Contact Us: ElectionsInfo@JacksonNC.org
Youth & University Voting Information
Voting at 17
To be eligible to vote in North Carolina, you must be 18 years old by the date of the General Election Day (Fall). 17 year-olds may vote in Primary Elections (Spring/Summer) if they will be 18 by the date of the General Election. Click here for more information.
Western Carolina University Students:
If you attend Western Carolina University and have lived in Jackson County for 30 days, you are able to register and vote in this county. This registration is only valid for Jackson County, and you will need to re-register if you move to a different county. This applies to all forms of voter registration.
If you are an off-campus student living in Jackson County, you can register to vote with the address of your current residence.
If you are an on-campus student, you can register to vote using your on-campus Residence Hall address as your residential address. Your residential address must be in Jackson County in order to vote in our elections. It is suggested that you provide your on-campus mailing address, but you may put your home or a different address if that is where you would prefer to receive mail.
Click Here to find addresses for WCU's Residence Halls.
When Do I Need an Absentee Ballot?
If you are registered and plan on voting in a different county or state, you can request an absentee ballot. Please contact the Board of Elections where you are registered for directions to request an absentee ballot.
Youth "I Voted" Sticker Contest
Background
In 2024, the Jackson County Board of Elections (BOE), in partnership with Jackson County Parks and Rec and Jackson County 4-H, established an “I Voted” sticker contest. The 2026 contest is expanded to include young artists across the entire county. This contest provides the opportunity for local youth artists to submit a sticker design, under established rules and parameters, for BOE and public to determine which design will become the next “I Voted” Sticker!
At the August 4 meeting of the Jackson Co. Board of Commissioners, we announced our top three finalists and the winning design!
- 3rd place: Miller Solsbee, age 8
- 2nd place: Lincoln Brooks, age 8
- Winner: Naomi Pratt, age 7
The top three finalists will all receive certificates and local business prize packs at an upcoming Board of Elections meeting. Congratulations to the artists!
Naomi's design will be available for voters at all Jackson Co. voting sites (while supplies last). Come vote to receive your custom sticker!