Election Day 2024: Casting Your Vote and Coping With Election Stress

As Election Day 2024 arrives on November 5, Raleigh residents are encouraged to get out and make their voices heard. Whether you’re voting for local leadership, state officials, or key ballot measures, your participation is crucial in shaping the future of your community. Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, and Raleigh is providing numerous polling sites to ensure easy access for all eligible voters. 

It is important to do your homework on the candidates running so you can make informed decisions when you visit the polls. One helpful resource for researching candidates is Ballotpedia, which is a neutral digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections. The goal of Ballotpedia is “to inform people about politics by providing accurate and objective information about politics at all levels of government.” 

Early voting allows you to vote at locations other than your assigned polling location; however, on Election Day (November 5, 2024), you will be required to visit your assigned polling location. For NC State students, faculty and staff, Talley Student Union is an early voting location. Always be sure to bring a valid form of ID, as North Carolina law requires it for in-person voting.Polling locations in Raleigh and the surrounding areas will typically be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Election Day. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Polling Location:

1. Visit the official North Carolina Board of Elections. This website provides a helpful tool specifically used for looking up your assigned polling location based on your voter registration.

2. Use the Voter Search Tool: The North Carolina State Board of Elections offers an online “Voter Search” tool. Enter your name, birthdate, and county to find your polling site information. You’ll also be able to check your registration status and view your sample ballot.

3. You can also search and call your county’s Board of Elections. The Wake County Board of Elections can be reached at (919) 404-4040. Staff will assist you in locating your polling place.

4. Check Your Voter Registration Card: If you’re registered to vote, you should have received a voter registration card in the mail, which lists your polling location.

Before heading to the polls, double-check your voting location, as precinct assignments can change. You can confirm your polling place and find a full list of sites by visiting the North Carolina Board of Elections website.

Coping With Election Stress

Elections, especially presidential elections, shine a spotlight on the problems our nation faces. The constant focus on these problems comes to a head during presidential year elections. Therefore, this affects many (if not all) Americans and can cause varying levels of stress. Elections can cause stress, burnout, cynicism, and bitterness. 

However, it is crucial to stay engaged and motivated to support making your county, state, and country a better place (although each person may have different opinions about how to accomplish this). We would like to share some helpful tips for “Coping With Election Stress” provided by senior staff psychologist, Judy Hao, from the University of California at Irvine (n.d.). 

Tips for Coping With Election Stress

1. Focus on what you can control and what positive actions you can take. 
   1. Vote if you are eligible and encourage others to make their voices heard. You can also volunteer to campaign for your candidates (local/regional and national). Spread knowledge like how to locate polling locations on social media. 
2. Stay mindful. 
   1. Before you discuss or debate with someone who has a different political opinion, consider your goal. Are you really going to change their mind? Is it important at this time and space, nevertheless, for you to speak up even if to maintain your own self respect? 
   2. Acknowledge and validate fears. It can be scary to feel like your rights may be taken away, your values trampled on, or your chances for a successful future are being diminished. It makes sense to be scared and angry. Your emotions are valid. 
3. Set boundaries. 
   1. Limit your exposure to political news and social media to an amount that allows you to be informed without completely stressing you out. 
   2. Take mental and conversation breaks from politics. And remember, it’s okay to walk away from an overly heated conversation that doesn’t feel productive or meaningful.  
4. Beware of misinformation. 
   1. Educate yourself about the facts and their sources. 
5. Stay curious. 
   1. Stay curious about how a person’s background, culture and life experiences may impact their thinking. Think about what you can learn from someone even if you don’t agree with their views. 

It can be extremely difficult to stay politically engaged, but your voice is important! Every vote counts, so be sure to take part in this important civic duty. Let’s make Election Day 2024 a success for our communities at a local, county, state, and national level!