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Key details about Elizabeth A. Temple < Back to Candidates Elizabeth A. Temple Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 55 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for N.C. House in 2024 Occupation: Music teacher Description: Temple provided little information about her political positions but said that voters should pick her because "I am a member of the Town Board Historic Preservation and Properties," She also says she supports voter ID laws. She says she "was encouraged by a Republican to run for anything this election cycle." She has also run unsuccessfully for her town council twice. Other personal: Temple lives in Smithfield, in the Raleigh region. She is a member of the NAACP and says she received bachelor's and master's degrees from East Carolina University. She also took courses at Campbell University and UNC Greensboro. In 2019, she was accused of making offensive comments to elementary school students while she was a substitute teacher, a charge she has since defended herself against. No candidate website found The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am 55 years old. I will be 56 on June 27th. I graduated Bachelor's and Master's at East Carolina University. I was admitted to and took courses at Campbell U. and UNC-G in PhD programs. Born in Smithfield, N.C. I live here now. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters. I am a member of the Town Board Historic Preservation and Properties, I ran for Town Council twice in the past two cycles. I was a candidate for N.C. House District 28 last year. I am a longtime white member of NAACP in Harnett and Johnston counties, N.C., but I support Voter ID. This might set me apart from other competitors. Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. I am listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2007, Cambridge Who's Who 2009, Marquis Who's Who in America Women in Business 2021-2022 What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or people have you received? I was encouraged by a Republican to run for anything this election cycle. I applied for endorsements recently by anyone requesting information, but I am a money-free campaign. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? Since 1970, when I was born on June 27. I am a current licensed teacher K-12 see licensure lookup at NCDPI website. Teaching in Harnett, Lenoir, Pitt, Wake, Cumberland counties. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. I have three nieces in the public schools, they are Lily, Ahnala, and Willow Temple. They successfully play sports. I was married once. I love all people and have always tried to befriend all people. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Daryl Farrow < Back to Candidates Daryl Farrow Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 65 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for Congress (NC-3) in 2020 Occupation: NA Description: We were unable to find information about Farrow's positions and he did not respond to our outreach. Other personal: Farrow is a Navy veteran and attended Kansas State University. No candidate website found. The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Cyril Jefferson < Back to Candidates Cyril Jefferson Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 33 Previous experience in elected office: Mayor of High Point; former High Point City Council Member Occupation: Mayor of High Point; Founder of Change Often, a consulting firm for nonprofits and philanthropic organizations Description: On his website, Jefferson's top issues are to secure the border "the smart way," fund modern policing tools, and support economic development by expanding broadband and boosting small business growth with microloans. Other personal: Jefferson is the mayor of High Point and was a city council member. He was also a music teacher and high school band director. He is married and the father of two. Jefferson has a bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University. Candidate Website Video Interview of Candidate The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am 33 years old, currently residing in High Point, NC, with my wife, Raven, and our two sons: Cyril II & Royce. I have deep community ties as an alum of T. Wingate Andrews High School (High Point) and North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!). Before being elected as the youngest Mayor in our city’s history, I served on the High Point City Council and worked as an educator in our public school system. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters. I’m running because families deserve a government that works for them, not powerful interests. Too many people are being squeezed by rising costs while Washington remains gridlocked and disconnected from everyday life. Voters should choose me because I bring a builder’s mindset and a proven record of delivering results, both in public office and previous leadership as the CEO of a social innovation firm focused on community-centered solutions. I currently serve as Mayor of High Point and previously served on the City Council. In office, I’ve brought together bipartisan and diverse coalitions to cut red tape, expand housing, strengthen workforce pathways, and reduce crime through collaborative, evidence-based approaches. I’m also a member of Take BAC Congress, a bipartisan initiative focused on restoring balance, accountability, and public trust through government reforms like congressional term limits, banning stock trading while in office, and overturning citizens united. Doing this will help fix the broken machinery of Washington, D.C. Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. Under my leadership, the City of High Point was awarded and named an All America City in 2024 for our innovative and engaging approach to fighting food insecurity, supporting entrepreneurs, and rebranding our community as a global leader in arts and design. I also secured more than $20 million from philanthropic and government partners at the state and federal levels to address issues related to small business development, downtown revitalization, workforce development, homelessness, and education. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? My campaign has earned the support of a growing coalition of civic leaders and organizations committed to strengthening democracy, accountability, and ethical governance. I’ve received endorsements and pledges of support from U.S. Term Limits, reflecting my commitment to congressional term limits and institutional accountability; Take Back Congress, a bipartisan initiative focused on restoring balance and public trust in Congress; the D.C. Statehood Pledge, affirming my support for admitting Washington, D.C. as the 51st state; and I See Purple, reflecting a public commitment to democratic norms, constitutional checks and balances, and putting country over party. I’m also proud to be supported by respected leaders, including Rev. Dr. Roy Dennis, Senior Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Salisbury and Moderator of the Rowan Baptist Association; Hon. Melvin “Skip” Alston, member of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners; Deena Hayes-Greene, Managing Director of the Racial Equity Institute in Greensboro; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi; and Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education. Together, these endorsements reflect a broad coalition grounded in faith, public service, equity, education, and democratic reform. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? 30 years Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. I was raised in a family of ministers, veterans, and civil servants. This experience shaped my belief that leadership is about service, compassion, and lifting others up first. I first ran for office as an underdog in my City Council race, building a broad, grassroots coalition to win, and later did the same in my mayoral campaign, becoming the youngest person ever elected Mayor of High Point. Those races taught me how to listen, organize, and bring people together across differences to get results. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 CMS Board of Education District 6 District 6 is in the southernmost part of the county, covering Pineville, Ballantyne and Steele Creek. The winner of the election will be a newcomer. Current board member Summer Nunn decided not to seek reelection because she did not want to put her “career, family or reputation at risk because of politics .” This term lasts four years and is one of nine elected positions at CMS. CMS high schools that are in District 6 include Ardrey Kell, Ballantyne Ridge, Charlotte-Meck Virtual, Harper Middle College, PACE/CTE, Palisades and South Meck. This is a nonpartisan race, so candidate political parties will not be listed on the ballot. Board of Education District 6 Candidates

Key details about Colby Watson < Back to Candidates Colby Watson Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 37 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Small business owner ("federal contractor") Description: Watson's key issues are to regulate corporate ownership of homes, preventing medical debt from bankrupting people, improving education for children and helping N.C. farmers. Other personal: Watson is a Union County native and father of two. He says that while he does not hold "a fancy degree," he built a business with his brother that "grew to employ more than 50 people." Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Davidson Board of Commissioners Davidson Mayor Town of Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox has been the mayor of Davidson since 2017 and is running uncontested. Davidson Mayoral Candidates

At-Large District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Charlotte City Council District 6 District 6 is in south Charlotte and covers the area around SouthPark Mall. District 6 has 43% unaffiliated voters, 28% Democrats and 28% Republicans, making it one of the most evenly matched districts between the two parties. Edwin Peacock is the current City Council member in District 6, but he is running for an at-large seat in November, making this an open seat with no incumbent. Republican Krista Bokhari is running for the role against Democratic newcomer Kimberly Owens. Only voters in a given district can vote for their district representative. Each member of the Charlotte City Council serves a two year term. Key issues for the council now include public safety, following the August murder of a Ukrainian woman on a light rail train; affordable housing; and land use decisions related to the city’s growth. The city also runs departments including the airport, police and fire, transportation, garbage/recycling, water, planning, neighborhood services and others. The city oversees the Charlotte Area Transit System. If the transit tax referendum passes, a new regional transit authority will be in charge of the transit system, and the City Council’s role will be limited to appointing people to a portion of the new authority. City Council District 6 Candidates

Key details about Monaca Maye Williamson < Back to Candidates Monaca Maye Williamson Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 49 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: According to her campaign website, a high school teacher Description: Williamson says she wants to bring more diverse jobs to North Carolina, promote affordable health care, reduce tuition costs for students, promote clean energy (solar and wind) jobs, invest in STEM education and support tech incubators. Other personal: Williamson says she is a high school teacher on her campaign website. She is a native North Carolinian and graduated from High Point University. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Mint Hill Board of Commissioners Mint Hill Mayor Town of Mint Hill Board of Commissioners The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners is composed of the mayor and four commissioners. Voters will select two commissioners this election who will serve four-year terms. Mint Hill’s population is approximately 27,000 and its median household income is $99,000. Thirty-four percent of registered voters in Mint Hill are Republican, 27% are Democrat and 28% are unaffiliated. Board of Commissioners Candidates

Key details about Roy Cooper < Back to Candidates Roy Cooper Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 68 Previous experience in elected office: N.C. Governor (2017-25); N.C. Attorney General (2001-17); N.C. General Assembly (1987-2001); Majority Leader of N.C. Senate (1997-2001) Occupation: Attorney Description: Cooper has been an elected official in North Carolina politics for nearly four decades, most recently as governor and attorney general. Cooper's bio says that as governor, he "focused on boosting public education, tackling the opioid crisis, revitalizing rural communities and making sure North Carolinians have the training to fill better paying jobs that require more skills." His website leads with an economic message that says "too many Americans feel the middle class feels like a distant dream" and that "the biggest corporations and the richest Americans have grabbed unimaginable wealth at your expense." In public appearances in the Charlotte region , he has focused on healthcare and affordability. He was one of the few Democrats that won a statewide race in 2016 and 2020. He is one of the top 5 fundraisers among U.S. Senate races this year. The largest donation in support of his candidacy to date has been a $15,000 contribution from ModSquad Action, which supports moderate candidates. Other personal: Cooper is from Nash County outside Raleigh. He practiced law for 18 years in the region where he grew up. In that practice, he represented "everyday people and small businesses." He is the father of three daughters and received his bachelor's and JD from UNC Chapel Hill. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Everything you need to know to vote in the 2026 election. The Election Hub provides unbiased election information to help voters in the Charlotte, NC region, including Mecklenburg, Gaston and Cabarrus Counties. 2026 ELECTION What You Need to Know Before Voting Voting Dates and Times The North Carolina general election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. Early Voting: October 15-31, 2026 TUESDAY NOV 3 Find Your Ballot Or Precinct Navigate to Federal State Municipal Federal U.S. Senate U.S. Senators serve six-year terms. There are six Democrats and seven Republicans running for this office, including former N.C. Governor Roy Cooper and former Republican party chair Michael Whatley. This is a complete list of the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Senate. Democrat U.S. Senate (D) Republican U.S. Senate (R) U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives members are elected every two years. This includes a detailed description of the responsibilities of members of Congress. While redistricting has been a significant topic for North Carolina overall, the boundaries for the counties that The Election Hub covers have not changed since the last federal election in 2024. Cabarrus County Gaston County Mecklenburg County Back to the top State N.C. General Assembly The entire North Carolina state legislature (also known as the General Assembly which includes both N.C. Senate and N.C. House of Representatives) is up for election every two years. Every office will be on the ballot in the general election in November but only a handful are on the ballot during the primary. The key roles of the General Assembly are to determine the state tax rate, determine the state’s budget and create state laws. Cabarrus County Gaston County Mecklenburg County N.C. Statewide Judicial Offices The terms for the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Appeals Court are eight years. They are staggered terms; four seats in the state Supreme Court and the state Appeals Court are up for election in 2026. Only two Appeals Court seats will appear on the primary ballot. Cabarrus County Gaston County Mecklenburg County Back to the top Municipal Local Government Roles Local elections in 2026 include a variety of seats for county Boards of Commissioners and Boards of Education. Cabarrus County Gaston County Mecklenburg County Legal-Related Roles Legal-related offices on the ballot in 2026 include county sheriffs, district attorneys, court clerks, and district and superior court judges. Cabarrus County Gaston County Mecklenburg County Back to the top Early Voting Locations Cabarrus County View Locations Gaston County View Locations Mecklenburg County View Locations Back to the top What is a primary? A primary election is a “run-off” where contestants from one political party compete with one another. The winner of a primary will be on the ballot for the general election. If there is only one contestant (or no contestants at all) from a political party running, there will not be a primary for that party for that race. Can anyone vote in a primary? North Carolina has partisan primaries that are open to unaffiliated voters. Any registered Democratic, Republican or unaffiliated voter can vote in this North Carolina primary. Specifically, registered Republicans and registered Democrats can only vote in their party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters can select which primary they want to vote in. That said, other voters registered with third parties (e.g. Libertarian, Green Party, No Labels) are not eligible to vote in this primary. Why is voting in primaries important? In general, voter participation rates for primaries are much lower than for general elections. On average across North Carolina, fewer than 20% of voters voted in the last midterm primary in 2022. When a minority of voters vote, the voice of a community or region is not reflected in results. Furthermore, because certain regions are heavily skewed toward a single political party, the only meaningful choice that voters have to hold elected officials to account is during primaries. Several Mecklenburg County, North Carolina races for instance have no Republican opponents (such as the county sheriff), so those races will be determined by this primary. Did you know... The order that candidates appear on the ballot is determined by a bingo machine ? A ball with a letter from a bingo machine is selected first, and then a coin is tossed to decide if the candidates are then listed in alphsbetical order or reverse alphabetical order. The letter picked for 2026 was F and the coin toss was tails, which means candidates will appear in reverse alphabetical order. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Spotlight on the Races N.C. Court of Appeals Seat 3 (Democratic Primary) US House (NC-14) (Republican Primary) N.C. House District 105 (Republican Primary)

An unbiased voter guide for local, municipal, county and state elections in Gaston County, NC. Breakfast Ideas Read More GASTON COUNTY Voting Dates and Times The North Carolina general election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. Early Voting: October 15-31, 2026 TUESDAY NOV 3 Find Your Ballot Or Precinct Candidate Forum Early Voting Locations Gaston County has four early voting locations: the Board of Elections office, the county's Citizen Resource Center, the Main Library and the Mount Holly Municipal Complex. During early voting, Gaston County voters can cast ballots at any of those early voting locations. View Locations Navigate to Federal State Municipal Federal US Senate U.S. Senators serve six-year terms. There are six Democrats and seven Republicans running for this office, including former N.C. Governor Roy Cooper and former Republican party chair Michael Whatley. This is a complete list of the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Senate. Democrat U.S. Senate (D) Republican U.S. Senate (R) US House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives members are elected every two years. This includes a detailed description of the responsibilities of members of Congress. Democrat U.S. House (NC-14) (D) Republican U.S. House (NC-14) (R) Back to the top State N.C. General Assembly The entire North Carolina state legislature (officially the General Assembly which includes both N.C. Senate and N.C. House of Representatives) is up for election every two years. All offices will be on the ballot in the general election in November but only a handful are on the ballot during the primary. The key roles of the General Assembly are to determine the state tax rate, determine the state’s budget and create state laws. Only N.C. House District 110 covering western Gaston County will appear on the primary ballot. All the house districts and senate districts will appear on the 2026 general election ballot. N.C. House Map Democrat No candidates on ballot. Republican N.C. House 110 (R) N.C. Statewide Judicial Offices The terms for the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Appeals Court are eight years. They are staggered terms; four seats in the state Supreme Court and the state Appeals Court are up for election in 2026. Only two Appeals Court seats will appear on the primary ballot. Democrat N.C. Court of Appeals Seat 3 (D) Republican N.C. Court of Appeals Seat 1 (R) Back to the top Municipal Gaston Local Government Roles Local elections in 2026 include a variety of seats for county Boards of Commissioners and Boards of Education. Democrat Board of Education Gastonia (D) Republican Board of Commissioners Dallas (R) Gaston Legal-Related Roles Legal-related offices on the ballot in 2026 include county sheriffs, district attorneys and district and superior court judges. Only the sheriff's race for Gaston County will appear on the primary ballot. Democrat No candidates on ballot. Republican Gaston County Sheriff (R) Back to the top What is a primary? A primary election is a “run-off” where contestants from one political party compete with one another. The winner of a primary will be on the ballot for the general election. If there is only one contestant from a political party running, there will not be a primary for that party for that race. Can anyone vote in a primary? North Carolina has partisan primaries that are open to unaffiliated voters. Any registered Democratic, Republican or unaffiliated voter can vote in this North Carolina primary. Specifically, registered Republicans and registered Democrats can only vote in their party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters can select which primary they want to vote in. That said, other voters registered with third parties (e.g. Libertarian, Green Party, No Labels) are not eligible to vote in this primary. Why is voting in primaries important? In general, voter participation rates for primaries are much lower than for general elections. On average across North Carolina, fewer than 20% of voters voted in the last midterm primary in 2022. When a minority of voters vote, the voice of a community or region is not reflected in results. Furthermore, because certain regions are heavily skewed toward a single political party, the only meaningful choice that voters have to hold elected officials to account is during primaries. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH