Before you can vote in North Carolina, you've gotta be registered.

If you're not sure if you're registered already, you can check using the link in the description. But if you're not registered yet, or you've moved or changed your name since the last time you voted, you'll need to fill out a registration form.

The only way to register in North Carolina is by mail, which I know is a pain, but you can print off the form online using the link below and mail it in by October 12th. You can also find a paper application at the DMV, a public library, public assistance agency, or disabilities services agency if don't have access to a printer. If you miss the October 12th deadline though, you can still register in person during the one-stop early voting period.

Just bring identification like a driver's license or passport with your current address,. A utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck with your name and address on it, or a student ID AND some sort of proof you live on campus. Once you're registered, you get to vote.

Anyone in North Carolina can vote by mail, otherwise known as voting absentee, for any reason, and it's one of the easiest ways to vote. All you have to do is download the form in the link below, fill it out and mail it to your County Board of Elections office – there's a link to all their addresses in the description. You have until October 30th to request an absentee ballot, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you get your ballot, and the longer you have to look it over and make your decisions.

Then, all you have to do is mail your ballot back to your County Board of Elections office so that they get it by November 6th. You can also vote early in person, also known as one-stop absentee voting, from October 18th through November 3rd. The hours and locations vary by county, so there's a link in the description where you just select your county, and it will tell you when and where you can vote early.

But if you want that experience of voting in person on November 6th, the polls are open from am to pm and there's a link below that will tell you where to go to vote. You won't need to show ID unless you're registering at a one-stop site, but you can bring a sample ballot with you. You can go to your county board of elections' website to look at a sample ballot that tells you everything you'll be able to vote for in your county.

You don't have to vote for every single item on the ballot – you can leave things blank if you want to, but your local elections can be pretty important, so it's worth checking out what's on there ahead of time. You can even print it out and bring it to the polls with you so you don't forget who you wanted to vote for. One last thing: if you're going to vote – open up your notes app or grab a piece of paper and make a plan.

Write down when and how you're going to register, what time you're going to vote, how you're gonna get there, what ID you're going to use if you need one, even who you're going to bring to the polls with you. Having a plan is a great way to make sure that nothing unexpected stops you from voting on November 6th. All the links you need to check your registration and polling location are in the description.

Thank you for voting.