Public Schools
are on the Ballot in NC
March 3, 2026
The Election that Decides the Future
North Carolina has a proud legacy of public education, historically supported across political parties, from building one of the nation’s earliest public university systems to investing in teacher preparation and strong public schools across the state.
Educators are now stepping forward to reclaim that shared legacy where it matters most: in the primary election on March 3, where many of the most consequential decisions about public education are made.
Candidates and Organizers at Work
Why the March 3 Primary Matters
What is a Primary Election?
A primary election determines which candidates from each party appear on the November general election ballot. In many North Carolina districts, the primary election is where the outcome is effectively decided.
Why is it so Important?
In many North Carolina legislative districts, the November general election is not competitive. As a result, the candidates chosen in certain primary elections often go on to represent the district in Raleigh.
That means the March 3 primary is where many of the most important decisions about public education are effectively made.
Educators are running in these primary elections to ensure that voters who care about strong public schools have a real choice, and a real voice, at the moment it may matter most.
Who Can Vote in the
March 3 Primary?
Registered Republicans and Unaffiliated voters are all set to vote for these candidates. Democrats need to take a quick extra step before February 6, 2026.
In North Carolina primary elections:
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Voters registered as Republican vote in the Republican primary.
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Voters registered as Democrat vote in the Democratic primary.
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Voters registered as Unaffiliated may choose the primary ballot of either party.
Choosing a primary ballot does not change a voter’s party registration.
Note: Voters who are not currently registered may register and vote on the same day during the early voting period. Same-day registrants are treated as Unaffiliated for that election.
Important Dates & Deadlines
January 18: Party affiliation deadline to vote starting on the first day of early voting
February 6: Party affiliation deadline to vote on March 3
February 12-28: Early voting period
March 3: Primary Election Day
What You Can Do Next
If You Don't Live in These Districts
NC Educators on the Ballot exists to elect educators who understand public schools and can shape education policy from the inside.
If strong public schools matter to you, you can support this work by sharing accurate information with people you know who live in these districts.
In the News
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August 20, 2025 – WCHL Chapelboro with Aaron Keck: NC Educators on the Ballot Launches Statewide Effort (radio interview and article)
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The Daily Tar Heel: Grassroots initiative organizes educators to run for North Carolina General Assembly
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WUNC: NC Educators on the Ballot urges teachers to run for the state legislature, Sept. 2, 2025
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The Assembly: Reading, Writing, and Political Arithmetic, Sept. 16, 2025
