The 2026 election is underway, and primary season has arrived. With sample ballots now in the hands of voters, the choices made in the coming weeks will shape what appears on the general election ballot in November. This stage of the election matters more than many people realize, especially for conservation.
What Are Primary Elections?
Primaries are held when multiple candidates from the same party seek elected office. In a primary election, voters choose one candidate to represent their party in the upcoming general election.
North Carolina’s primaries are semi-closed, meaning voters registered with a political party may vote in that party’s primary, while unaffiliated voters can choose which party’s primary to participate in.
Why Do Primaries Matter for Conservation?
During the primaries, candidates are out in their communities campaigning, meeting voters, attending events, and sharing their priorities. This is often the best time to learn where they stand on issues by asking questions and raising concerns.
Discussing air and water quality, land use and development, and other conservation topics at this stage helps candidates understand what matters most to voters and shapes how they approach these issues throughout the campaign.
How to Be a Conservation Advocate During the Primaries
You don’t have to be an expert to make an impact during the primary season! Here are a few simple ways to help make conservation a key topic in the 2026 election:
- Learn where candidates stand: Visit campaign websites and social media platforms for information on candidates’ positions on conservation issues.
- Ask questions: Attend forums or reach out directly to ask how candidates plan to protect the Piedmont’s people, communities, and natural resources.
- Vote: Make your voice heard early. Casting a ballot in the primaries helps determine which candidates and priorities advance to the general election.
Key Dates and Voter Information
Register or update your registration by 5pm on February 6 to vote in the primary.
Primary Election Dates
- Early voting: February 12—28
- Primary Election Day: March 3
Ways to Vote
- Vote early in person
- Vote on Election Day
- Vote by mail
Before you vote, confirm your registration, check your polling location, and review your sample ballot at ncsbe.gov.