2024 Nonpartisan Voter Guide Mecklenburg County North Carolina

The Governor manages the state’s operations, appoints agency heads, recruits new jobs, and can veto legislation.

REPUBLICAN

Current occupation: Lieutenant Governor

• Supports lower taxes and also tax subsidies for private K-12 schools.
• Opposes gun control.
• Would block right to abortion in most cases.
• Opposes action on climate change as “junk science” & calls the civil rights movement “crap.”
• Would “crack down on illegal immigration and make our country safer.”
• As Lt. Gov., fought “indoctrination” in schools.

Website: markrobinsonfornc.com

DEMOCRAT

Current occupation: Attorney General

• Supports more funds for teachers, public schools and child care centers.
• Would invest in “a clean energy economy” to create jobs and address global warming.
• Supports access to abortion & contraceptives.
• Supports an independent redistricting commission to protect voting rights.
• As Attorney General, sued scammers and makers of addictive drugs.

Website: joshstein.org

Due to space limits, this guide does not profile other candidates for Governor with under 5% of support, based on nonpartisan polling at the time of publication.  However, you can read about all the candidates at ncvoter.org/guide.

Candidates in each contest are listed in the order that they appear on your ballot.

Think Your 1 Vote Doesn’t Matter? In 2020, a top state official won by less than 1 vote per city in N.C. What you do matters! 

The N.C. Supreme Court is not well known, but citizens elect its 7 Justices and its rulings affect everything: voting rights, fair prices, parental rights, racial bias, water quality, your privacy, and more. You can choose 1 Justice this year.

REPUBLICAN

Current occupation: NC Court of Appeals Judge

• Former Wake Co. prosecutor and judge advocate general (JAG) officer in the Army National Guard.
• Says he is “an originalist and a textualist.” He “believes the words of the Constitution mean what they say,” and he values “the rule of law.”
• Says in his experience “the law is applied the same to all citizens.”

Endorsed by: More than three dozen sheriffs; N.C. Republican Party

Website: jeffersongriffin.com

DEMOCRAT

Current occupation: NC Supreme Court Judge

• Former civil rights and voting rights attorney.
• Says courts should protect the “right to privacy [and] access to medical care.”  
• Says she’s committed to “equal justice under   the law” because she has seen the justice system hold people back rather than give them “access to equity and fairness.”

Endorsed by: Sierra Club; N.C. Young Democrats 

Website: riggsforourcourts.com

In addition to President, you can choose legislators to represent your concerns in Congress and the N.C. General Assembly. Vote for 1 candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, 1 for N.C. Senate, and 1 for N.C. House based on your Districts. District lines are new this year; find yours at ncvoter.org/distr. 

DEMOCRAT

• Says: “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.”
• Supports affordable child care and health care, paid family leave, and the right to an abortion.
• Wants new gun control and voting rights laws.
• Would fight price gouging by corporations.
• Supported the bipartisan immigration reform bill opposed by Trump.

Website: kamalaharris.com

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!”
• Plans to replace Obamacare with insurance markets.
• Will combat fraud with new limits on access to voting.
• Wants to “certify teachers who embrace patriotic values,” end teaching about racism, and let parents elect principals.

Website: donaldjtrump.com

Several other presidential candidates from other political parties are on the ballot; they are profiled at ncvoter.org/guide.

Members of Congress adopt legislation affecting local, national, and global affairs. Mecklenburg County voters are in 3 Congressional Districts. Voters living in District 8 choose either candidate Justin Dues (Democrat) or Mark Harris (Republican). District 12 voters choose Alma Adams (D) or Addul Ali (R). District 14 voters choose Pam Genant (D) or Tim Moore (R). See your choices at ncvoter.org/guide.

The N.C. General Assembly has 50 Senators and 120 Representatives serving 2-year terms. They adopt the state budget and laws affecting a wide range of topics. As in Congress, candidates have different views on how to represent the public interest on everything from abortion to tax fairness. See ncvoter.org/guide for more about the candidates in your District.

REPUBLICAN

• N.C. Senate member; co-owns insurance firm.
• Supports expanding rights of gun owners, such as carrying concealed guns in schools used as churches.
• Prioritizes increasing transportation infrastructure without increasing traffic.
• Wants to cut taxes and regulation of businesses.

Website: sawyernc.com

DEMOCRAT

• Scientist; Davidson Town Planning Board member.
• Says: “Elections should not be foregone conclusions.” Strongly opposes gerrymandering.
• Says: “Abortion is healthcare.”
• Wants “full funding” for public education & “common sense gun laws to keep our communities safe.”

Website: katebarrcantwin.com

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed.

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed.

WE THE PEOPLE

• Supports term limits & fair redistricting; opposes gun control & COVID lockdowns; opposes Obamacare in favor of private insurance markets.

Web: facebook.com/JeffScottNC

DEMOCRAT

• Supports raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, protecting voting and abortion rights, and raising pay for teachers and school staff.

Web: facebook.com/JoyceWaddellNC

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

REPUBLICAN

• Attorney; advisor to various nonprofits.
• Advocates for a “success-oriented curriculum, combined with technical and skill-based training.”
• Emphasizes “the need for strong, effective law enforcement to ensure [community] safety.”

Website: staciemcginnfornc.com

DEMOCRAT

• Owns real estate company.
• Supports expanding programs like Charlotte’s Classroom Central and Love Speaks Out to “empower teachers and students.”
• For civil rights, abortion access & gun control.

Website: woodsonbradley.com

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

• Freelance writer and editor; former teacher.
• Would fully fund public schools, provide more support for early childhood education, and implement gun control policies to increase child safety.
• Supports voting & abortion rights, better housing options, and “intentional planning” for area growth.

Website: bethhelfrichnc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Past Huntersville mayor; corporate executive.
• Priority: promote economic development with advanced manufacturing and diversified businesses.
• Priority: create “technical education high schools” & connect schools to businesses for job training.

 Website: votemelindabales.com

DEMOCRAT

• N.C. House member; restaurant management.
• Advocates for higher minimum wage, equal pay for women, and affordable childcare for workers.
• Supports gun safety requirements, access to abortion, and higher pay for teachers.

 Website: majeednc.com

LIBERTARIAN

Website: none

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

 DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

REPUBLICAN

• Sales representative for One Medical.
• Says: “Cut taxes and cut regulations. Grow the   N.C. economy with good-paying jobs.”
• Supports funding for charter & private schools  and supports higher pay for teachers.

 Website: electniday.com

DEMOCRAT

• N.C. House member; attorney.
• Wants after-school & summer programs and voca-tional training to “reduce school to prison pipeline.”
• Supports more funds for public safety, schools & infrastructure; abortion access; paid family leave.

 Website: electlaurabudd.com

DEMOCRAT

• N.C. House member; attorney.
• Wants economic growth by expanding broadband service, career education, and modernizing farming.
• Supports higher teacher pay, more school counselors, criminal justice reform, and abortion access.

Website: loftonfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Marketing director at Bokhari Group.
• Priorities: “the safety & success of our children” and the “adolescent behavior health crisis in N.C.”
• Wants “meaningful legislative reform of our broken criminal justice system.”

Website: kristabokhari.com

DEMOCRAT

• Staff of Temple Beth El; former teacher.
• Opposes giving public school funds to private academies; also opposes gerrymandering.
• Supports abortion access, increased pay for teachers, and gun safety reforms.

 Website: nicolefornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Senior Partner at BCHL Strategic Partners LLC.
• Supports funding for more charter schools and  vouchers for students attending private schools.
• Supports restrictions on access to abortion and to mail-in and in-person voting.

 Web: facebook.com/tricia.cotham

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

The County Commission adopts the budget for schools & other agencies, and it oversees land use, affordable housing, conservation programs, the health department, and many other vital services. Voters may vote for up to 3 candidates for the 3 At-Large seats and also 1 candidate to represent their District. See ncvoter.org/guide for your District.

• ARTHUR GRIFFIN JR. DEMOCRAT
• YVETTE TOWNSEND-INGRAM DEMOCRAT
• LEIGH ALTMAN DEMOCRAT

These 3 candidates are unopposed for the 3 At-Large seats

REPUBLICAN

• Owns FreshWater Lending.
• Priority: “safer schools, enhanced educational opportunities, [and] higher salaries” for teachers.
• Will use 20 years of development expertise to “ensure that economic growth is managed responsibly.”

Website: aaronmarin.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now a Commissioner; small business owner.
• Will solicit “community buy-in” and be “a fierce advocate for citizen engagement in government.”
• Supports “Smart Growth,” small businesses, parks, conservation, and “sound funding” for schools.

Website: electelainepowell.com

REPUBLICAN

No website or policy positions available at time of publication

DEMOCRAT

• Now a County Commissioner; formerly on County Board of Education; retired teacher.
• Wants more affordable housing & mental health counselors in schools; opposes charter schools be-cause they don’t follow public school guidelines.

Website: vilmaleake.wordpress.com

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

REPUBLICAN

• Former anesthesiologist and President of N.C. Medical Board.
• Would “bring conservative values” to Commission, e.g., by limiting the growth of spending and taxation.
• Supports effective schools & a strong police force.

Website: electmccullochforcommission.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now a Commissioner; formerly a teacher.
• Promises to “address the root cause of many of our problems − poverty due to inequity.”
• Supports “safe, equitable schools,” affordable housing, mental health services & funding for parks.

Website: meierformeck.com

REPUBLICAN

• Founder of a technology consulting firm.
• Plans to end “sanctuary policies” & “fight crime and end lawlessness.”
• Wants to end “waste, fraud, and budget abuse”  and insist on accountability in spending for schools.

Website: marascio.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now a Commissioner; formerly graphic designer.
• Advocates to “fully fund” teachers, recruit high-paying jobs, and protect the environment.
• Says she is “a leader who follows science.”

Website: mcdowell4meck.com

The Governor appoints leaders of some agencies (e.g., health and commerce), but voters elect 8 officials to lead other departments, plus the Lt. Governor. Here are the major-party candidates for those positions.

Candidates are in order as they appear on the ballot 

*A third party candidate for this office is profiled at ncvoter.org/guide

The Lt. Governor presides over the N.C. Senate and sits on the N.C. Board of Education and other boards.

DEMOCRAT

• Supports investing in public school teachers rather than giving tax money to private academies.
• Emphasizes “standing with rural NC” for economic opportunity, broadband, and affordable housing.
• Supports access to abortion and healthcare.
• Promotes job training and housing for veterans.

Website: rachelhunt.com

REPUBLICAN

• Supports placing “armed school resource officers in each and every K-12 school.” Opposes gun control.
• Give companies tax breaks for apprenticeship jobs.
• For “Heartbeat” law to ban abortion after 6 weeks.
• Wants to integrate community college with universities to promote trades and practical skills.

Website: halweathermanfornc.com

The AG leads the Dept. of Justice, which protects consumers, defends state agencies, and advises local law enforcement.

DEMOCRAT

• Supports criminal justice reform: stop racial bias in sentencing, reduce incarceration for non-violent offenses, and improve reentry programs. Also supports public access to police camera videos.
• Supports gun control: require universal back-ground checks and enact “red flag” protective laws.
• Supports expanding voting rights, independent redistricting, and ending secret money in politics.

Website: jeffjacksonnc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “Crime and lawlessness is out of control in our state and I believe restoring a culture of law and order is the most important job of the next AG.”
• Says he’s now “one of the toughest and most outspoken conservatives in Congress.” 
• Supports stronger measures to stop voter fraud and “ballot-box stuffing.” Opposes independent redistricting commission to draw impartial political districts. 

Website: votedanbishop.com

The Superintendent heads the Dept. of Public Instruction, which implements Board of Education policies and state law.

DEMOCRAT

• Experience: Led Guilford County School System.
• Top goals: “Prepare each student for their next phase in life.” “Enhance parent and community support” and a “safe, secure learning environment.”
• Supports more funds for pre-K schools, rural youth apprenticeships, and an 8.5% raise for teachers.
• Opposes “taxpayer-funded private school vouchers for the very wealthy.”

Website: mogreenfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Experience: Homeschool teacher and nurse.
• Supports an “independent audit of the public school system” and will challenge “indoctrination centers.”
• Believes school funding must be “fueled by a fiscally conservative, free-market, competitive environment.”
• Opposes teaching students about race and racism.
• Opposes COVID mandates; says “teachers unions forced school closures.”

Website: morrow4nc.com

The Secretary of State manages the registration of businesses, charities, and lobbyists and maintains N.C.’s official records.

DEMOCRAT

• Has served as N.C. Secretary of State since 1997.
• Says: “I’ve worked to cut red tape for entrepreneurs starting companies, prosecute criminals who masquerade as charities, and crack down on financial fraud.”
• Supports modernizing notary and other services.

Website: elainemarshall.com

REPUBLICAN

• Serves on the Gaston Co. Board of Commission- ers; was previously Town of Stanley mayor.
• Would “promote innovation and small business growth” and “protect consumers from fraud and identity theft.”

Website: electchadbrown.com

The Treasurer oversees state investments, local government borrowing, and the state employee health & retirement plans.

DEMOCRAT

• Plans to “protect our strong bond rating” and “expand our investment capacity” by moving more funds “sitting in cash” into higher-yield investments.
• Says: “The Treasurer’s office shouldn’t be a play-ground for partisan games.”

Website: harrisfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Top priority: ”Remedy the chronic underperformance of the Retirement System” caused by “an irrational love of risk-free fixed income investments.”
• Would give a “fiduciary board of professionals,” not just the Treasurer, authority for investment decisions.

Website: bradbriner.com

The State Auditor reviews the financial management of agencies and programs that receive public funds.

DEMOCRAT

• Current Auditor; former Wake Co. Commissioner.
• Says she is “committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars as the NC Auditor, leveraging her expertise, integrity, and unwavering dedication to equitable policies for the betterment of N.C.”

Website: jessicafornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Former prosecutor and UNC-CH Trustees Board chair.
• Says: “Led fight at UNC to eliminate woke diversity” and has “expertise to root out government corruption.”
• Would expose waste in government, “scrub voter rolls,” and examine efficiencies at DMV and schools.

Website: auditordave.com

The Commissioner leads the Labor Department, which inspects workplaces and enforces laws about worker health & safety.

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “Will fight for free enterprise, fair competition, and cutting government red tape.”
• Will protect workers who refuse orders to receive a COVID vaccine; opposes new heat stress regulations.
• Supports “accountability by keeping the commissioner’s picture on elevator certificates.”

Website: lukefarleync.com

DEMOCRAT

• Says: “CNBC ranked NC as #1 state to do business [but] Oxfam ranked NC as worst state to be a worker. This is unacceptable. Our workers deserve better.”
• Will ensure workers “work in a safe environment.”
• Will be a “whole worker” advocate for fair pay, job rights, training, and affordable health care & housing.

Website: votebraxton.com

The Commissioner leads the Dept. of Agriculture, which has the double role of promoting farm products and food safety.

DEMOCRAT

• Current farm and food systems manager.
• Says Ag Dept. should promote high-value crops, like berries, fruits, hemp, etc.; canneries; farms in Appalachia; processing facilities for nuts.
• Supports innovating financing for farmers, co-ops, and profit-sharing models to boost rural jobs.

Website: taberfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Served as Commissioner of Agriculture since 2005.
• Has focused on “developing new markets for N.C. farm products, preserving working farms and protecting the state’s food supply.”
• Promotes meat production and the “Got To Be NC” ag marketing programs, which he says are successful.

Website: stevetroxler.com

The Commissioner regulates insurance rates & practices, licenses building inspectors, and trains firefighters & rescue squads.

DEMOCRAT

• Current state Senator and attorney.
• Says: “My mission has always been to stand up against corruption, corporate greed, and bad government.”
• Would “force insurance companies to justify their rates at public hearings,” which doesn’t happen now.

Website: natashamarcus.com

REPUBLICAN

• Served as Insurance Commissioner since 2017.
• Would abolish Rate Bureau role in setting insurance rates because it “kills free enterprise.”
• Has added fraud inspectors, added consumer services, and cleared backlog of fire dept. inspections.

Website: mikecauseync.com

Court of Appeals judges hear appeals of criminal and civil cases from local courts; 3 of the Court’s 15 seats are open in 2024.

REPUBLICAN

Attorney and former state legislator, prosecutor, and judge advocate in the Army National Guard.

Website: jointom.com

DEMOCRAT

Current Court of Appeals judge; former Superior Court judge and attorney in private practice.

Website: judgecarolynthompson.com

DEMOCRAT

Attorney with over a decade of experience in trial and appellate  court litigation.

Website: eldredforjudge.com

REPUBLICAN

Current Court of Appeals judge; previously practiced law for 26 years in family firm.

Website: reelectjudgezachary.com

REPUBLICAN

Current District Court judge in Rockingham and Caswell counties and former district attorney.

Website: chrisfreemanforjudge.com

DEMOCRAT

Buncombe Co. Commissioner with mediation and appellate law practice; former public defender.

Website: martinforjudge.com