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As Guilford County Board of Elections officials begin planning for the 2026 General Election, students from North Carolina A&T State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) along with voting rights advocates are continuing their efforts to bring early voting sites back to local college campuses.
More than two dozen residents addressed the Guilford County Board of Elections during its June 16 meeting, urging members to adopt an early voting plan that includes sites at N.C. A&T State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and High Point University. Following the meeting, students and supporters gathered outside the Guilford County Courthouse to continue their call for expanded voter access.
The board heard public comments as it began developing a voting plan for the 2026 midterm elections. While many advocated for campus voting locations and other community-based sites, some residents argued for reducing the number of early voting days and hours to lower costs.
For student leaders, the issue is about removing barriers to civic participation.
“Removing these polling sites adds barriers to our ability to complete our civic duty while we are on campus,” said N.C. A&T student leader Zayveon Davis. “College is where many of us build lifelong habits, and voting is one of the most important habits to build as a citizen.”
Several speakers cited transportation challenges as a major obstacle for students, seniors and residents without reliable access to vehicles. Advocates argued that voting locations at college campuses, along with sites such as Barber Park in Greensboro and Washington Terrace Park in High Point, help ensure equitable access across the county.
“Guilford County is large and voting sites need to be accessible in every corner of this county,” said Kathy Kirkpatrick, chair of the Guilford County Democratic Party.
The debate comes after months of organizing by students who have fought to preserve and expand voting access near college campuses.
The issue gained nationwide attention in late 2025 when the Guilford County Board of Elections voted to remove early voting sites at N.C. A&T and UNCG for the 2026 primary election. The decision sparked protests, press conferences and voter mobilization efforts led by student groups and community organizations. Students argued that eliminating the campus sites disproportionately affected young voters and communities of color.
In January, members of the student-led coalition Protect Ours held a press conference demanding that campus voting locations be restored. Weeks later, hundreds of students from A&T and UNCG participated in marches and voter engagement efforts to draw attention to the issue.
At Tuesday’s meeting, A&T student leader Olu Rouse said the current discussion represents an opportunity to expand access for future voters.
“We have asked our county and state board of elections to hear us and to provide options for polling sites accessible to tens of thousands of college students and community members,” Rouse said.
Not all speakers agreed. Some questioned whether campus locations are necessary during midterm elections, noting that similar sites were not included in previous election cycles.
“Why is there so much outrage now when these same sites were not used during the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections when Democrats held the majority on the Guilford Board of Elections?” asked Deanna De’Liberto, second vice chair of the Guilford County Republican Party.
Democratic board member Carolyn Bunker said public feedback will play an important role as the board develops its final proposal.
“It’s good to see community involvement, it’s good to hear differing opinions,” Bunker said. “The message from our community has been clear and consistent and has expressed support for an early voting plan that is equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all residents.”
The board must submit its early voting plan to the State Board of Elections by July 24. Early voting for the 2026 General Election is scheduled for October 15-31, with absentee voting preparations expected to begin in September.
Board members are expected to vote on a final early voting plan during their July 21 meeting, a decision students say will determine whether their continued fight for accessible voting locations results in lasting change.
