Today, Carolina Forward is releasing our official 2026 Voter Guide. This easy-to-use voter guide spans state-level elected offices in all 100 counties of North Carolina, as well as the three proposed state constitutional amendments on our ballots this year. With early in-person voting beginning on Thursday, October 15th, voters may use the Carolina Forward Voter Guide as a tool to inform their choices.

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At the voter guide, readers can find information about early in-person voting sites in your community, as well as information about voting absentee by mail. Bear in mind that absentee ballots must be requested by October 20th, but it is imperative that they be requested and returned as soon as possible.

Recommendations for Carolina Forward’s voter guide were determined by analyzing candidate qualifications and policy positions, without regard to party affiliation. We analyzed candidate policy positions, public statements and, where available, previous votes. Candidates eligible for recommendation pledged support for public schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, reproductive freedom, ending gerrymandering, and fighting political corruption with specific and enforceable measures to restore integrity to the North Carolina General Assembly.

This year, America decides its future path at a perilous time in our nation’s history. In this year’s election, Carolina Forward recommends that voters everywhere reject political extremism and instead choose pragmatic, moderate governance that aims to elevate all North Carolinians. The Carolina Forward Voter Guide is a great way to advance that vision.

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