2026 Rowan County Student Voter Guide

2026 GENERAL ELECTION

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

This is the statewide general election, including federal, state and local offices and statewide constitutional amendments.

Check your registration and sample ballot → ncsbe.gov

View a list of all candidates on the ballot:

Three proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution will appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Constitutional Amendment 1

Require Photo ID for Voting

What does the amendment propose?

The proposed amendment would require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting.

Your choices

FOR
Supports the proposed constitutional amendment.

AGAINST
Opposes the proposed constitutional amendment.

Constitutional Amendment 2

Maximum Income Tax Rate of 3.5%

What does the amendment propose?

The proposed amendment would keep the state income tax rate from being raised higher than 3.5%.

Your choices

FOR
Supports the proposed constitutional amendment.

AGAINST
Opposes the proposed constitutional amendment.

Constitutional Amendment 3

Property Tax Levy Limit

What does the amendment propose?

The proposed amendment would require limits on property tax increases by local governments.

Your choices

FOR
Supports the proposed constitutional amendment.

AGAINST
Opposes the proposed constitutional amendment.

1. Check your registration - Make sure you are registered to vote and that your voter information is current.

2. Find your sample ballot - Your individual sample ballot will show which candidates and questions you can vote on based on your residential address.
   FIND MY SAMPLE BALLOT

3. Research your choices - Use this guide as a starting point. Explore the candidates' websites, backgrounds, experience and positions before making your decisions.

4. Make a voting plan - Know when and where you will vote before Election Day.

Can I register to vote using my Catawba College address?
Yes. College students may register to vote using their campus address if they live in the county where they are registering and meet North Carolina's eligibility requirements. If you live on campus, use the residential address for your student housing.

What if I am already registered at my permanent/home address?
You can choose where you are registered. If you want to vote using your Catawba College address, update your voter registration. If you remain registered at your home address, you generally need to vote there or use an absentee ballot.

I moved to a different residence hall. Do I need to update my registration?
Yes. If your residential address changes, update your voter registration. Even a move to another residence hall can change the address associated with your registration.

Can I register and vote at the same time?
Yes, during the in-person early voting period. North Carolina allows eligible voters who are not registered in the county to register and vote at the same early voting site. You must meet the eligibility requirements and provide proof of your residence.

What can I use as proof of residence if I live on campus?
For same-day registration during early voting, students living on campus may use a document from their educational institution showing their name and on-campus housing address. An educational institution may also provide the county board of elections with a list of students and their campus housing addresses.

Can I use my Catawba One Card as my voter ID?
Yes. The North Carolina State Board of Elections lists the Catawba College Student ID card as an approved student ID for voting in the 2025–26 election cycle. Approved student IDs are valid statewide through December 31, 2026.

What if I don't have an acceptable photo ID?
You can still vote. If you are unable to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, you may complete a Photo ID Exception Form and vote a provisional ballot. The State Board lists several permitted reasons for an exception, including a work or school schedule, lost or stolen ID, lack of transportation, disability or illness, and other reasonable impediments.

Can I vote early if I am registered somewhere else in North Carolina?
If you are registered in another North Carolina county, early voting is available at any early voting site in the county where you are registered. If you want to vote in Rowan County instead, you must update your registration or use same-day registration during early voting if you are eligible.

Where do I vote on Election Day?
On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Unlike early voting, you cannot simply choose any polling place in your county. Check your voter record before Election Day to find your assigned location.

What if my name isn't on the voter rolls
If you believe you are registered but your name is not on the rolls, ask an election official to check your registration. If necessary, you may be able to vote a provisional ballot. Do not leave without asking an election official about your options.

Can I vote by mail?
Yes. Any registered North Carolina voter may request an absentee-by-mail ballot. For the 2026 general election, the civilian request deadline is 5:00 p.m. on October 20. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on November 3.

How do I know which candidates and races will be on my ballot?
Your ballot depends on your residential address. Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections' Voter Search to check your registration, assigned polling place and sample ballot before voting.

This guide was created by the Center for North Carolina Politics & Public Service at Catawba College as a nonpartisan educational resource for Catawba College students.

Candidate names and party affiliations are based on the Rowan County Board of Elections Candidate Detail List dated August 3, 2026. The constitutional amendment descriptions are based on the Rowan County Board of Elections Referendum Choices List provided for this guide.

The Center does not endorse or recommend candidates or positions on ballot measures. The inclusion of a candidate, political party or ballot measure in this guide does not constitute an endorsement.