Anyone who feels harassed or intimidated at a polling place should immediately notify an election official. This is the recommendation of the North Carolina State Board of Elections and the fastest way to report such incidents: the person is there and the situation is happening right then and there.
However, it's not the only one. There are problems that can't be solved at the negotiating table, and for those cases, the voters They have two other channels to report irregularities in the elections.
This note explains the three channels for reporting an irregularity and how to use each one.
At the polling station: the election staff
This process has two steps. The first step is to approach any election worker at the location. If that person cannot resolve the issue, the next step is to request to speak with the chief judge, the highest-ranking official at the site.
The state law It assigns that judge the responsibility of maintaining order. He must ensure free access for those registering or voting and prevent any attempt to obstruct, intimidate, or interfere with anyone in that process.
If someone violates the electoral lawsThe judge can order his arrest, and can ask the sheriff or the police for help.
Related: How to request a mail-in ballot in North Carolina in 2026
By phone: the voter helpline
In addition, there is a telephone hotline staffed by lawyers and specialists in electoral rights that works throughout the voting periodThe number is 888-687-8683, and Spanish-language assistance is provided by the Ve y Vota line at 888-839-8682.
Joselle Torres, communications manager of Democracy North Carolina, explained to Enlace Latino NC that the report is documented and escalated to the county election board and the chief judge in charge of the site.
There's no deadline. Anyone who went home and remembered the problem later can still call. "Even if they forget or are with their children and need to sit down for a moment, there's no expiration date for reporting a problem," Torres assured.
The organization also plans to send volunteers to some polling places. “We’ll have people wearing bright yellow shirts, ready to help voters on the spot,” he said.
Before the state: the investigations division
The State Board has an investigations division that receives complaints from the public regarding violations of election law. It investigates, among other things, interference with voters or election officials, illegal voting, voter registration fraud, and vote buying.
There are three ways to reach that division.
You can call (919) 814-0700 and ask for the Investigations Division. You can email investigations.sboe@ncsbe.gov with all available information and a contact person. Or, you can complete the Election Law Complaint Form and submit it by email or mail.
In this case, the report must be based on what the person saw with their own eyes, not on something they were told or on a suspicion, and it must refer to events that occurred within the last two years. Knowingly filing a false report can constitute a serious crime.
The county election board also receives inquiries and reports.
Situations to report
The criteria provided by both organizations are broad.
“Anything that seems strange to you. If you feel something is wrong, call the hotline, because we can always document and report it,” Torres said. “Something that might seem minor to one person could be a trend emerging in other places.”
“If there is police, if there is ICE, if you see many campaign activists who are being aggressive or intimidating, it is advisable to report it,” he listed.
Also, rejection without explanation. “If you arrive and they tell you that it’s not your seal, ask them to verify it again. Call the hotline and report it,” he said.
And the questions about citizenship, which, according to Torres, are not subject to questioning at the ballot box. “Right now, in North Carolina, your citizenship shouldn’t be questioned at the polls either,” he emphasized. “If you are eligible to vote"is eligible to vote."
For his part, Tyler Day, program manager of Common Cause North CarolinaHe explained that to report an irregular situation, you don't need to be the affected person.
“If you are a voter and you see something that is a problem, even if it is not happening to you, I encourage you to call the hotline,” Day said. Enlace Latino NC "That helps us stay on top of all the problems and respond as they occur."
Information to note down at the time
The more specific the report, the better. Torres recommended recording the time and the name of the location. A basic physical description of the person who caused the situation, and whether they were wearing a uniform or any distinctive color, is also helpful.
“And always, if you feel safe and comfortable, take a picture in the moment,” she suggested. Photos and messages can be sent via text to the same number.
After the complaint
Not all complaints lead to an investigation. State Board staff review each case and open a file only if they identify a priority area, such as misconduct by election officials or an organized effort by several people.
When a violation is confirmed, the case is passed to the State Bureau of Investigation and, if the evidence warrants it, to the prosecutor's office.
In most cases, the State Board does not notify the complainant if the case has been closed or referred. This is done to protect the integrity of the evidence.
Resources for reporting election irregularities in North Carolina
North Carolina Election Protection Line
If you have questions about how to vote, are facing a problem while voting, or want to report an irregularity, you can contact Democracy North Carolina's nonpartisan election protection hotline.
Official resources for reporting electoral irregularities
What to do in case of intimidation or interference while voting
Investigations Division of the State Board of Elections
Form to file a complaint for a possible election violation
Find your county Board of Elections
Official website of the North Carolina State Board of Elections
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
