Guides
Running for office in North Carolina
Plain-English guides to North Carolina offices, filing rules, and vote goals. Free to read, with sources for statutory information.
Each guide covers one office. When a rule varies by county, the guide tells you to check with your county board of elections instead of giving a statewide answer that may not apply to your race.
How to run for county commissioner in North Carolina
County commissioners set the county budget and property-tax rate. Your district, election method, and the number of seats up for election determine the campaign you need to run.
- Commissioners set the county budget, property-tax rate, and funding for many county services.
- Counties may elect commissioners by district, at large, or through a mix of both.
- Seats are staggered, so confirm whether your seat is on the ballot and how many people will be elected.
How to run for school board in North Carolina
School board rules vary by county. Confirm whether the race is partisan, whether it is district or at large, and whether your seat is up for election.
- A school board hires the superintendent, sets policy, and makes the district's budget request to county commissioners.
- Partisan status, district lines, and election timing all vary by county.
- The under-$1,000 campaign finance threshold certification may apply to local school board races.
How to run for sheriff in North Carolina
The sheriff is a countywide elected law-enforcement officer who runs the jail, serves court papers, and provides county law-enforcement services.
- Sheriffs serve four-year countywide, partisan terms.
- Sheriff candidates must file a felony disclosure statement with the notice of candidacy.
- The 2026 filing period has closed. The next sheriff election cycle is 2028.
How to run for clerk of superior court in North Carolina
The clerk of superior court manages court records and makes judicial decisions about estates, guardianship, and probate.
- The clerk is both a court administrator and a judicial officer who handles probate, estates, and guardianship cases.
- The office is countywide, partisan, and elected to a four-year term.
- Because the race often gets little attention, name recognition and a dependable turnout plan matter.
How to run for district attorney in North Carolina
A district attorney decides which criminal cases the office pursues. Many prosecutorial districts cover more than one county, so plan for the whole district.
- A prosecutorial district may include several counties. Everyone in the district votes for the same district attorney.
- The district attorney sets charging, plea, and diversion policies for the office.
- The office is partisan, elected to a four-year term, and often draws little attention.
How to run for NC House in North Carolina
All 120 NC House seats are elected every two years. In many districts, the primary matters more than the general election.
- All 120 House seats are elected every two years.
- District lines and past results determine whether the primary or general election is the key contest.
- Legislative candidates must follow the regular campaign finance reporting schedule.
How to run for register of deeds in North Carolina
The register of deeds records property documents and issues vital records. Whether the seat is on the ballot depends on the county.
- The office records deeds, liens, plats, vital records, marriage licenses, and other required documents.
- The race is countywide and partisan, but the election cycle varies by county.
- A clear record of service and a plan for a reliable public office are central to the campaign.
How to run for Congress in North Carolina
A congressional race covers a large district, follows federal finance rules, and usually needs professional campaign support.
- North Carolina has 14 congressional districts. Each seat is elected every two years.
- Candidates file with the State Board of Elections, not a county board.
- Federal Election Commission rules apply to fundraising and reporting.
How to run for NC Senate in North Carolina
NC Senate districts are larger than House districts, so a successful campaign needs clear targeting and a mix of voter-contact methods.
- All 50 Senate seats are elected every two years.
- Senate districts are much larger than House districts and often cross county lines.
- Legislative candidates must use the regular campaign finance reporting schedule.
Original research
We also publish analysis of the North Carolina voter file, with the queries behind each figure.
- Who Actually Votes in a North Carolina MidtermNorth Carolina's midterm electorate is older and smaller than its presidential electorate. This briefing uses State Board voter and vote-history files to show who turns out, how county turnout varies, and why local campaigns should base their vote goals on comparable midterm results instead of registration or presidential-year turnout.