To register to vote, contact a local registrar for information on where and when to register in the community; this number should be listed in the telephone directory under the Board of Elections. You may now register to vote or make changes to your current voter registration while applying for a N.C. driver license or special identification card. Also, many public libraries allow citizens to register to vote. Or you may go directly to the Board of Elections, which is located in the courthouse of most communities.
153. What are the voting requirements in North Carolina?
To vote in any of North Carolina's elections, the voter must be 18 years old and a registered voter. If a citizen is 17 but will be 18 by Election Day, he/she may register as early as 30 days before the election. The registration books are closed 21 working days before an election. To register, a voter must be a United States citizen. Conviction of a felony hinders the right to vote. A convicted felon cannot vote unless his/her civil rights have been restored.
154. What will happen if a voter fails to vote?
If a voter fails to vote at least once in every four-year period, his/her name may be stricken from the voter roll.
155. How can a state law be changed?
North Carolina is divided into Senate and House of Representative districts. The number of representatives from each district depends on the population of that district. To learn who represents a specific district, call a local newspaper, library or local government offices. The powers and duties of senators and representatives are generally the same, so citizens may contact either to discuss concerns about a state law. You may contact your legislators by letter or by telephone. If you would like to meet with them personally, it is best to first set up an appointment.
156. How can a local ordinance be changed?
To attempt to change a local ordinance, begin by contacting the mayor's office, a city council representative, the town or city manager's office, or a member of the board of supervisors. If these people cannot be of assistance, they can probably provide the name, address and telephone number of an office that handles citizen inquiries.
157. How can an agency policy be changed?
To change an agency's policy, a person can petition the agency or agency head to hold a public hearing to solicit opinions from the public on that issue.
158. What is a public hearing?
A public hearing is generally held by a public or governing body to solicit opinions from the public on public issues.
159. If a citizen decides to speak at a public hearing, how should he/she prepare?
To speak, a citizen should contact the board, commission, agency or organization holding the hearing and request to be put on the agenda. A speaker should get information about time limits for speaking and about whether the remarks should be put in writing. Speakers should thoroughly research the subject about which they will be speaking because it will make a better impression if a good understanding of the issue is demonstrated. At the public hearing, when called on to speak, the speaker should begin by identifying himself/herself. He/she should be brief, accu- rate and prepared to answer questions. If a speaker cannot answer a question, he/she should say so rather than attempting to answer.
160. How can the citizen learn of a public hearing that is scheduled?
Public hearings are often publicized by local newspapers, television and radio. Public hearings sponsored by a state government agency are also announced in the State Register, which is available in most public libraries. The group sponsoring the hearing will normally send a press release stating the time, date and location of the meeting.
161. When may a citizen serve on a jury?
A citizen may be called to serve jury duty upon reaching age 18. Prospective jurors are selected from various tax records, phone listings and driver's license records.
162. What can citizens do to improve their community?
Young people can help improve their community in many ways. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact the Office of Citizen and Community Services, Office of the Governor, 116 W. Jones St., Raleigh, N.C. 27603-8003, telephone (919) 733-2391 or toll-free at 1-800-662-7952. Be sure to check a local newspaper for a "Volunteers Wanted" column. You may also want to contact local civic and service organizations to find out how you can become involved.
163. What may a citizen do if he/she has problems or concerns about issues affecting young people and is not satisfied with the response locally?
To express concerns, a citizen may contact the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office, 217 W. Jones St., Suite 218, 1319 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1319, telephone (919) 733-9296.