Add 'cast ballot' to your to-do list

When casting your eyes on the leaves changing colors, don’t forget to cast something else: your vote.

Early voting is underway across Burke County, giving each of us the chance to help shape what happens right here at home. These elections aren’t featured on the nightly newscasts and yet the decisions we make at the ballot box will impact our daily lives.

Our mayors, council members, and aldermen shape every corner of our towns. Those we elect will set town budgets and determine how our tax dollars are used, from repairing potholes and maintaining parks to emergency services and water quality.

If history repeats itself, however, few residents will take advantage of the nearly three-week voting window.

Municipal elections often see less than 30% of registered voters casting a ballot. Considering not all eligible voters are registered, a tiny minority is determining which leaders will set their tax rate, maintain town services, and plan for the future.

Those who show up shape the future. When we don’t vote, we hand that power to someone else. When we stay home, we leave those decisions to someone else.

Whether you take advantage of early voting or schedule time on Election Day, your vote carries the same weight. Voting is one of the simplest ways to show you care about the place you live.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, although you don’t have to wait until then to cast your ballot. Early voting began on Thursday and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1.

Hours for early voting are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You have one Saturday option, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any registered Burke County voter can cast a ballot at any early voting location.

Board of Elections Office

2128 S. Sterling St.

Suite 100

Morganton, NC, 28655

Burke Senior Center

501 N. Green St.

Morganton, NC, 28655

Glen Alpine Town Hall

103 Pitts St.

Glen Alpine, NC, 28628

Rutherford College Town Hall

980 Malcolm Blvd.

Rutherford College, NC, 28671

If you choose to vote on Election Day, you must go to your assigned precinct. Unsure where you should go? Visit www.burkenc.org/2588/Find-My-Voting-Precinct to find out. Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

No matter when you choose to vote, a valid photo identification is required to cast a vote. Valid IDs include a North Carolina driver’s license, a U.S. passport, and state IDs. For a complete list, visit www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.

Questions about the election or your registration status? Call the Burke County Board of Elections at 828-764-9010.

If you care about your community — and if you’re reading The Paper, we know you do — this is your moment. Don’t let apathy make the choices for you.

So, before you share another post about what needs fixing, take action. When you cast your vote, you’re not just commenting on the future — you’re helping to write it.

And one more thing. Be kind to the poll workers. They are your neighbors. They are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who ensure we all have the right and opportunity to elect our leaders. When you walk into the precinct, offer them a smile and a thank you.