GCAA 2026 Primary Election Voter Guide

Posted By: Keith Kelly Government Affairs, Industry News,

The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA) encourages members and residents to vote in the upcoming primary scheduled on Tuesday, March 3rd. This guide provides general, nonpartisan information and directs voters to official sources for sample ballots and voting details.

GCAA’s footprint includes 10 counties in North Carolina and 1 county in South Carolina: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and York County (SC).

What’s on the ballot in 2026

State offices (North Carolina)

  • North Carolina House of Representatives — all 120 seats
  • North Carolina State Senate — all 50 seats

Federal offices (North Carolina)

  • U.S. House of Representatives — all North Carolina congressional districts
  • U.S. Senate — North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Thom Tillis (who has announced he is not seeking reelection)

South Carolina (York County / SC-5)

  • U.S. House (SC-5) — Rep. Ralph Norman has announced a run for Governor of South Carolina, meaning the SC-5 seat will be an open race.

Local offices (vary by county)

Local contests differ by county, municipality, and district. In Mecklenburg County, key offices on the ballot this year may include:

  • Board of County Commissioners
  • Clerk of Superior Court
  • Sheriff

For the most accurate list of contests and candidates, use your county’s official election website (links below) and/or the NC State Board of Elections voter search to view your sample ballot.

How to find your sample ballot and polling place

North Carolina voters can view their sample ballot and polling place through the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Voter Search and related tools.

NC State Board of Elections – Upcoming Election (dates & deadlines)

NC State Board of Elections – Election Day (hours and voting info)

NC State Board of Elections – Sample Ballot instructions

County Board of Elections links (GCAA footprint)

Key Voter Dates & Deadlines — NC 2026 Primary Election

The North Carolina 2026 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Below are important voter dates and deadlines:

  • January 12, 2026: County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.
  • February 6, 2026: Voter registration deadline (5:00 p.m.).
  • February 12, 2026: In-person early voting begins.
  • February 17, 2026: Deadline to request an absentee ballot (5:00 p.m.).
  • February 28, 2026: In-person early voting ends (3:00 p.m.).
  • March 3, 2026: Primary Election Day. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m.

Note: This voter guide is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any candidate or party.