Yes, many schools will be used as polling places during a general election. GCS will have an optional teacher workday on election day (Nov. 5, 2024) to avoid any safety issues that may arise on campus.  

Such groups desiring to use Guilford County Schools', facilities, or property at times that will not interfere with school activities or official business hours of operation may apply to do so according to the district's policy governing the use of Guilford County Schools' facilities. 
 

Per state statute § 163‑82.2 Voter registration at public high schools: Every public high school shall make available to its students and others who are eligible to register to vote the application forms described in G.S. 163‑82.3, and shall keep a sufficient supply of the forms so that they are always available. A local board of education may, but is not required to, designate high school employees to assist in completing the forms. Only employees who volunteer for this duty may be designated by the board of education. 

Per policy 7720: Student-initiated clubs or groups organized for the purposes of promoting a political party, candidate, or partisan issue shall follow established procedures to receive formal club/organization recognition by the principal. All recognized student-initiated political clubs may then hold meetings on school grounds according to procedures established by the principal. 

No. Per policy 7720, employees shall not circulate political posters or petitions, write or address campaign materials, or distribute campaign materials on school property while on duty or being paid to provide services or labor to the Guilford County school district or its students. 

Employees are encouraged to exercise their rights to participate in the democratic political process as citizens in their personal time. 

Yes, in a regulated manner as determined by each jurisdiction.  The North Carolina General Assembly of North Carolina passed Senate Bill 315 in August of 2011 that permits campaign signs in the right-of-way on state-maintained roads.  For laws in specific Guilford County cities and towns jurisdictions, click here.  

On election day, campaign signs and flyers will be permitted according to the regulations pertaining to polling places.  

Per GCS policy 7720: Visits by political candidates, their representatives, or their supporters to Guilford County school campuses made for the purposes of soliciting votes, promoting political platforms or partisan issues, making political contacts, or advancing in whole or in part their candidacies through other means shall not be permitted during school hours or after school hours during school-sponsored activities or events. Furthermore, such visits shall not be permitted during hours of operation at any other Guilford County Schools' facilities. 

An exception to this policy will be permitted if the school or facility invites the candidates of all parties for the same office, or offices, and the principal or the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee has approved such invitation. The invitation will be extended to all candidates sufficiently in advance of the designated event or activity to allow each candidate the opportunity to make preparations to attend.