2026 Candidate Filing Opens December 1

Raleigh, N.C. — Voters across North Carolina will soon learn who is seeking their votes in the 2026 elections. Candidate filing for most races begins December 1 and runs through December 19 at noon.

Depending on the office, candidates will file their Notice of Candidacy and pay required fees either at their county board of elections office or with the State Board of Elections at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

“We applaud all candidates who choose to engage in the democratic process and decide to run,” said State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes. “We are hopeful and ready for a smooth process for all candidates, and committed to providing an efficient and safe environment for everyone.”

The 2026 primary election will be held March 3, with the general election on November 3.

For Candidates

Before filing, candidates should review the Filing for Candidacy page at ncsbe.gov for requirements, fees, and other details. A candidates guide to the 2026 elections is also available online in PDF format.

Candidates for the following offices must file at the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Administration Building (Horse Complex) at the State Fairgrounds, located at 4601 Trinity Road (Gate H3) in Raleigh:

U.S. Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

Associate Justice, State Supreme Court

Judges, State Court of Appeals

Judges, Superior Court

Judges, District Court

District Attorneys

Filing hours at the Hunt Building are as follows:

• Noon–5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1

• 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 2–5

• 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 8–12

• 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 15–18

• 8 a.m.–noon Friday, Dec. 19

Candidates, guests, and media should enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 9 on Trinity Road.

Filing fees must be paid by cashier’s check, campaign check, personal check, or money order. Cash and credit cards will not be accepted.

Candidates should review requirements for appointing a treasurer and organizing a candidate committee on the Candidate Committees page at ncsbe.gov.

Once filed, candidates have until December 16, 2025, to withdraw their notice of candidacy.

Candidates for N.C. House, N.C. Senate, and local offices must file with their respective county board of elections. Questions for these offices should be directed to the appropriate county board.

Boards of elections cannot accept filings by surrogate. Notices of candidacy must be submitted in person by the candidate or mailed/ delivered via commercial courier with a certified signature, according to N.C.G.S. § 163-106(a).

General Statute 163-106(a) states that each candidate must sign the notice of candidacy in the presence of the board chair or secretary or have the signature acknowledged by an authorized officer before mailing or courier delivery.

Prospective candidates filing with the State Board who have questions may email elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov or call (919) 814-0700.