Candidate Filing Opens Monday as NC’s 2026 Elections Begin

North Carolina’s 2026 election cycle officially starts Dec. 1, when the filing window opens for candidates seeking federal, state and local offices. The period runs through Dec. 19, and filings must be submitted in person at the correct location depending on the office.

In Rutherford County, most local candidates — including those running for three seats on the Board of County Commissioners — will file at the county’s new elections office at 145 College Ave. in Rutherfordton.

Candidates for some offices file elsewhere. For example, district attorney candidates file with the State Board of Elections in Raleigh. State and federal candidates also follow state-level filing requirements.

Election administrators face a tight timeline, with absentee voting for the March 3 primary beginning Jan. 12. Counties must finalize ballots, publish legal notices, and allow time for candidate eligibility challenges. Voters may challenge filings through Jan. 8. Early voting is Feb. 12-28.

Eligibility rules vary by office but require candidates to be registered North Carolina voters, meet age and residency requirements, and submit a Notice of Candidacy. Filing fees equal 1% of the office’s base salary, and candidates must establish a campaign committee with a North Carolina treasurer.

Ballot names must follow State Board of Elections rules. Nicknames are allowed only if candidates can show they’ve used them for at least five years, and honorific titles are prohibited.

Rutherford County voters will help choose a Sheriff, a U.S. senator, elect all 14 U.S. House members, fill all NC General Assembly seats at the state House and state Senate, and vote in judicial races, including the State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Local ballots will also include county and municipal offices, school board seats and more.

For details on filing locations and requirements visit the Rutherford County Board of Elections website, and the state Board of Elections website.

Candidates, please write your email address legibly on your official filing forms so you may receive an upcoming WCAB News candidate survey and add Annie@WCABNews.com to your contact lists.