Note: The State Board of Elections is sending this press release on behalf of the Burke County Board of Elections. We are grateful to the Burke County Board and staff for their continued hard work to serve voters during this disaster. The State Board has set up a special web page with information for voters in areas affected by Helene. Go to ncsbe.gov/Helene.
Despite the effects of Hurricane Helene in Burke County and beyond, the Burke County Board of Elections is focused on establishing a smooth election cycle for the general election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Though the hurricane has caused interruptions, our election staff and the bipartisan board are determined to ensure that every eligible Burke County voter can vote in this cycle.
Burke County wants to reassure our community that elections officials are hard at work preparing for the election and are diligently handling hurricane-related challenges. The board wishes to bring the following developments to the public’s attention:
- Since Wednesday, Oct. 2, the election staff have been back in the board’s office in Burke County. Staff are taking calls (828) 764-9010. The office is located at 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28865
- Elections staff are following protocols as outlined by the N.C. State Board of Elections. They are keeping county management and local agencies informed of the ongoing election process for Burke County. All regulations and guidelines presented by the General Assembly and the N.C. State Board of Elections are being adhered to.
- Election staff have completed the logic and accuracy testing for tabulators and processed all laptop computers used for elections and determined that they have not been damaged. Security of all election facilities and equipment has been maintained.
- Despite internet and cell phone outages, election staff have established a secure connection to the state information system, allowing staff to process registrations and requests for absentee ballots.
- Election staff and the board have assessed the viability and availability of voting sites, both early voting sites and Election Day sites. At present, we are requesting a FEMA setup for the site at Smyrna Baptist Church (Upper Creek Precinct). All other locations have met the standards for voting sites.
- Burke County Board of Elections has met with and executed a thorough pre-election training with all early voting and Election Day workers.
- Election staff have mailed absentee ballots and received absentee ballots. They have also sent out and received electronic ballots to military and overseas voters. Consistent with state law, the board met on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to begin approving absentee-by-mail ballots. The board will continue to hold regular meetings for this purpose every Tuesday through Election Day.
- The board is grateful for the dedication of our election officials, who have made clear that they are available and ready to work.
- The board encourages the public to monitor developments at its website: Burke County Board of Elections.
In-Person Early Voting Sites and Schedules
Burke County is offering early voting at five locations. Voters can choose any early voting location that is convenient to them to cast their ballot.
Early voting begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Early voting during this period is from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Approved Early Voting Locations
- Burke County 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
- East Burke Senior Center Library, 101 Old State Hwy 10 W, Hildebran, NC 28637
Voting on Election Day
All Election Day sites will be ready for voters, who have not voted early, to come cast their ballots on Nov. 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
If you are a registered voter, to determine your Election Day precinct, use the State Board’s Voter Search tool, type in your information to pull up your voter record and scroll down to “Your Voting Locations.”