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Can I still register to vote?
Yes! If you missed the October 9 registration deadline, you can register and vote during the Early Voting period at any polling location in your county. If you register at an early voting site during the early voting period, you must provide proof of residence, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing your name and current address. An NC driver’s license with your current address also qualifies.
Same-day registration ends with early voting on October 31 at 3 p.m. It is not available on Election Day. Learn more about same-day registration.
Do I need an ID to vote?
In North Carolina, you must provide a valid photo ID when voting in person and by mail. Common IDs include an NC driver’s license, state-issued ID, or a U.S. passport. Some student and employee IDs are also approved. The address on the photo ID does not have to match your voter registration records. Check the full list of acceptable IDs.
Don't have an acceptable photo ID? You can still vote. You may cast a provisional ballot and 1) bring an acceptable ID to your county elections office by noon on the fifth business day after Election Day or 2) complete a photo ID exception form explaining why you cannot show an ID. Ask an election worker for assistance.
Registered voters can obtain a free voter photo ID from their county board of elections before early voting ends. Find additional information at Get a Free Voter Photo ID.
WHAT is on my ballot?
Alongside state and federal races, voters will decide on three statewide constitutional amendments and any local measures on their ballot. Here in Guilford County, voters will decide on a local sales and use tax referendum.
Review your sample ballot through the Voter Search Tool. Know what's on your ballot and how you will vote before you visit a polling location. Below are my recommendations and why these measures matter.
Voter ID (SB921):
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting.
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What it does: Expands the Constitution's photo ID requirements from in-person voting to all voting methods, including voting by mail.
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What that means: Voter ID is already law. Instead of making voting easier, the NC GOP is asking voters to permanently put a voter ID requirement into our state Constitution, meaning the requirement could not be changed by state legislation, only by another constitutional amendment.
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Why I recommend voting AGAINST: This makes a permanent requirement without guaranteed protections. Doubling down on the harm felt by communities most affected by the voter ID law, including Black and brown communities, students, rural residents, seniors, and disabled voters. North Carolinians deserve elections that are secure, accessible, and fair, without unnecessary barriers.
Property Tax Limits (HB1089):
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments.
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What it does: Requires the General Assembly to enact limits on increases in local governments’ property tax levies.
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What that means: The amendment does not specify the limit or guarantee that your individual tax bill will decrease. Lawmakers would determine the limits and any exceptions afterward.
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Why I recommend voting AGAINST: Property taxes support schools, firefighters, libraries, parks, and other essential services. I am concerned that state-imposed limits would make it harder for local leaders to meet community needs as costs rise. We should pursue meaningful relief for struggling residents while protecting the services they rely on. You elect your local city council members and county commissioners to make the most informed decisions for each municipality. Imposing one statewide cap is fiscally irresponsible and a dangerous precedent for our state.
State Income Tax Cap (SB1080):
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
Constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).
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What it does: Limits the state tax rate to 3.5% for personal and corporate income taxes, down from 7%, the maximum rate voters approved in 2018.
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What that means: A lower income tax cap won't make life more affordable for everyday North Carolinians. It will lock in tax cuts for corporations, shifting costs to working families.
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Why I recommend voting AGAINST: The income tax is already set to fall below 3.5%. For years, the NC GOP has given huge income tax cuts to wealthy households and corporations while communities struggled. This would permanently cap the rate, making it harder to ask individuals and corporations to contribute their share. I am concerned this cap would limit our ability to fund public schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster recovery. Future lawmakers should have the flexibility to respond to North Carolina’s needs.
Guilford County Local Sales and Use Tax (SB1074):
This will also be on your ballot here in Guilford County this fall and likely looks familiar, as you voted on an earlier version in 2024 where it failed 40/60:
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes to be used solely for classroom teacher salary supplements (70%), for fire protection equipment and services (18%), for Guilford Technical Community College (8%), and for qualifying municipalities for allowable expenses (4%).
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What it does: Adds a 0.25% sales and use tax in Guilford County; revenues will be used solely for teacher salary supplements, fire departments, and GTCC.
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What that means: You would pay 5 cents more on a $20 taxable purchase. Residents and visitors share the cost of supporting local schools, public safety, and workforce training.
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Why I recommend voting FOR: This is a small investment that offers meaningful benefits for our community: better pay to retain and support teachers, resources for firefighters, and improved GTCC facilities for job training. It provides dedicated funding for local needs with clear guidelines for how the money is spent.
Thank you for staying engaged and for the thoughtful conversations we've shared at my town halls this fall. I hope this information helps you feel prepared as early voting begins! Make a plan to vote, and encourage a friend or neighbor to join you. As always, please reach out to my office if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Tracy
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