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Early voting is now open as of Thursday, Oct. 16. Here is where you can cast your ballot:

Remember to bring your photo ID when you go to vote. Early voting ends Saturday, Nov. 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. 

Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail through Oct. 21. Don’t wait—submit your request today to ensure plenty of time to vote by mail!

Board of County Comissioners (BOCC) Business Meeting: Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center at 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds eligible private nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that the deadline to apply for disaster loans related to Tropical Depression Chantal is Nov. 10, 2025. These loans help offset losses from physical damage caused by the storm on July 6–7, 2025.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. For more information, contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Orange County has reconvened its Broadband Task Force to expand high-speed internet access countywide. Three at-large seats are open for residents! Apply by Oct. 26 at orangecountync.gov/apply → Select “Broadband Task Force.”

The North Carolina Coalition on Aging created the Pioneer Award to honor individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to aging services in the state. The award also helps raise awareness about the ongoing work to meet the needs of older North Carolinians.

This year’s recipient, Janice Tyler, has dedicated her 38-year career to improving the lives of older adults in Orange County. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1981, Janice began her career in long-term care as an activity director, social worker, and administrator. She joined the Orange County Department on Aging in 1987 as the senior centers administrator and became director in 2011.

Skip the raking this fall and let your leaves stay where they fall. Leaves provide food and shelter for bees, birds, and beneficial insects, while nourishing the soil and protecting plants. Less work for you, more life for your yard.

Pick up a free Leave Your Leaves sign at:

Thanks to the community’s generosity, the Orange County Arts Alliance will soon distribute over $100,000 in grants to Orange County, NC artists affected by Tropical Storm Chantal. Artists in all disciplines may apply for support to replace supplies, equipment, or other storm-damaged belongings.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, Oct. 22
Notifications: no later than Friday, Oct. 31
Disbursements: Week of Nov. 3

This fall don't let your utility bills scare you! You can learn more about how to save energy at orangecountync.gov/energy. You can also set up a free home energy assessment with Duke Energy at orangecountync.gov/housecall

For questions or more information, contact Kimya Swann by phone at 919-563-1130 or by email at unitedvoicesofeflandcheeks@gmail.com

Sign up for the Board of County Commissioners’ Sunshine List to get meeting notices, agendas, and press releases delivered to you. You can also subscribe to BOCC News and Planning updates—so you’ll never miss a chance to be informed and involved. To livestream Board of County Commissioners' meetings or watch recordings of past meetings visit the Meeting Videos page. 

Kristin Prelipp, Assistant Community Relations Director 
919-245-2322
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov

General Questions: webadmin@orangecountync.gov

Website: www.orangecountync.gov

Phone: 919-732-8181

Language Assistance Services: 919-245-2498