This page is your one-stop-shop for information about voter rights, education, and free speech.    Find out about important dates and deadlines, ways to prepare to vote, your rights as a voter, and the option of voting by absentee ballot if you can’t vote in-person.

University Procedures for Free Speech and Free Expression

WSSU, in alignment with the UNC System Policy on Free Speech and Free Expression, provides clear guidelines to protect free speech while ensuring order on campus: 
UNC System Free Speech and Free Expression Policy

Information for Faculty and Staff:
Reminders Regarding University Employment and Political Activities

Letters to Students:
- Voting Information and Freedom of Expression Letter to Students
- Freedom of Expression Information and Training

Outdoor Assemblies Policy (Student Affairs)

This policy applies to assemblies and public addresses on WSSU Property by faculty, staff, and students, affiliated student organizations, affiliated persons or groups, and unaffiliated persons or groups invited in writing by affiliated student organizations or university units, including those defined as a University Group, a Student Group, and Non-University Groups.

• Individuals or groups not affiliated with the University must apply to reserve locations outlined in the 900.9 Outdoor Assemblies Policy on the WSSU campus.  
• An application should be filed with University Student Activities & Engagement in DJR Suite 204, three (3) business days prior to the proposed time and date of the event.  The application will automatically submit to the Assistant Director of Student Activities. 
• Using campus facilities for an Outdoor Assembly or Voter Registration Drive is limited to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Outdoor Assemblies Application

Event Inquiry Process (Conferences and Institutes)

This process applies for all external clients wanting to hold events in any areas such as Anderson Center, Gaines Centers, Fieldhouse, Civitan Track, KR Williams (when online) and Civitan Park (Conferences and Institute’s spaces)

• Event Inquiry Form

Important Dates & Deadlines

Check out the Sample Voting Ballot for Forsyth County

1.  Voting 101: First Steps

 The WSSU Anderson Center is an official polling site for in-person voting.

1. Confirm your voter registration status.
2. Register online to vote for NC residents (October 9 deadline).
3. Register to vote out-of-state students.
4. If you want to vote by mail rather than in-person, request an NC absentee ballot or a ballot from another state.
5. Locate your polling place to vote in-person.

Make Your Plan

You can vote in-person at the WSSU Anderson Center beginning October 15.

The WSSU Anderson Center (1545 Reynolds Park Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107) will be open for in-person voting from October 15 to October 31, 2026.

More information on early voting sites in Forsyth County.

1. Plan to vote early and in-person beginning October 15, 2026.
2. Research the candidates.
3. Download a sample ballot for your district.
4. Print your sample ballot, select your candidates, bring the sheet with you to the polls.
5. Get the details about the option of using an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

Know Your Rights

Make sure you know your rights before heading out to vote in-person at your polling place.

1. Photo ID requirements and new regulations. (Your WSSU Ram Card will work as your voter identification)
2. Know your general rights on Election Day.
3. What to do if a poll worker says your name is not on the list of registered voters.
4. What to do if a person is interfering with your right to vote.
5. Have questions? Call the ACLU Nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE to speak with a nonpartisan elections expert.

Learn about the Option of Voting with an Absentee Ballot

You do not need a specific reason to request to vote via absentee ballot rather than in-person.

1. Review these Vote by Mail FAQs.
2. If you’d like to vote by mail rather than in-person request an NC absentee ballot or a ballot from another state.
3. Use black ink to complete your ballot. (You cannot use blue ink or pencil)
4. Complete your absentee ballot in the presence of one witness and insert the ballot into the return envelope. Have your witness complete and sign the witness certification.
5. Track your ballot through the mail. Sign up for BallotTrax a free service where NC voters can track the status of their absentee ballot.

Important Dates and Deadlines