Early voting for November election starts today

Early voting for this year’s midterm elections starts today.

The Orange County Board of Elections is hoping for approximately 15,000 early voters this year, said Tracy Reams, director of the board.

“It is pretty comparable to other midterm elections,” Reams said.

Early voting, which began in North Carolina in 2004, was established for the convenience of those who might not be able to vote on the general Election Day, she said.

There are about two weeks for voters to cast their ballots early at different locations and at different times, Reams said.

The board is not allowed to offer transportation for voters.

Reams said she recommends voters contact the local branches of the specific parties to arrange transportation.

UNC Young Democrats President Lee Storrow said students at the University who want to vote early can do so at Morehead Planetarium on campus starting Monday.

“So the idea is that people can walk there when they have time or between classes,” Storrow said.

The organization will also be hosting a series of events to support the state Democratic candidate.

The Young Democrats are currently holding Proud to be a Democrat Week, during which they encourage students who may not be politically active, but who are passionate about a certain issue to relate to the policies of the party, said David Murray, vice president of the organization.

UNC College Republicans are also spreading the word about the convenience of early voting and making sure people have the right information.

“For college students, early voting does simplify things,” said Anthony Dent, chairman for the organization.

“Especially for out-of-state voters who wish to register at UNC, one-stop voting means they can just show up, register and cast their ballots,” Dent said.

College Republicans will be at the Morehead Planetarium on Monday to assist voters.

The group is sending e-mails over its listserv to encourage early voting and a high Republican turnout.

Despite the competitiveness of this year’s midterm elections, both Storrow and Dent agree the voter turnout likely will not be as large as that of the 2008 presidential election.

But they both said they want students to engage in their civil duties by voting.

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.