The new year marks an important time for politics as candidates both state and nation-wide prepare for the November 2020 elections. The North Carolina primary election will take place on Super Tuesday, March 3, where qualified voters can select their presidential preference for the democratic party as well as for state offices.

   In the state races, incumbent Senator Thom Tillis faces competition against three other republican candidates and five democratic candidates. There is also one candidate running from the Libertarian Party and one from the Constitution Party. 

   Voters will also be making their selections for Governor. Incumbent Roy Cooper will be challenged by Democrat Ernest T. Reeves, Republican Dan Forest, the current Lieutenant Governor, and Republican Holly Grange, a current N.C. representative. Steven J. Difiore from the Libertarian Party and Al Pisano from the Constitution Party are also running.

   The North Carolina primary will also select the party candidates for the positions of Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Insurance, Commissioner of Labor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Treasurer, State House of Representatives, and State Senate.

   On the national stage, the presidential democratic primary will greatly narrow the wide array of Democratic candidates ready to take on current President Donald Trump. Candidates for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives will also be selected. 

   The March 3 primary is semi-closed, meaning that only party-affiliated voters may select their candidate preferences for their party. If you would like to become party-affiliated and are eligible to vote in the November 2020 election, you can register to vote in the March 3 primary by visiting ncsbe.org.