Oct. 14 was the final day for voters to register to vote in the Nov. 8 municipal elections, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed to voters who still want to sign up to mark ballots next month.

Voters may take part in same-day registration through the end of the one-stop voting period, explained Anita Bullock Branch, Beaufort County’s deputy elections director.

During the one-stop period, each eligible voter may mark a ballot for candidates before Election Day.

On the ballots this year in Beaufort County are town and city elections in Aurora, Belhaven, Pantego, Chocowinity and Washington.

“If you don’t live in the city limits you’re not eligible to vote (this time),” Branch pointed out.

Also on the ballot, in Belhaven, is a referendum on whether town voters should have the power to recall their mayor and members of the Town Council.

Already under way, one-stop voting continues from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Nov. 4. The one-stop period concludes Nov. 5, when it runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

State law doesn’t permit voters to register on Election Day.

Physically disabled voters are permitted to take advantage of curbside voting at designated polling places. During one-stop voting or on Election Day, disabled voters may drive up to, or be driven to, parking areas outside polling sites and, essentially, ring bells for service.

After some necessary paper verification, a poll worker will bring a ballot out to the disabled voter’s vehicle, Branch said.

In Washington, eight candidates — five incumbents, three challengers — are vying for five available seats on the City Council.
Mayor Archie Jennings is running unopposed.