Many of us have been looking forward to voting on federal and state candidates since November 6, 2024. The wait is over–the 2026 election has started! Tuesday, March 3rd, is Primary Election Day in North Carolina, and the candidates we elect today will have a huge impact in the November 2026 general election.

The overwhelming spectacle of Presidential primaries every four years, with wall-to-wall media coverage, constant polling, candidate rallies, and televised debates, can make other primary races pale in comparison. It is a missed opportunity to bring your voice to many important races, though, if you skip the primary! In a significant number of races, the primary winner will also win the general election in November (because the general election is either uncontested or uncompetitive). Or if you have ever looked at your ballot in November and thought, “I really would like to have voted for XYZ candidate instead,” – the primary is your chance to get your preferred candidates on the November general election ballot. Primaries are about expanding our impact on elections. 

Often, fewer people vote in primaries than in general elections. One reason is that voters may not pay attention to elections outside November, in part because primary elections take place on different days in different states. Another reason may be that people are less familiar with primary candidates and feel less invested in those races. And finally, primary elections are for political party voters (i.e., Democrats and Republicans), leaving many Unaffiliated voters in North Carolina under the impression that they can’t vote in primaries.