Exercising the right to vote is one of our most important duties as citizens of the United States. The upcoming election on Tuesday, November 3, will decide many significant races at the local, state and national level. There are a variety of ways for you to participate in the election, including early voting, which begins on Thursday, October 15, and continues through Saturday, October 31.

Not yet registered to vote? It’s not too late. You can still take advantage of same-day registration offered at early voting sites. Same day registration allows you to register and vote in-person on the same day. Registrants must attest to their eligibility and provide proof of residence.

The closest early voting sites for Swannanoa residents are the Bee Tree Fire Station, 510 Bee Tree Road, and the Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty Street. Hours at both locations are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (except for Saturday, Oct. 31, the final day of early voting, when hours will be extended from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

Of course, you can also vote in person on election day, November 3. To locate your polling location, visit buncombecounty.org/vote. Polls will be open on election day from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Those who prefer to vote from home can take advantage of North Carolina’s absentee ballot process. Ballots must be requested no later than October 27, and postmarked by November 3 if returned by mail. Absentee ballots can also be returned by fax or email. Additionally, you can drop off your ballot in person at early voting sites, or at the dedicated drop-off area in the parking lot of the Election Services Office, 77 McDowell St., in Asheville. The drop-off site is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m, through election day, Nov. 3. To request an absentee ballot online, visit buncombecounty.org/vote. Voters are encouraged to request and return their absentee ballots as soon as possible, to avoid possible mail delays and ensure that their ballot can be processed prior to election day.

Want to make sure your absentee ballot was received and counted? North Carolina has established three ways for you to do this. You can track your ballot online through BallotTrax, search your voter record in the State Board of Elections Voter Search Tool, or contact the Buncombe County Board of Elections. For more information about these tools, visit ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail/absentee-ballot-tools.

If you’ve already voted, great! If you haven’t voted yet, now is the time to make a plan about how and when you’ll cast your ballot.