Caldwell County Voter Guide
 

Participating in our democracy starts at the local level. Whether you are a first-time voter, a new resident, or an aspiring public servant, this guide offers a clear path to getting involved in Caldwell County's future.
 

Registering to Vote

Eligibility Requirements

To register in North Carolina, you must meet these criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old by the next general election (16 and 17-year-olds can pre-register).
• Live in Caldwell County for at least 30 days prior to the election.
• Not be currently serving a felony sentence (including any period of probation or parole).

How to Register

Online: Residents with a NC driver’s license or DMV ID can quickly update or create a registration via the North Carolina DMV portal.

By Mail or In Person: Submit a completed application to the Caldwell County Board of Elections at 120 Hospital Avenue, Lenoir, NC 28645 (Mailing: P.O. Box 564, Lenoir, NC 28645). The application can be printed or you can obtain one at the Board of Elections or our HQ (118 Mulberry St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645).

Same-Day Registration: If you miss the standard deadline, you can register and vote simultaneously during the Early Voting period. You must provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing your current address.
 

Verify Your Status

Always double-check your registration status, polling place, and sample ballot before heading to the polls to ensure a seamless experience using the NCSBE Voter Lookup tool. (Sample ballots are available closer to the Election period.)
 

Important Voting Information

Photo ID: North Carolina law requires a valid photo ID to vote. Most government-issued IDs, student IDs, and military IDs are accepted. If you lack one, the Board of Elections can provide a free voter ID.
Early Voting: Polls are open during the following dates and times at both Shuford Recreation Center (56 Pinewood Rd, Granite Falls, NC 28630) and the County Resource Center  (120 Hospital Ave NE, Lenoir, NC 28645). If you are in line at  the close of day, you will be allowed to cast your ballot. 







Election Day: Polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. As
long as you are in line by 7:30 PM, you will be allowed to
cast your ballot.
 

How to Run for Public Office

Ready to lead? Running for office allows you to directly impact our community's schools, infrastructure, and policies.
 

1. Choose Your Office: Local opportunities include County Commissioner, School Board, Mayor, Sheriff, Town/City Council, or Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor. State roles include the NC House and NC Senate, Governor, and various Council of State positions. There are additionally a number of judicial positions across all districts, plus federal positions including US House and US Senate.

2. Confirm Eligibility: Most roles require you to be a registered voter, live in the district you wish to represent, and meet specific age requirements (usually 21+). Partisan races may have specific party affiliation rules.

3. File Candidacy: You must submit a Notice of Candidacy and pay the filing fee during the designated window for your specific election cycle.

4. Campaign Basics: This involves setting up a formal committee, opening a dedicated bank account, and strictly following state campaign finance and signage laws.

5. Engage the Community: Success comes from attending events, building a volunteer network, and speaking directly with voters about your vision for Caldwell County.

If you are interested in becoming a candidate, you can find more information on the Caldwell County Board of Elections candidate information page and then contact us for further resources on how to run.
 

Local Election Resources

The Caldwell County Board of Elections is your primary resource for registration forms, filing deadlines, and polling locations.

Contact: 828-757-1342
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

The North Carolina State Board of Elections will have additional information about running for statewide offices as well as more broad voting information.