From now until May 5 registered voters, and those still needing to register, can begin voting across the state for the May 8 primary election. In order to take advantage of early voting you must visit a One-Stop voting location in your county of residence. Individuals who have not yet registered to vote can use this time to register when they visit the One-Stop voting location in their county.

According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections website, in order to participate in early voting one must go to a One-Stop voting site in their county of residence during the absentee voting period, fill out a voter registration application and provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address. The following items are deemed acceptable forms of identification for this process: a North Carolina driver’s license with your current address, a utility bill with your name and current address, a document with your name and address from a local, state or U.S. government agency, a paycheck or a W-2 form from an employer or a bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement.

The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) has published its slate of endorsements and other voter information for the May 8, 2012, primary election of at-large and district Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioner races. Eleven candidates received endorsements and several across party lines were noted as “receptive” on LGBT issues. Several candidates also opted not to return MeckPAC’s questionnaire, which ranks candidates positions on several LGBT issues at the county level.

MeckPAC will be hosting a meet and greet with candidates running for Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners tonight from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 820 Hamilton Street. This is a free event and open to the public.

For more information about One-Stop voting requirements, please visit ncsbe.gov/content.aspx?id=32

To find a One-Stop voting location in your county you can use this map at app.sboe.state.nc.us/webapps/OS_sites/

Learn more about MeckPAC and download its 2012 primary election voter guide at meckpac.org.