New Hanover County elections director prepares for midterm elections amid focus on mail-in voting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the November election approaches, election season is in full swing with candidate forums, campaign ads, and a heavy focus on voting by mail.

New Hanover County’s new elections director, Eric Navagh, has stepped into the role as the county gears up for the midterm elections. Navagh takes over as a federal court block on new U.S. Postal Service requirements for mail-in ballots remains in place for the midterms following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Navagh said local election officials are strictly following rules set by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, including guidelines governing early voting and absentee-by-mail voting.

“You need to request an absentee ballot using the absentee ballot request form,” Navagh said. “You can find that on our website or through the state board’s portal, which you can also find on our website. The request deadline is October 20th at this point in time.”

County officials remind voters planning to vote by mail to ensure they fully understand North Carolina’s requirements before returning their ballots. Absentee ballots are already available, and the final deadline to request one is October 20 at 5 p.m.