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🗳️ Voting terms explained

What you need to know about voting in the primary election in Forsyth County

Lines tend to be shorter during early voting period compared to Election Day. | Photo by WStoday

Primary voting is underway. With deadlines quickly approaching, we’re breaking down the jargon to put your mind at ease when it comes to casting your ballot.

Primary election

Political parties choose their nominees during this process. Although no one wins the election, the candidate must have at least 30% of the vote plus one in the state of NC to represent their party as the nominee. Registered voters who are affiliated with a specific party can only vote in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters can choose either party. The primary election is Tuesday, March 5.

General election

This is when voters decide who will take office. You can vote for any candidate regardless of political party affiliation. Some of the races you’ll see on your ballot include US president, NC governor, state senator, district and superior court judge, and more. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Absentee ballot

This is generally for voters who prefer to send their vote through mail, but you must watch out for deadlines when requesting and returning your ballot. Secure your vote by following the steps outlined by the state.

Early voting

This option gives you more flexibility when it comes to voting. You can register to vote on-site and vote at the same time. Cast your ballot at any early voting site within Forsyth County. Early voting ends Saturday, March 2 at 3 p.m.

Election Day

You must cast your ballot at your assigned polling place. Bring your Photo ID with you to vote and be registered ahead of time — exceptions apply to some cases. Pro tip: Lines tend to be busier early in the morning and just before the polls close, so plan ahead.

Check out the candidates vying for your vote within Forsyth County and statewide.

Asked

What type of voter are you?

A. I’m an early voter
B. I vote on election day
C. I’m an absentee voter
D. I don’t vote

Casting my personality trait

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Open Mic Comedy Night | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | East of Texas, Bluebonnet Room, 907 S. Broad St., Winston-Salem | Free | Whether you want to practice your jokes in front of a crowd or show off your hilarious and witty personality, the floor is yours.

Thursday, Feb. 22

Pop-up Italian Trattoria | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6 p.m. | Bobby Boy Bakeshop, 1100 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | $85+ | Indulge in a full menu from Bobby Boy chef Peter Bedrosian.
Grow With Us: Top Tips for Growing Great Tomatoes | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6-7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Enjoy the taste of your own homegrown tomatoes by learning the basics of plant gardening, including planning your season and prepping the right tools.

Friday, Feb. 23

The Michael Colyar and Friends Comedy Series | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Simply Sonya’s, 3050 University Pkwy., Winston-Salem | $35-$250 | Get ready for a good laugh from comedians including AN-G, Dj Bware and Burpie then stick around for the afterparty.
Techstars Startup Weekend Kick-Off | Friday, Feb. 23 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Flywheel Coworking, 500 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $15-$80 | Meet innovators, mentors, and sponsors to learn how to get more done faster and turn your ideas into a business.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

Old Salem is the site of the newest coffee shop. Located at 614 S. Main St., Lot 63 is hosting its soft launch. Current hours for the coffee house and taproom are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open

A new gallery is open on North Trade Street. Find handcrafted pieces at the Majestic Pour — including raw crystals, chakra sprays, and beeswax candles — Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cause

The countdown is on for LEAD Girls’ virtual auction. The nonprofit will raise funds through its silent auction starting Monday, Feb. 26. The funds will support low-income and at-risk preteen girls in Forsyth County.

Learn

Wanna take your cooking skills to the next level and learn new recipes? Registration for cooking classes at Southern Home and Kitchen is live. Sign up for classes during the month of March before spots are filled.

Read

Add these to your bookshelf. “Journey in Learning and Teaching Science” by Sondra Akins and “William Salem Scale 22" by Linda Dark were released this month in honor of Black History Month. Both authors are Winston-Salem natives.

Plan Ahead

Do you have important documents you need to get rid of? Securely dispose of confidential papers at the spring shredding event Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A $5 donation is encouraged during the event at The Children’s Center (at the corner of Coliseum Drive and Reynolda Road). Proceeds will benefit Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center.

Arts

Magnolia blossoms, modern dancers, still lifes, celebrity portraits, and city street scenes. Reynolda’s new exhibition “Seen & Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham,” features an array of dynamic images captured by this groundbreaking photographer and American artist. The exhibition opens on Friday, March 1. Learn more + snag tickets.*

Health

Eyes on the prize

Wake Forest School of Medicine launches eye and vision research center

WStoday: research center at Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem

The new center will be located across the street from Biotech Place in Innovation Quarter. | Photo by @innovationquarter via Instagram

The eyes may be a window to the soul, but a new vision research center is a doorway to a 20/20 vision.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine is launching a new Translational Eye and Vision Research Center. Dr. Ebony Boulware, the dean of WFU School of Medicine, says this new initiative will serve as a cornerstone to make the school a leader in vision excellence.

“We believe that this center will not only impact the lives of countless individuals but also foster collaboration and innovation in the broader scientific community,” Boulware said.

The new research center is located inside Biotech Place in Innovation Quarter. Leaders say it will serve as a visionary — no pun intended — hub that will expedite new discovery in the field and foster innovation + collaboration between scientists. Keep your eyes peeled for groundbreaking research.

Answered

We asked how likely you are to consider purchasing an electric vehicle or hybrid plug-in based on registration fee increases — here’s what you said:

Explained: Why registration fees are increasing for electric and hybrid vehicles

There are 190 charging stations in Winston-Salem, according to PlugShare. | Piedmont Environmental Alliance via Instagram

51% responded— “I was not and still am not interested in buying an EV”
28% responded — “I would still consider purchasing an EV”
12% responded — “I already own an EV”
9% responded — “This changes my interest in buying an EV”

Here are what some of you said about this new change:
“It is not an incentive to buying an EV or plug in hybrid.” — Mike S.
“It makes perfect sense. The money you save on gas, and the goodness to the planet, make it worth it.” — Sheri M.
“There needs to be a $ [financial] advantage to owning EVs rather than using them as another revenue source.” — John M.

In case you missed it, here’s why registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles are increasing.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

I recently found out that colonial dancing happens every first and third Saturday of the month at Historic Bethabara. From 2 to 3:30 p.m., you can learn the basic steps regardless of your experience. This is definitely on my list to try this year.

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