Early Voting has begun in North Carolina
Dear Persisters,
Early voting started Thursday, October 15, 2026! You have many options for action. This is an important time to make your voice heard and your vote count.
1. CONFIRM THAT YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION IS ACTIVE AND UNCHALLENGED:
Go to the NC State Board of Elections and use the Voter Search tool. https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/
The first search will confirm that you are registered and active. If you click on your name in blue, it is a link to more information on your voting precinct and various districts. Towards the bottom, you can access a sample ballot, again a link in blue.
Important: if there are any issues with your registration, you are allowed to register or change your registration during the early voting period in North Carolina. It is wise to do so as soon as early voting begins.
2. RESEARCH THE CANDIDATES AND ISSUES.
ncvoter.org is a helpful, nonpartisan website run by Democracy NC. This website will provide a sample ballot, websites for each candidate in every race, and voting locations. This is a useful tool for any voter living in North Carolina.
Another helpful website is Carolina Forward, a progressive organization that closely follows NC politics. https://carolinaforward.org/2026/
If you live in Watauga County, activist Pam Williamson’s Pam’s Picks website provides an abundance of information and endorsements to aid in making your choices. https://pamspicks.net
The team composing this email looks forward to voting FOR the following candidates:
Roy Cooper for U. S. Senator
Chuck Hubbard for U.S. House of Representatives District 5
Anita Earls for NC Supreme Court Seat 1
John Arrowood for NC Court of Appeals Seat 1
Tobias (Toby) Hampson for NC Court of Appeals Seat 2
Christine Marie Walczyk for NC Court of Appeals Seat 3
Frank Patton Hughes III for NC State Senate District 47
Depending on your district, EITHER Charlie Wallin for NC House of Representatives District 93 OR Iris Bender for NC House of Representatives District 87
Andrews Brooks for NC District Court District 34 Judge Seat 1
Holly Fehl for Watauga County Clerk of Superior Court
Len (LD) Hagaman, Jr. For Watauga County Sheriff
In Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 1: Adam Hege
In Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2: Ray Russell
In Watauga County Board of Education District 1: Ellen Lamont
In Watauga County Board of Education District 4: Megan (Chayyim) Kornhauser
And VOTE No on all three constitutional amendments
Carolina Forward and Pam's Picks provide analysis on why we should oppose all three:
3. PLAN WHEN YOU WILL VOTE—EARLY VOTING STARTS OCTOBER 15!
Early voting in Watauga County runs from October 15-October 31. During weekdays, early voting is open 8 am to 7:30 pm. The only Saturday voting in our county will be on October 31 8 am to 3 pm. Voting dates/times vary in each county and state. The Watauga County Board of Elections lists early voting times and locations on its official website: https://wataugacounty.org/App_Pages/Dept/BOE/home.aspx. If you live elsewhere, you can find this information on your official county and state board of election websites.
This year, thanks to organizing by Indivisible High Country, Repairers of the Breach, Immigrant Justice Coalition, Down Home North Carolina and Indivisible Neers, you can choose to march to the polls with others (All Souls to the Polls!). Readers who live in Blowing Rock should take special note of the October 20th event.
Voterfest 1- Thursday, October 15 at 8 am in Lenoir NC Meet at the Tractor Supply/Belk Parking Lot and march to the Lenoir Public Library Early Voting site.https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblewatauga/event/1054079/
Voterfest 2 - Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 pm at Appalachian State CampusMeet at Howard Street Hall and march to the Plemmons Student Union Early Voting site.https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblewatauga/event/1050897/
Voterfest 3- Friday, October 16 at 5:30 pm in downtown BooneMeet at the Watauga County Water Street Parking Deck at the corner of Water and Queen St and march to the Watauga County Administration Early Vote site.https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblewatauga/event/1051807/
Voterfest 4- Monday, October 19 at 5:30 pm at Appalachian State Campus Meet at Howard Street Hall and march to the Plemmons Student Union Early Voting sitehttps://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblewatauga/event/1051753/
Voterfest 5- Tuesday, October 20 at 4:30 pm in Blowing Rock
Meet across the street from the American Legion building in Blowing Rock to march around the block back to the American Legion building to vote. All marches are on sidewalks or pavement using mobility friendly routes. Those individuals not wanting to march or with mobility issues will be given the option to vote immediately or offered a short-cut route where they can wait for the marchers to meet them to continue the parade. Voterfest marches are in conjunction with Repairers of the Breach 1000 marches “All Souls to the Polls” campaign. Indivisible High Country has cleared this event with the Blowing Rock Police Department.
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblewatauga/event/1051829/ (Thank you to the persisters who provided this information!)
4. Drop by the No Kings: Vote Early Rally on Saturday, October 17 4-6 pm at the Watauga County Agricultural Center rear parking lot.
Celebrate democracy in a festive atmosphere. All are welcome—guest speakers, live bands, dancing, community art project, honk & wave, community information booths. Let’s vote early in numbers too big to rig! (See attached image below)
Another nearby option for the nationwide October 17th No Kings: Vote Early Rally is an Ashe County Honk N' Wave from 10 am to Noon on the sidewalk across from the Food Lion in Jefferson, NC, at 733 E. Main St.
Final note: The events of these past two years have been stressful and, at times, painful to witness. We believe the best way to manage these challenges is to take positive action. No matter what happens, we will persist.
Additional note: the team that composes the emails to Persisters is pausing regular emails and no longer actively updating this website. We encourage you to review options to get involved on our older (and free!) website at https://blowingrockpersisters.blogspot.com
