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2026 ELECTION INFO
Early voting starts Oct. 15 at four locations around county
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Cabarrus Afton Ridge Library and Active Living Center, 6905 Glen
Afton Blvd., Kannapolis, will be an early voting site.
CABARRUS COUNTY
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at the North Carolina Research
Campus, 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis, is going to be an early
voting site.
CABARRUS COUNTY PHOTOS
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 NC Highway 49, Concord,
will be an early voting site.
Cabarrus EMS HQ Station 9, 793 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord, will
be an early voting site.
CABARRUS COUNTY
CONCORD — In-person early voting for the 2026 General Election begins a bit later this year, but it's never too early for voters to get informed and prepared.
The Cabarrus County Board of Elections recently adopted its early voting plan for the upcoming election. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 15, Cabarrus voters can cast their ballots at four locations across the county:
â– Cabarrus EMS HQ Station 9, 793 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord
â– Cabarrus Afton Ridge Library and Active Living Center, 6905 Glen Afton Blvd., Kannapolis
â– Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at the North Carolina Research Campus, 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis
Early voting dates
Dates and times are:
â– Thursday, Oct. 15 through Friday, Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
â– Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
â– Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
â– Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
â– Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
â– Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Cabarrus County Board of Elections office will not serve as an early voting site or Election Day polling place.
During the early voting period, voters may cast their ballots at any of the four approved early voting locations. On Election Day, voters must vote at their assigned precinct.
Key dates
Here's a rundown of all the important dates for the 2026 General Election:
â– Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline if voting on Election Day, Nov. 3 (5 p.m.)
â– Oct. 15: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available throughout the early voting period
This Centers for Disease Control map shows where the 1,645
people with cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States since May
1 lived.
USA TODAY NETWORK
KANNAPOLIS — Cabarrus Health Alliance is investigating the county's first reported case of cyclosporiasis this year, though health officials say they do not believe the infection was acquired locally.
The agency announced Tuesday that it is following standard communicable disease investigation protocols in coordination with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services after confirming a single case in a Cabarrus County resident.
As part of the investigation, the agency's Communicable Disease team interviewed the patient about recent travel and possible food exposures to identify the source of the infection.
"We do not believe this case was locally acquired based on the travel history provided," Public Health Director Erin Shoe said in a statement.
The illness
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected after consuming contaminated food or water. Fresh produce is a common source of infection, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Health officials say symptoms generally begin about a week after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever. Some people may also experience vomiting, headaches or body aches.
While Cabarrus County has reported one case, neighboring Rowan County has not identified any cases but is encouraging residents to take preventive measures as infections increase nationwide.
Take precautions
According to Rowan County Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, compared with 249 cases reported during the same period last year.
Rowan health officials said the parasite is often linked to contaminated raw fresh produce or water. Because cyclospora is commonly associated with herbs and produce served uncooked, such as cilantro and parsley, preventing infection can be more difficult than with other foodborne illnesses.
Both health departments recommend washing hands before handling food and thoroughly rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them. Rowan County Public Health also advises consumers to scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush, remove damaged portions of fruits and vegetables, dry produce with a clean towel and use safe drinking water, particularly when traveling internationally.
Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact a health care provider.
More information about cyclosporiasis is available through the CDC and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services:
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