A2 August 26, 2021
The Chronicle
Nearly 400,000 names removed from N.C. voter registration in
biennial list maintenance
Check voter registration online now while there is time to make corrections
BY HOWARD PEARRE
A total of 391,415 registered voters (of nearly
7.2 million) have been removed from North Carolina
rolls in this year’s “biennial voter registration list mainte
nance,” according to Democracy NC. In 2019, more than
half a million voters’ names were removed. The process
occurs in odd numbered years.
These are scary statistics considering efforts through
out the country to “win” elections by interfering with
voters’ access to polls. In North Carolina, the State Board
of Elections enjoys a reputation of strict non-partisanship
and transparency. But when this amount of data is pro
cessed, it is unreasonable to assume that mistakes won’t
happen.
To avoid an unpleasant surprise the next time you
show up to vote, take time now to check your voter reg
istration so there will be time to take corrective action if
your name has been inadvertently removed. It’s simple to
do, just a few clicks on a computer or smartphone.
Here are the steps:
Go to Google.
Key in “NC voter lookup.”
Select “Voter search” (usually the first choice).
On the next page, key in your first and last name (and
county if you have a common name).
Click on the correct name if there are two or more of
the same names.
Check to see if you are “active.”
Then scroll down to make sure your address is cor
rectly listed.
Scroll down further to check on voting place and
other information, if needed.
Make needed changes:
If any of your information needs to be updated - your
name, address (including apartment number), party af
filiation - it may cause a hiccup on voting day. There are
several ways you can make any needed changes.
You can obtain a voter registration form from the
Forsyth County Board of Elections, complete it and re
turn it. You can do this in person at the board’s office at
201 N. Chestnut St. According to the board of elections,
forms are also available at public libraries. Then return it
to the board of elections in person or by U.S. mail. Just
make sure it is received by the board no later than 25
days before an election you plan to vote it.
Second, if you have an N.C. driver’s license, you can
make the needed changes - or even register for the first
time - online with a computer or smartphone. You can
make changes to your listed home address or party affili
ation through the Department of Motor Vehicles’ web-
site, although name changes still require a signed Voter
Registration form.
Here are the steps:
Go to Google.
Key in “Online Voter Registration NC.”
Select “Official NCDMV: Voter Registration Ap
plication - NCDOT” (may be the second choice in the
Google list).
On the next page labeled “Voter Registration Appli
cation,” click the “Get Started” button.
On the next page, click “Continue to my NCDMV
Services” in the blue box (below the “Welcome to my
NCDMV” heading).
On the next page, click “Continue as a guest.” (Small
letters, highlighted).
On the next page, scroll down to and select “Submit
a Voter Registration Application.”
Enter voter registration information (or changes) on
the next pages.
Click “Submit.”
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Within several days, check the“NC Voter Lookup”
site (as above) to make sure your changes were recorded.
If not, call the Forsyth Board of Elections to find out why.
A third way to make changes (for name or address,
but not party affiliation) is at an early voting site during
the early voting period. To use this method, you will have
to present a driver’s license, water or electricity bill, or
other official document verifying the new information.
At the early voting poll, you will have to complete a new -
Voter Registration form. Then you will be able to vote at
the same time.
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F00D»U0N
CATERING
In any case, act now, before the Election Day is bear
ing down, to make sure your name has not been removed
and to make any necessary changes.
Protect your right to vote!
Howard Pearre conducts training sessions for volun
teers to assist with voter registration. He is a member of
Winston-Salem Writers and received an honorable men
tion for his short story, "September, 195 7, ” at the 2020
International Human Rights Arts Festival.
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