THE DAILY TROT

Before voting and following campaigns confidently, an accurate registration is essential. If you are a United States citizen, 18 years or older (or 17 if you will turn 18 by Election Day) and a resident of Alamance County within the state North Carolina for at least 30 days, you are eligible to vote. If you have moved within the county, changed your name or want to change your party affiliation, you must update your registration. You can check your registration status, polling place and sample ballots on the Alamance County Board of Elections (ACBOE) website. The ACBOE provides sample ballots showing all the candidates in this election cycle.

Knowing the local landscape helps you understand the campaigns. Alamance County has a mix of local candidates, including mayors and council or board seats, as well as county, state legislative, and sometimes judicial appointments. For instance, for the upcoming election, there is a list of candidates for the November 4, 2025, municipal elections in the County. The ACBOE produces a “Candidate detail list” showing who has filed, for what seat, and their party affiliation (if required).  

For local municipal elections, filing periods and deadlines are set by the state board and the local board. Local races often receive less media attention, but they can significantly impact your community, including zoning, schools, and local services. Understanding which seats are open and who the candidates are is an important first step. 

Here’s a checklist to guide you as you follow the campaigns of various candidates in the County:  

Identify the candidates

Look up which seat you’ll be voting for, such as mayor, alderman, council, county board, or judicial.  

Using the ACBOE candidate lists, find out who is running and for which seat. For example, there is a candidate listed for the Village of Alamance mayor.  

Note whether the seat is partisan or non-partisan, as some municipal contests do not have party affiliations.  

Find a candidate’s campaign website or social media, as many will outline their priorities and bio.  

Evaluate their positions & credentials.  

Ask questions such as:  

What issues are they discussing? Education? Local infrastructure? Public safety? Growth and development?  

What are their qualifications or background? Have they held public office or worked in relevant fields?  

For example, in a judicial race, one candidate for district court judge in Alamance County is a local native who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and law school.  

What do they claim they will do differently? Do they provide specific plans, like “I will improve X by doing Y”?  

How are they funding their campaign? Are there endorsements? Are they engaging respectfully?  

Are they accessible to you, such as through town halls, forums, or Q&A sessions? For instance, Elon University, in partnership with the local chamber and Impact Alamance, hosted candidate forums for school board and county commissioner races.  

Watch for campaign conduct and local context.  

Are they staying focused on their message and being clear about their priorities?

Are they engaging respectfully with voters and opponents?  

Are there public forums where you can ask questions? If not, consider suggesting one.  

What is their position on local issues that matter to you, or issues you may learn more about?  

Remember, even if you mainly care about state or federal issues, local offices often affect your daily life more directly, including schools, zoning, parks, roads, and local government.  

Once you’ve done your homework, decide which candidate(s) you believe will best represent your community and values.  

Plan how you will vote: Will you vote early, on Election Day, or by absentee ballot if needed? The local board can provide information about early and absentee options.  

Bring your ID and know your polling place or early voting location. Confirm the sample ballot to know what to expect.  

For Alamance County, here are some upcoming elections or important things to note:  

The November 4, 2025, municipal election includes mayor and alderman or council seats in several towns. (Refer to the candidate lists from ACBOE.)   Many local races are non-partisan, especially municipal elections, although some may have party affiliation. Judicial seats: There’s a district court judge race in District 17 covering Alamance County. Keep in mind that even if you focus on your city or town, your vote may influence county or state contests too, depending on what’s on the ballot at that time.  

Tips for first-time voters  

Go early: If you can, vote early or aim to go early on Election Day to avoid last-minute surprises.  

Ask questions: If you don’t understand a candidate’s position or the meaning of a seat, reach out. Many campaigns provide contact information.  

Don't be intimidated by “down-ballot” races: These affect your home community, and your vote matters.  

Stay informed: Use resources like the ACBOE website, local news (for example, the Alamance News), and public forums hosted by universities or civic groups. Elon University helped host candidate forums.  

Check your registration and polling place ahead of time to save time and reduce stress.  

Understand your rights: If you have a disability, the law provides accessible voting machines and other accommodations. Refer to broader NC guidance.  

Talk with friends and family: Share your thoughts, ask who they’re considering, but make your own decision.  

Taking the time to register or check your registration, understand the open seats, review the candidates, evaluate their statements and actions, and cast your ballot puts you in control.