August 11, 2026
Do You Vote By Mail? What to Know
Hello Indivisible Citizens of Catawba Valley,
It’s another Take Action Tuesday from the ICCV Legislative Committee. A few quick updates on legislative activities at the state and federal level, then we will move on to our primary discussion for today, ABSENTEE VOTING BY MAIL.
But first, a last minute invitation! Today, August 11, at 5 PM, at Congressman Harrigan’s office in Hickory, ICCV will be holding an empty chair town hall. We hope you can join us! Bring a sign, and a question or concern that you would like to share with the Congressman. We have invited Congressman Harrigan, but if “past is prologue,” we do not expect that he will attend.
THIS WEEK IN THE LEGISLATIVE ARENA:
As expected, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 958, “Election Law Changes,” along with a second bill, HB 834. House Bill 834 received bipartisan support, although there are still some concerns with the potential for “judge shopping” election challenge cases. Both bills were sent to Governor Stein on August 7, 2026. He has said he will veto HB 958. The legislature is in recess and is not expected to return until after the November election. They could choose to come back early for a veto override vote, but that is not likely, per Speaker Hall.
https://carolinapublicpress.org/80268/nc-lawmakers-send-two-big-election-bills-to-governor/
Congress and the Senate have left Washington for the August recess as well. The House is expected to return on August 31, but the Senate will not be back in session until September 14. Before heading home, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General by a vote of 50 – 49. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00230.htm
The Senate also passed a continuing resolution that will fund the government until after the midterms, December 11, but this has an uncertain future in the House. As stated above, both chambers are in recess now. The budget resolution, which still contains components of the SAVE America Act, is on hold until after the recess.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6018225-gop-deal-budget-resolution-save-america-act/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-funding-bill-continuing-resolution-approved/
Feel free to call (or visit) your Congressional Representatives and Senators to tell them NO on any budget resolution that contains the voter suppressive SAVE America Act.
- Senator Thom Tillis: (202) 224-6342
- Senator Ted Budd: (202) 224-3154
- Representative Pat Harrigan: (202) 225-2576
- Representative Virginia Foxx: (202) 225-2071
LET’S TALK ABSENTEE MAIL-IN VOTING
First, did you check your voter registration last week? If you didn’t, do it today! If your registration is not valid, your vote will not be counted. https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration
Now, do you typically vote by mail, or have a new circumstance that causes you to need to vote by mail this year? Mail-in voting is a secure and reliable method of making your voice heard. https://www.ncsbe.gov/about-elections/election-security/12-reasons-absentee-voting-secure
There are some important things to know before casting your ballot by mail. Requirements for absentee voting by mail are specific. Failure to follow any one of the requirements may result in your vote not being counted.
HOW TO DO IT:
1. Request an absentee ballot by mail either online or on paper. Paper requests may be hand delivered or mailed to the county board of elections office.
a. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is two weeks before election day, which for the 2026 midterms is October 20, 2026 at 5 PM. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO REQUEST YOUR BALLOT!
b. Your date of birth and either a North Carolina driver’s license or ID number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. NOTE: Your entire Social Security number is not required, although that would change with implementation of the above-referenced H 958.
c. Sign the request form. Make sure the form is complete, including information about any person who assisted you with the request.
d. Submit the online request or return the paper form to your local county board of elections.
2. Complete your ballot.
a. Mark your ballot. Pay attention to races lower on the ballot; these are local races and every vote in these races is especially important.
b. Place your ballot in the ballot return envelope and seal the envelope, NOTE: You will receive 2 envelopes with your ballot. Be sure to place your ballot in the correct envelope. Put nothing else in that envelope. Save the other envelope for step F.
c. On the back of the envelope, sign your name. Have your 2 witnesses OR a notary public sign the back of the envelope as well.
d. If you received assistance completing your ballot, that person will also sign the back of the envelope.
e. Place a copy of an eligible photo ID in the clear sleeve on the back of the envelope.
f. Place the inner envelope containing your ballot into the outer envelope. Mail, deliver to the county board of elections office, or return the ballot at an early voting site. With a few exceptions, only you or a near relative can hand deliver your ballot.
g. ICCV recommends mailing your ballot a minimum of 7 days before election day. There is NO grace period. Ballots must be received by 7:30 PM on Election Day, which is November 3, 2026.
https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-mail/detailed-instructions-vote-mail
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
President Trump has repeatedly attacked mail-in ballots as evidence of voter fraud, even though he often votes by mail himself. Although election management is the responsibility of the states, the president has issued several executive orders attempting to control who can vote by mail. Although the courts have blocked implementation of those orders thus far, he has now petitioned the Supreme Court to consider the issue under its shadow docket. With only 12 weeks until the election, it is unlikely that changes to mail-in voting will happen this election cycle. Unlikely is not impossible.
On the other hand, due to irregularities in mail delivery of ballots in past elections, some states, such as Michigan, are advising voters to avoid using the mail, and to hand deliver ballots whenever possible. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-attacks-on-mail-balloting-and-concerns-over-delays-turn-midterms-spotlight-on-postal-service
Whatever method you use to vote, whether mail-in or in person, be sure to VOTE! Your voice matters. Some local elections are decided by only a handful of votes. We will be continuing to bring you updates and reminders as we approach election day. Sample ballots will be available in September.
This quote spoke to me last week, so I am sharing it again, in case you missed it. A Memorial Day article on vote.org put it this way:
Remembering those who gave their lives to preserve this country and its constitutional promises requires more than reflection. It requires participation.
https://www.vote.org/newsletters/remembering-requires-participation/d
I can’t state it any more clearly. If we want change, and we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our right to truly representative government, then we must use our voice – VOTE!
Our primary focus will continue to be on elections between now and election day. If there is a particular election-related issue you would like us to research and address, please e-mail us at iccvlegislation@gmail.com
Thank you for everything you do to protect our democracy!
ICCV Legislative Committee
“With Liberty and Justice for ALL”