Burke's Board of Elections still needs about 10 more poll workers for March primary

Despite Burke County Board of Elections approving about 140 poll workers for the upcoming election at Tuesday’s meeting, election board director Kenny Rhyne said about 10 more people are needed.

The reason for the shortfall? Rhyne said most poll workers have done the job for years. Many are now opting out or aging out.

People interested in the job can speak to their party chairman or apply at the board of elections, Rhyne said, and split shifts are now an option for those who work during early voting so workers do not have to work a full day. This option is not available for poll workers who work on primary election day.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

The first absentee ballots were sent out Monday, marking the start of voting for the March 3 primary election.

At last Tuesday’s meeting, Rhyne said 10 absentee ballots had been mailed. Last Thursday, Rhyne estimated the number had reached 25.

In North Carolina, any eligible voter can request, receive, and vote through an absentee ballot by mail. The absentee ballot request deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 17. More details can be found at ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail.

2026 PRIMARY DATES AND DEADLINES

• Jan. 12: County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who have submitted an absentee ballot request
• Feb. 6: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.)
• Feb. 12: In-person early voting begins; same-day voter registration available
• Feb. 17: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.)
• Feb. 28: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.)
• March 3: Primary Election Day
• March 3: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.)
• March 13: County boards of elections primary canvass meetings (11 a.m.)

Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

The Burke County elections board office is located at 2128 S. Sterling St. in Morganton. Call 828-764-9010 for more information.