Register and make a plan to vote early!

Voting is a crucial part of the democratic process, enabling you to shape the future of your community, state, and country. Duke encourages all eligible students to make their voices heard by casting their ballots. 

As a college student, you have the option of voting in North Carolina or in your home state. With North Carolina’s Primary approaching on March 5, here’s what you need to know about voting this year. 

Check your voter registration status 

Students voting in North Carolina can check their voter registration status with the State Board of Elections.

To vote on Election Day on March 5, the voter registration deadline is February 9. However, you can also register and vote on the same day at early voting locations from February 15 through March 2. Karsh Alumni Center will operate as an on-campus early voting location. More information about what to bring to register to vote during the early voting period can be found on the Duke Votes website. 

Your voter registration must include a current residential address and valid mailing address, so it will need to be updated if you moved from East to West Campus, from West Campus to 300 Swift, or off campus this semester. Duke Votes is hosting multiple voter registration events on campus this semester. Stop by a table to have a volunteer walk you through the voter registration process.  

In order to be eligible to register to vote in North Carolina, you must:  

• Be a U.S. citizen (documents are NOT required to register) 
• Live in the county where you are registering, and have resided there for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. 
• Be at least 18 years old, or will be by the date of the general election.
  • NOTE: 17-year-olds may vote in a primary election if they will be 18 at the time of the general election (November 5, 2024).
• Not be serving a felony sentence, including any period of probation, post-release supervision, or parole. 

Voting outside North Carolina? TurboVote is a nonpartisan tool that can help you check your status and navigate your state’s registration process.

Make a plan to vote 

Duke University will have an early voting location on campus this year at Karsh Alumni Center beginning on February 15 and running through March 2. During early voting, you can cast your ballot at any polling location in the county where you are registered. Early voting site hours can be found here. 

On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling location. 

• Students living on East Campus will vote at George Watts Elementary School (700 Watts St, Durham, NC 27701) 
• Students living on West Campus and 300 Swift will vote at Patterson Recreation Center (2614 Crest St, Durham, NC 27705). 
• Off-campus students can check their Election Day polling location here. 

Voting outside North Carolina? No problem! U.S. Vote can help you identify your state’s deadlines, including how to vote early or by mail. 

Bring a valid photo ID when voting

Remember, North Carolina voters are now required to show a photo ID at the polls. You can request a Duke Student Voter ID Card if you don’t have a North Carolina driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID. 

The Duke Student Voter ID Card is a physical card, separate from the DukeCard, and it will be provided to students for free upon request. Multiple card pick-up events will occur on campus this semester. 

Get involved with Duke Votes

Duke Votes is your campus hub for all things voting. As a non-partisan, student-led organization, Duke Votes aims to register, educate, and mobilize our community to vote. They host programs like voter registration drives and education opportunities, and they can always use more volunteers! 

Learn more about how you can contribute to our campus’s civic engagement by visiting the Duke Votes website. 

As Election Day approaches, remember that your vote is not just a right – it’s also a powerful tool for change. Register, get informed, and be ready to make your voice heard! 

Note: Duke University is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 organization and does not support or oppose any candidate or party for political office.