By Liz Moomey
liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — As candidate forums for the municipal elections begin, voters should ensure they are registered and are in a town and city limit, according to Rowan County Elections Director Brenda McCubbins.

Voters can register to vote by filling out a form in the elections officer or mailing in a completed registration form by Oct. 11.

One-stop voting, or early voting, also gives voters the opportunity to register and vote on the same time. It begins Oct. 16 at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continues Monday through Friday. On Oct. 26, voters can also go to the Board of the Elections office to cast a ballot at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. One-stop voting ends on Nov. 1.

In order to register at one-stop voting, voters should complete the registration application and provide a proof of residency by presenting a valid document showing their current name and address.

The Board of Election’s office is near Badcock Furniture in West End Plaza, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. The office will be the only place for one-stop early voting.

Citizens can also vote by absentee ballot, which begins Oct. 4. The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 29.

Election Day is Nov. 5 at 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Voters will need to go to their assigned polling place. No voting will be at the Board of Elections office on Election Day.

Voters will not need to show at photo ID for the municipal election. The Voter ID law begins for the March 2020 primary.

McCubbins said through the Rowan County Elections website, voters can look up their sample ballot and see their election day polling place. Some that live in the county will not be in a city’s or town’s limits and will not vote, she advises.

City of Salisbury residents will vote on a referendum “City of Salisbury Charter Amendment to Establish Separate Mayoral Election.” The question will be “Shall the ordinance adopted by the Salisbury City Council on August 20, 2019, which would amend the City Charter by requiring a separate election for the Office of Mayor, be approved?” Voters will voter either yes or no.

Salisbury is the only municipality with a referendum on their ballot.

Those with questions can call the county Board of Elections at 704-216-8140.