Cleveland County voters are already getting a jump on the March 3 primary, with one-stop early voting sites now open in Shelby and Kings Mountain. County officials say eligible residents can handle registration and voting in a single visit, and curbside service is available for those who need it. Voters should be ready to show a photo ID when they check in, and many locals are choosing to cast their ballots during the early window instead of waiting for Election Day.
Where to vote in Cleveland County
The state's official early voting site list shows that in-person early voting runs through Saturday, Feb. 28, and includes the Cleveland County Board of Elections office at 827 W. Marion St. in Shelby and the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center at 909 E. King St. in Kings Mountain among the local one-stop locations, with hours that vary by site, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Voters may register and vote at the same location during the early voting period, and all voters will be asked to present a valid photo ID when they check in. Curbside voting is available for eligible voters. County officials have stressed how important one-stop voting is locally, and Cleveland County Government notes that a large share of ballots in 2024 have been cast during the early voting period. The county is urging residents to double-check site hours before heading out.
Why this matters
The Office of the State Auditor reports that counties expanded the number of early voting sites and hours for the March primary to improve access, a move intended to cut down on long lines and make voting more convenient. That extra capacity helps spread turnout over more days and ease Election Day congestion as voters head to the polls on March 3.
How to check before you go
Cleveland County officials posted on Facebook that “early voting is underway and we're excited to welcome you!” and shared a link to the board's information, which is embedded above. For site-specific hours, sample ballots and contact information, visit the Cleveland County Board of Elections, or use the early voting site search provided by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. If you need assistance or have questions, officials recommend calling the board before you go.
