Dare County approves three-site early voting plan for Nov. midterms, Oct. 15–30 with final Saturday Oct. 31

The Dare County Board of Elections on Thursday voted to approve an early voting plan for the November midterm election that will open three sites countywide from Thursday, Oct. 15, through Friday, Oct. 30, with weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and a final Saturday of Oct. 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Board member Sandy presented the schedule and the board approved it by voice vote.

Director Kelly said the office will submit the plan to the state using the state survey link and will update the county website once site locations, dates and times are finalized. "I will submit the plan to the state via survey," Kelly said, explaining the procedural step required after the board's vote. The board noted the plan must be filed with the state by Friday the 24th.

Board discussion focused on whether to add an additional Saturday of voting — some members said tourism-driven schedules and geography make weekend access uneven — but members noted state law limits changing hours at only one site during even-numbered election years, so any change above the state minimum would have to be applied countywide. Members also discussed turnout patterns by site, with Buxton reported to show comparatively low Saturday turnout in recent cycles and Fridays sometimes proving busier.

The board directed staff to make clear on the county website that voters may use any early voting site in the county and to add a prominent banner linking to the early voting tab and schedule when the locations and dates are finalized.