Get Ready, Charlotte! The 2024 Election Season is Here
Hey there, Charlotte! Can you believe it? The 2024 election season is officially kicking off, and while the presidential race tends to steal the spotlight, there’s a lot more happening on the ballot that affects your day-to-day life. It’s not just about who will be the next president; it’s about the local decisions that impact our neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
Why Your Vote Matters More Than Ever
For those of us living in North Carolina, it’s crucial to understand that our vote holds extra weight as this state is known to be a battleground. In fact, North Carolina has only seen a Democratic president elected twice in the last 50 years. With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump nearly tied in recent polls, this election is shaping up to be quite the nail-biter!
Your Sample Ballot
Before you head to the polls, make sure you’re prepared. A helpful tip for everyone is to preview your ballot. You can easily do this by heading to the North Carolina voter registration lookup. Just search your name and look for the “YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT” heading. It’ll save you some time and help you feel more informed when you step into that voting booth!
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
Now, let’s talk about those absentee ballots – they were initially set to go out on September 6, but here’s a twist: this date has been pushed back. The North Carolina Supreme Court has ordered elections boards to reprint ballots, removing former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s name. So, keep an eye out for updates on when those will be available!
Diving Into the Races
So what’s happening down the ballot? Here’s a quick overview:
- 12th District (Mecklenburg County): Alma Adams (Democrat, incumbent) vs. Addul Ali (Republican).
- 8th District: Justin Dues (Democrat) vs. Mark Harris (Republican).
- 14th District: Pam Genant (Democrat) vs. Tim Moore (Republican).
That’s not all, folks! The race for Attorney General is heating up with Dan Bishop (Republican) going head-to-head with Jeff Jackson (Democrat). For those interested in education, don’t miss the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction featuring Mo Green (Democrat) and Michele Morrow (Republican).
Lieutenant Governor Race
The Lieutenant Governor race is also drawing attention, where Rachel Hunt (Democrat) faces off against Hal Weatherman (Republican). Don’t forget the intricacies at the state level, including positions like State Auditor and Agriculture Commissioner that will shape our local laws and practices.
Looking at Amendments and Bonds
There’s also a proposed amendment you should know about: it will clarify that “only a citizen of the United States” can vote—keep this in mind when you’re making decisions at the polls.
For those of us in Charlotte, we need to consider three significant bonds:
- Transportation bond — $238.3 million
- Housing bond — $100 million
- Neighborhood Improvement Bond — $61.57 million
Judicial Positions
Judicial seats are up for grabs too! From the N.C. Supreme Court to the N.C. Court of Appeals, these positions will affect how laws are interpreted in our state. Key races include:
- N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 6: Jefferson Griffin (Republican) vs. Allison Riggs (Democrat)
- N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12: Tom Murry (Republican) vs. Carolyn Jennings Thompson (Democrat)
County Commission and More
Lastly, don’t overlook the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, where Angela White Edwards (Republican) takes on Vilma Leake (Democrat, incumbent) in District 2. Decisions made here impact everything from local policies to community programs.
Stay Informed and Get Involved!
Charlotte, this is your chance to make a difference! Whether you’re voting for Congress, state legislators, or local initiatives, every vote matters. So, be sure to do your homework, cast your vote, and encourage others to join you. Let’s make our voices heard in the 2024 election!
