Voter Registration
To become a registered voter in Gaston County a person must be a citizen of the United States, eighteen (18) years old, and a resident of the precinct for 30 days before the next election. A person cannot be registered in any other county or state, nor can a voter vote in a county (or precinct) he/she has left more than 30 days before an election. A person does not have to register in Gaston County for each election as long as the voter continues to reside in Gaston County. He/she only has to keep address/name/party changes updated once the initial registration has occurred and been recorded.
As of January 1, 2003, voters who register by mail for the first time in the county of residence and who have not voted in a Federal Election (in the new county) must provide a drivers license number or the last four digits of their social security number on the application form.
If neither of these is available, the voter must send with the application 1.) A copy of a current and valid photo identification, or 2.) A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. If the voter does not provide this requested information with the application to register, the voter will be required to provide identification to elections officials the first time the voter votes at a voting place or votes by one-stop or mail-out absentee.
Registering "by mail" is defined as sending the application through the USPS, commercial courier, or delivery to the Board of Elections through registration drives.
Registration forms are available at the following locations in Gaston County: Elections Office, all libraries, Register of Deeds Office in the County Courthouse, the county Administration building and some municipal offices.
Registration is available at the Department of Motor Vehicles if you are attending to drivers’ license business. Public assistance agencies have voter registration available for clients.
If you are currently registered but need to make an address, name, or party change, you may fill out a new registration form, or you can fill in the new information on your voter verification card and send the card to the Elections Office.
The deadline for registering or making changes to information is 25 days prior to the election. All voters, whether newly registered or making changes, will receive a voter verification card in the mail within 30 to 45 days after the registration is received. If you have sent in registration or change of information but have not received your new card, call the Elections Office as soon as possible.