Carolina driver's license.
Other photo ID issued by a government agency, provided the card includes the current name and address.
A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing the voter's name and address.
A current college/university photo ID card paired with proof of campus habitation.

Within two days of registration, the county board of elections will verify the registrant's driver's license or Social Security number, update the voter registration database, search for possible duplicate registrations and begin to verify the registrant's address by mail.

What's Different About Early Voting Sites This Year?

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, larger sites will be used for early voting for allow for social distancing. This year, early voting sites in Mecklenburg County include Bank of America Stadium, Spectrum Center and Bojangles Coliseum. A full list, with times each site is open, can be found here.

How Do You Vote If You're Sick Or Disabled After The Request Deadline For An Absentee Ballot?

If a voter is sick or disabled, they can apply in person or have a close relative or verifiable legal guardian apply in person at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office. A ballot will then be delivered to the voter.

This option is only available for sick or disabled voters after 8 a.m. on the Wednesday prior to each election (Oct. 28) but not later than 5 p.m. on the Monday before each election (Nov. 2).

Effective July 1, voters who are blind, disabled or who cannot read or write may receive assistance in completing the request form. Any member of a multi-partisan assistance team can help any voter in completing a state absentee ballot request form. Team members can also deliver a completed request form to the county board of elections and serve as a witness for casting the ballot.

If someone other than a close relative or legal guardian is assisting a voter, that person's name and address must be listed on the state absentee ballot request form.

Contact the public information manager, Kristin Mavromatis, at 704-336-2133 or email her at [email protected].

What If I Am Denied The Right To Vote?

As long as you are 18 years old on Election Day, registered to vote 25 days prior to that date, have lived in the county you’re voting in for 30 days and are not serving time for a felony (including probation and/or parole), you have the right to vote.

Again, North Carolina residents do not need a photo ID to vote, but there are other laws residents should be aware of on Election Day.

You must be registered to vote on Election Day, but you do not have to be affiliated with any political party to vote.

You do not have to pay any money to vote. You also cannot be intimidated to not vote or vote a certain way or to disclose who or what you voted for.

Being able to access the polls is also your right as a voter. If you are unable to access the ballot box, curbside service must be provided.

If you have any problems voting, contact the North Carolina State Board of Elections at 919-814-0700 or at 866-522-4723. You can also email the board at [email protected].

If there are issues with casting your vote, you have the right to fill out a provisional ballot on Election Day.

What Is A Provisional Ballot?

A provisional ballot is a ballot that will be counted later after your information and voter registration is confirmed.

If there are issues confirming your voter registration and your name is on the list at your precinct's polling place, you have the right to a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot allows you to cast a vote for the same ballot everyone else is voting on. But because your information must be confirmed, it will not be included in the initial results.

But your vote still counts: If a race is too close to call and provisional ballots could impact who wins, a winner will not be called.

In 2016, about 60,000 provisional votes were cast and about one-third of them were later counted. A provisional ballot does not guarantee your vote will later be counted. However, you have the right to check on the status of your ballot, which you can do here.

This blog was written by WFAE as a series of voter education and awareness. To see the original article, click here.

Black Businesses Need Support

October 26, 2020

Recently a spotlight has been placed on the glaring disparities faced by the Black community, and these disparities have only been furthered by the disproportionate impact of this year’s global pandemic on people of color. It begs an answer to the question: What can you as an ally do to help combat these inequities? One of the best and most direct ways to help the Black community is to support local Black-owned businesses.

Black businesses have needed support well before the COVID-19 pandemic. While the number of firms has grown nationwide over the years, only nine percent of all United States businesses are Black owned. While white-owned businesses take in about 88 percent of American gross receipts, while Black businesses claim only 1.3 percent of total U.S. sales despite the Black community making up 13 percent of the population. During the pandemic, Black businesses have been much less likely to receive assistance from loan programs created by the CARES Act such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). They have also been impacted more directly since the retail and service industries (many of which were forced to close) make up a considerably greater portion of Black-owned businesses.

Here in Mecklenburg County, rapid urban renewal and gentrification have threatened to leave struggling minority businesses behind. To counter this, organizations like Black Businesses of Charlotte (BBOC) have made it their mission to support Black businesses and connect them to customers and valuable resources. In October, the BBOC hosts its 4th Annual Black Restaurant Week featuring special offers at various Black-owned restaurants from October 19-31, 2020. The organization will also host Black Food Truck Friday on October 30, 2020. Black Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to go out, stimulate the economy and support your favorite local Black-owned restaurant.

In reality, one week (or in this case, two) will not stop an economic crisis or save all of Charlotte’s Black businesses. Still, it is a step in the right direction. With social justice and equity initiatives on the rise, Black-owned businesses are seeing an unprecedented rush of support from customers of all races who want to see a more equitable future for their city. To make a permanent change, commitment to patronizing businesses like these must occur on a regular basis. It’s important to do one’s part to create a future where everyone can thrive.

For programming and events information on the Black Lives Matter program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, click here.

This blog was written by Darius Smalls of ImaginOn Library.

Because I Have a Black Son

October 27, 2020

Bringing home a new baby is a time filled with a of myriad emotions: joy, excitement, anxiety, fear. Taking classes, reading books and listening to advice-both unsolicited and solicited-can never fully prepare a new parent for every possible situation that may arise. And there is nothing, no book, no person, or no oracle that can prepare a parent of a Black son for how it feels the first time you hear the news about a Black man falling victim to the ills of our society because he “fit the description,” was “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” or simply because he was perceived as a threat.

On February 23, 2020, I remember clutching my then three-and-a-half-month-old son in my arms upon hearing about the shooting death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. I had seen and read about so many others around the country and even in our city, but this time it hit differently. This time, as the mother, I wept for the future of my Black son. Three months later, on May 25, 2020, I would weep again for George Floyd, the 47-year-old Black man who called out for his mama, his dead mama, as he lay dying in a Minneapolis street.

As a children’s librarian, I have always valued diversity in children’s books and children’s library programming. I believe children’s books can serve as both windows and mirrors. They can provide a glimpse into situations that may be new and different for some while reflecting others’ lived experiences. Picture books can be valuable tools that help start difficult conversations, and they can affirm and uplift.

As a mother, who happens to be a children's librarian, I take early literacy seriously. Even though my son is only 10 months old, we make time each week for Active Reading. We regularly read books that reflect who he is and who he will become. By asking questions, building vocabulary and making connections, I am not only setting a strong foundation for literacy development, I am also validating the qualities that make him special and unique, despite what the outside world may think. I don’t stop there though; then, I read books where the children characters are not like him: they have different abilities and their families do not look like ours. Then I validate their special and unique qualities, too.

We still have a few years before my son is ready for the talk, and I do not mean the birds and the bees. I’m talking about the talk that many Black parents give their children, especially their sons, about what to do if the police pull them over. The talk in which we will discuss why he is not allowed to wear hoodies in public and why it is never ok to play with toy guns. The talk in which we plan and execute how to return home safely each day. But until then, we will keep reading the stories that celebrate him and Black boys like him. And I will encourage others to do the same so that as he and other Black boys become men, society will remember that they, too, are someone’s sons.

This blog was written by Alesha Lackey, a children's librarian at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates "In Living Color" day on April 11, 2020.

Live colorfully with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

April 8, 2020

We’ve seen brighter days and, surely, we’ll see them again. As early as this weekend it seems.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to stay home while staying connected to Library resources and each other with an all-day “In Living Color” virtual activity day on Saturday, April 11, 2020! Anyone can participate in this event, which features fun, color-themed activities and lists we’ve curated to help enliven your spring, despite our collective circumstances. You can enjoy all of the activities listed below from the comfort of home, on your own time.

Our commitment to improve lives and build a stronger community is not limited by distance and we hope that however you spend your weekend, you know that your Library is thinking of you during this critical time.

Come along with us for your personal adventure. You can post your photos and videos to social media, tag @cmlibrary and use the hashtags #CMLinlivingcolor and #icanwithCML.
Remember, we’re all in this together.

So, what can you look forward to on Saturday, April 11, 2020? Try any (or all!) of the following*:

Go for a color walk

What’s a color walk? Pick a color of your choice and go for a relaxed stroll near home. Look for things in nature, and in your surroundings, that match the color you picked! Find color walk instructions here.

Spell your name

Have a long name? You’re in for a ton of fun this weekend! Choose the letters that comprise your name and complete the actions assigned to each one. You might not finish them all in one day, but, then again, you might. Besides, who doesn’t want to make an orange creamsicle smoothie or play a game of Trouble online? Click here to spell your name.

Get into the groove

Our colorful Freegal Music playlist is head-bob worthy. We encourage foot-tapping as well. Listen here (hint: you’ll need your Library card number or ONE Access ID to access this list. Need one? Apply for a Library card here).

Head to class

That’s Universal Class, if you were wondering. Sign up for a class such as Face Painting 101, Cake Decorating 101 or Digital Photography 101. If you’re going to be home, you might as well learn something you’ll love. Find the perfect class for you here.

Put on your game face

Everyone wins with this colorful game list. Don’t have a suggested boardgame on hand? That’s ok – we’ve thrown in some online games as well. Find a game you love here.

Recline and rewind

If watching a film or movie is more your speed, we have that covered for you as well. The hue-named titles on this list are a good pick on any day. Explore movies for children and for older teens and adults.

Let’s get cooking

Whether you know your way around the kitchen or you’re a novice to the stove, these tasty, vibrant and handy recipes will ensure your everyone’s favorite chef by summertime. Find yummy recipes here.

Get ready to read color titles

Are you an avid reader? Great! Because we dove deep to find the perfect books for you. Access your next favorite color-themed read here: Adult reading list, Children’s reading list, Teen reading list.

Have an active day and don't forget to tag your social media posts! #CMLinlivingcolor #icanwithCML

*Please remember that borrower checkout limits apply for digital and online resources

Stay connected while staying home with virtual programming from the Library.

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 4/13/20

April 8, 2020

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 4/13/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 4/13

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Tuesday 4/14

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Teen and Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m. REGISTER

WFAE Presents: Podcasting 101 – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Matthews Fiction Writing Group – 6:30 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Wednesday 4/15

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

History and Historical Fiction Book Club – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Learning Circle: Intro to HTML and CSS – 1 p.m. (Adult programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Basics of Active Reading for Parents – 3 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Poetry Workshop (Virtual) A Journey Through the Senses – 4 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Thursday 4/16

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Write Like You Mean It – 10 a.m. (Adult programming) LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

Cuentos Virtuales en Español - 10:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

e-Resource Highlight Video for Adults – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) LEARN MORE

Career Development Intensive Coaching – 12 p.m. (Adult programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Creating Virtual Resumes with the Job Help Center – 1 p.m. (Adult and Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Active Reading Mentor Training – 2 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Children's Reference – 3:30 p.m. REGISTER

Books on Tap Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Friday 4/17

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Saturday 4/18

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Ancestry.com's Library Edition helps a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library customer to uncover keys to his past.

Library’s offering of Ancestry.com unlocks history for guests

April 9, 2020

When he was a boy growing up in Charlotte, Reginald Ardrey went to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to escape.

Now 69, Ardrey, who lives full-time in Oakland, Calif., but has returned to Charlotte to care for his elderly parents, says, once again, it’s the Library where he spends most of his time. This time, though, it’s not books Ardrey spends his time with – it’s the past.

Through the expanded free offering of Ancestry® Library Edition -- made available at all Library branches in December 2018 -- Ardrey has learned more about himself through unlocking the past.

“It’s opened up a wealth of information for me,” Ardrey said as he sat by a computer in the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room in Main Library one November afternoon, explaining how his great aunt lived just down the street from Romare Bearden. “I found a whole bunch of family members I didn’t even know existed. I found out things even my parents didn’t know!”

Sifting through United States Census records (from as far back as 1840) on Ancestry as well as birth and death certificates, Ardrey was able to trace his family’s roots all the way from the mid-19^th century in South Carolina to today, where his mother grew up in Uptown on Alexander Street.

Ardrey’s great-great-great grandfather, Reuben Barber, Ardrey learned through research, was a corporal in Company A of the 47^th US Colored Infantry. For his service, his name is etched into a monument in Washington, D.C., that honors black soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

But it’s not only the past Ardrey’s unlocking through Ancestry. Through his research, Ardrey said, he’s found several living family members to whom he’s reached out, proudly telling them their ancestor’s name is forever inscribed on a prominent Washington monument.

Yet, it’s perhaps the future that interests Ardrey most. An avid gym-goer and self-described health-nut, Ardrey often looks for his family’s death certificates to see their causes of death. Ancestry revealed in the early 1900s, many of his family members died of diabetes-related complications.

Ardrey wants others to know about this free resource and the benefits he’s gained from it.

“Even if you weren’t interested in genealogy before, it can open up a lot of doors for you.”

There’s one thing, though, that evades Ardrey’s research, something he just can’t discern through Census records and death certificates.

“I wish I knew what kind of people they were,” he said.

Unlock your own history by accessing Ancestry® Library Edition for free online. Ancestry is extending access to the its Library Edition online for Library customers while Library locations are physically closed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Read one woman's life-changing biological discovery here.

Virtual Programming

Read more about Virtual Programming

Virtual Programming from the Library - Week of 4/20/20

April 15, 2020

Did you know that you can continue to stay connected to the Library while staying home? How would you like to participate in a virtual storytime with your family or receive resume help all from the comfort of your couch? Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library every week for a wide range of virtual programming for children, teens and adults. See a complete listing of this upcoming programming for the week of 4/20/2020 below. Click the corresponding links for more information and register for programs where applicable.

Learn more about online programming by clicking here

Monday 4/20

Family Storytime - 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Book a Librarian - Business Research – 11 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Mindful Monday -12 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 12 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 1 p.m. (Children's programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 1 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Virtual Reading Buddies – 2 p.m. (Children's programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - My Next Step – 2 p.m. (Teen programming) REGISTER

Book a Librarian - Technology – 2 p.m. REGISTER

Book a Librarian - General Reference – 2:30 p.m. REGISTER

Online Listen and Move Storytime – 3 p.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Strange New Worlds Book Club – 7 p.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER

Tuesday 4/21

Family Storytime – 9:30 a.m. (Children's programming) LEARN MORE

Aprendiendo Juntos en Casa – 10 a.m. (information to be emailed to prior participants)

The Detection Club Book Club – 10 a.m. (Adult programming) REGISTER