NORTH CAROLINA
Do you know how elections work in North Carolina?
Get informed and make sure your vote counts.
B-
Election Integrity Grade
Karen Brinson Bell
Appointed Executive Director - 2019
Population: 10,488,084
Budget Allocation For Elections: $6,833,297
Per Capita Investment In Elections: $0.65
In North Carolina, elections are overseen at the state level by the State Board of Elections, an independent five-member agency appointed by the governor from nominees put forth by the state political parties. The State Board, in turn, appoints an Executive Director to run its elections. The current Executive Director is Karen Brinson Bell, selected by the Democratic majority on the State Board. Brinson Bell has a strong record of unbiased election administration and is a member of three bipartisan national boards dedicated to the profession.
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Like most states, elections in North Carolina are largely run at the local level by a Director of Elections, who is appointed by the County Board of Elections. That board consists of five members, four of whom are put forth by political parties (two Republicans, two Democrats), and a fifth appointed by the governor.
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The County Board of Elections is ultimately responsible for certifying the results of an election. They may investigate irregularities, order recounts, and conduct hearings on election protests. North Carolina state law limits the political activities board members may take, including prohibiting "written or oral statements to the public at large supporting or opposing candidates for public office."
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If you encounter any difficulties or issues voting - either early or in person on November 8 - please file a complaint with us at Protect Our Election, or, if you require urgent assistance, by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
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Prohibited activities by poll workers and/or observers include:
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Wearing or distributing campaign material or electioneering;
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Impeding or disrupting the voting process or speaking with voters or election assistants;
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Interfering with the privacy of the voter, including positioning themselves in such a way that they can view confidential voter information on poll books or laptops or standing in such a way that they can view the contents of ballots inserted into a tabulator;
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Using an electronic device to film or take photographs inside the voting enclosure;
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Taking photographs, videos, or recording a voter without the consent of the voter and the chief judge;
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Entering the voting booth area or attempting to view voted ballots;
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Boarding a vehicle containing curbside voters; and
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Providing voter assistance.
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KEY PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Roy Cooper​
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Governor
This legislation creates a high risk of voter harassment and intimidation and could discourage citizens from voting
Karen Brinson Bell​
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Executive Director,
State Board of Elections
This order gives more opportunity to voters this year... this order is the right thing to do because no North Carolinian should fear exposure to disease when they cast their ballot.
Patrick Gannon
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Spokesperson,
State Board of Elections
Adversaries both domestically and abroad want you to distrust the elections process. Please let them know that you trust your elections officials and the elections process by exercising your right to vote.