Voice your Vote! Details for Voting
Dear Deacs,
Welcome back from Fall Break! I hope you had an opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy a little time away from your usual routine. As you settle back into the semester, I want to make sure you have everything you need to participate in the upcoming mid-term election. Through Deacs Decide, our non-partisan election engagement effort on campus, we have been working diligently to provide you with resources and opportunities to engage at the local, state and national levels.
Early Voting begins Thursday, Oct. 15!
If you are eligible to vote, I hope you’ll make a plan to participate. Whether this is your first time voting or you’ve done it many times before, your voice matters, and we’re here to make it as easy as possible.
If you choose to vote in North Carolina, you can register to vote, update your registration and cast your ballot during Early Voting, all in one trip at any Early Voting site in Forsyth County. The closest site to Reynolda Campus is Polo Park Community Center.
Wake Forest Parking and Transportation will offer rides to the polls from the ZSR Circle on the following dates and times:
- Thurs. – Fri., Oct. 15 – 16 | 3-7 p.m.
- Mon. – Fri., Oct. 19 – 23 | 3-7 p.m.
- Sat. – Sun., Oct. 24 – 25 | 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Mon. – Fri., Oct. 26 – 30 | 3-7 p.m.
- Sat., Oct. 31 | 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before you head to the polls, remember these three things:
- Check your voter registration status. Before heading out for Early Voting, make sure you’re registered and your information is up to date.
- Bring proof of residency if needed. If you are registering to vote or need to update your registration during Early Voting, bring a hard copy of your Proof of Residency with you.
- Remember your DeaconOne Card. North Carolina requires voters to show an acceptable photo ID before casting their ballot. Good news! Your DeaconOne card is a valid form of ID.
Absentee Voting
If you choose to vote in your home state, check the process and deadlines associated with voting absentee in your state. Each state is different, so pay close attention to the requirements. Request ballots early and return as soon as possible.
That’s it. Make a plan, bring what you need and make your voice heard.
Below, you’ll find additional details about Early Voting locations and hours, transportation, voter ID requirements, proof of residency and other helpful resources.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our team in the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE) is here to help! Stop by Benson 506 or explore the nonpartisan resources available through our 2026 Election Resource Hub.
I look forward to seeing you at the polls!
Dr. Shea
Shea Kidd Brown
Vice President for Campus Life
Early Voting Information for WFU Students
Early Voting Dates & Times
- Thurs.-Fri., Oct. 15-16 | 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Mon.-Fri., Oct. 19-23 | 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Sat., Oct. 24 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Sun., Oct. 25 | 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Mon.-Fri., Oct. 26-30 | 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Sat., Oct. 31 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
*Remember, you can vote at any Forsyth County Early Voting site. Polo Park Community Center is closest to campus! Find the full list of sites here.
Proof of Residency
If you are registering for the first time or updating your registration during one-stop voting, bring Proof of Residency. Whether you live on or off-campus, we’ve got you covered:
Bring hard copies of your proof of residency with you when you go to vote.
| On-Campus Housing 1. Log in to the WFU housing portal 2. On the home page, select the “Information Update” process. 3. On the landing page, select “Proof of Residency” from the dropdown menu. 4. Confirm your housing for Fall 2024 is correct. 5. Click “PRINT THIS PAGE” at the bottom of the page to print and/or save your Proof of Residency. 6. Bring your printed Proof of Residency and DeaconOne Card with you. Off-Campus Housing Bring your mail 1a. A current utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, or any other government document showing your name and address is enough (a card from your parent will not be accepted). 2. If you pay your bills electronically or get paid via direct deposit, print out a hard copy and bring it with you. |
| Useful Information What ID do I need? You’ll need to show a photo ID when you vote in North Carolina. Your DeaconOne Card is an accepted photo ID, so make sure to bring it with you! Receiving out-of-state financial aid? If you receive a higher education financial aid program from your home state, check the program’s residency requirements before changing your voter registration. Please visit the Financial Aid Website for more information about your financial aid and residency requirements. Want to capture the moment? North Carolina law prohibits voters from taking photos or videos of their completed ballot. Celebrate your first time voting by taking a photo with your “I Voted” sticker instead! Requested an absentee ballot? You can still vote in person as long as you have not returned your absentee ballot. If you need to register or update your registration, we recommend voting during the early voting period. If you requested an absentee ballot from another state, check with your state or local election office for information about voting in person after requesting a mail-in ballot. Still in line when the polls close? If you are in line at your polling place when it closes, you have the right to vote. If anyone tells you otherwise, do not leave your spot in line and call the North Carolina Election Protection Hotline at 888.687.8683. |