2024 AAC-MCDP Voter Education Guide

AAC-MCDP

GUIDE TO VOTER EDUCATION Know Your Local for 2024!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Note from the President…………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 3

Party Structures for NC and Mecklenburg County………………………………………………………………Pages 4-14

Various Types of Elections……………………………………………………………..................................................Page 15

County Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………….Pages 17-18

More County Elected Offices…………………………………………………………..................................................Pages 19-20

Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board…………………………………………………...........................................Pages 21-22

North Carolina Supreme Court………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 23

North Carolina Court of Appeals……………………………………………………………………………………….Pages 24-25

North Carolina Superior Court………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 26-27

North Carolina District Court……………………………………………………………………………………………Page 28-29

North Carolina Voting Rights……………………………………………………………………………………………Page 30

North Carolina Federal Court……………………………………………………………………………………………Page 31

Charlotte City Council…………………………………………………………………....................................................Page 33-34

Cornelius Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………...........................................Page 35

Davidson Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………............................................Page 36 Huntersville Board of Commissioners………………………………………………….........................................Page 37

Matthews Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………...........................................Page 38

Mint Hill Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………..Page 39

Pineville Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………..Page 40

Stallings Board of Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………..Page 41

North Carolina Executive Branch………………………………………………………………………………………Page 43-44

North Carolina Council of State………………………………………………………………………………………….Pages 45-47

North Carolina State Senate……………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 48

North Carolina House of Representatives…………………………………………………………………………..Pages 49-50

North Carolina General Assembly Descriptions…………………………………………………………………..Page 51

How a Bill Becomes a Law……………………………………………………………....................................................Page 53

North Carolina Federal Offices……………………………………………………………………………………………Pages 54-57

References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Pages 58-59 Note: Data within this document is as of January 8th 2024

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Mecklenburg County Voters,

President African American Caucus of North Carolina Democratic Party Collette A. Alston aac.ncdpcaucus@gmail.com

The intention of this document is to inclusively inform you of the current elected officials across every office that appears on your ballots each year. I truly believe that an informed voter is an empowered voter, and by

providing our very complex political system in one area – that is specific to us in Mecklenburg County – voters can better digest and be more aware of our effect at the polls each year.

If you think that “your vote does not count”, you will be truly amazed at how much power your vote actually carries…all the way from the party level of government to the United States presidency!

We truly hope that you will find this document informative. Information within the next pages is subject to change throughout the year based a myriad of instances like people resigning, appointments to other seats/offices, etc., but the information provides a current base as to the political picture for Mecklenburg County going into the 2024 election year.

President Abraham Lincoln said it best…”that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth…” It is all of OUR responsibility to ensure the integrity of our political system. This system does not work unless we all participate. Remember, if you don’t do politics, politics will do YOU! Now, let’s get geared up for the 2024 elections, and I can’t wait to see you at the polls!

Collette A. Alston AAC-NCDP President APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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Party Structure for North Carolina & Mecklenburg County 4

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

NORTH CAROLINA POLITICAL PARTIES

STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SEC)

DEMOCRATIC PARTY https://www.ncdp.org/

Each of these parties have an Executive

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Body of Leadership that is voted in at each of their State conventions. The Executive Body structures may differ within each of these parties.

https://www.nc.gop/

For the NC Democratic Party, Executive Leadership is voted in by the State Executive Committee (SEC) consisting of: Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Third Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

The SEC is voted in by each organized County Party within the State of North Carolina. Each County has a weighted vote consisting of women and men that are selected at County conventions.

Mecklenburg County has the largest delegation of the SEC within the state of NC. *Note, the Constitution Party is no longer considered

LIBERTARIAN PARTY https://www.lpnc.org/

GREEN PARTY

https://www.ncgreenparty.org/

a Party with NC.

NC Registered Voters Democratic Republican

34%

35% 0% 1%

Libertarian Green

30%

Constitution Unaffiliated

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATE CAUCUSES & AUXILIARIES Each Party will have various clubs, organizations, caucuses, and/or auxiliaries at the state level.

For the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP), these Bodies are voted in by each organized County within the State of North Carolina with its associated Caucus. The NCDP Caucuses/Auxiliaries are: • • • • • • • • • •

African American Caucus Asian American Pacific Islander College Democrats Coastal Caucus Hispanic & LatinX American Caucus Jewish Caucus Labor Caucus LGBTQ Democrats Native American Caucus

• • • • • • • • • •

Senior Democrats Small Business Caucus Teen Democrats Transgender Caucus Veteran & Military Family Caucus Democratic Women Young Democrats Faith Community Democrats Rural Community Democrats Disabled Community Democrats

Progressive Caucus

Do you see an opportunity for another type of Caucus/Auxiliary needed? You would contact the State Party to start the process on having your Caucus/Auxiliary voted in by the State Executive Committee.

Other areas that the SEC votes on include: • Passing of Resolutions from Counties and Auxiliaries/Caucuses (A resolution is a written motion adopted by a deliberative body. The substance of the resolution can be anything that can normally be proposed as a motion. Resolutions are commonly used in corporations and houses of legislature) • Changes to the Plan of Organization • Approval of Auxiliary/Caucus By-Laws • Electing NC Representatives to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) • Electing Delegates to the Democratic National Convention Current Term = 2023-2025 for State Party officers. Terms for State Caucus and Auxiliaries are also 2-year terms where elections occur based on their calendar of elections.

For more information on the North Carolina Democratic Party State Leadership, visit: ncdp.org

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MECKLENBURG CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS (8th,12TH & 14TH) DISTRICT DELEGATION

This Executive Body is voted in by the delegates chosen at odd-numbered year County Conventions. Mecklenburg is split into 3 different U.S. Congressional Districts.

NC 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Mecklenburg Precincts: 069, 086, 090, 091, 093, 100, 101,103, 112, 113, 121, 131, 136, 137, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 227, 232, 233, 234, 236

NC 12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Mecklenburg Precincts: 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 015, 016, 017, 018, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023, 024, 025, 026, 027, 028, 029, 030, 031, 032, 033, 034, 035, 036, 037, 038, 039, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, 046, 047, 048, 049, 050, 051, 052, 053, 054, 055, 056, 057, 058, 059, 060, 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067, 068, 070, 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 076, 077, 078, 079, 080, 081, 082, 083, 084, 085, 087, 088, 089, 092, 094, 095, 096, 097, 098, 099, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 129, 130, 132, 135, 138, 141, 145, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151, 201, 203, 204, 205, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, 222, 226, 228, 235, 237, 238, 239

NC 14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Mecklenburg Precincts: 121, 122, 127, 133, 134, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144, 148, 200, 202, 206, 207, 208, 209, 223, 224, 225, 229, 230, 231, 232, 240, 241, 242, 243 • •

• •

Powers of the Precincts at the US Congressional District Level The Electoral College Representative for each Party’s Congressional District is chosen under this Party Structure.

For Presidential Election Years, this is the Party Structure that chooses representation to the National Conventions. (For example, for the Democrats, the Democratic National Convention) This Party Structure serves as a resource to their US Congressional Representative in the United States House of Representatives.

Should a Party’s US Congressional Representative not finish their term, the associated organized precincts of the Party in the seat would vote to fill the seat.

*Note: PCT #’s in bold are split within congressional districts Current Term = 2023-2025 for these Party officers.

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MECKLENBURG COUNTY POLITICAL PARTIES

COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (CEC)

DEMOCRATIC PARTY http://www.meckdem.org/

This Body is voted in by each organized Precinct within each organized County within the State of North Carolina for some parties.

Each Precinct within the Democratic Party has a weighted number of votes/ delegates that are determined by the voting results of the last NC Governor’s election. The MCDP CEC is responsible for the party business of the Democrats in Mecklenburg County. This Body (the Chairs and Vice Chairs of each Precinct) votes for the officers of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. They also vote to fill any Democrat-elected seats (outside of judges) that may become vacant during elected terms and choose representatives for the County Board of Elections.

REPUBLICAN PARTY

https://mecklenburg.nc.gop/

LIBERTARIAN PARTY https://lpmeck.org/

GREEN PARTY

https://www.ncgreenparty.org/

Mecklenburg Voters Democratic Republican

37% 0% 1%

8

42%

Libertarian Green

20%

Constitution Unaffiliated

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

COUNTY CAUCUSES & AUXILIARIES

Each Party will have various clubs, organizations, caucuses, and/or auxiliaries at the county level. For the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party (MCDP), these Bodies are voted in by each organized Precinct within the County of Mecklenburg with its associated Caucus. The MCDP Caucuses/Auxiliaries are: • • • • • • • • • • •

African American Caucus Asian American Pacific Islander Hispanic American Democrats Jewish Caucus LGBTQ Democrats Progressive Democrats Senior Democrats Small Business Caucus Teen Democrats Democratic Women Young Democrats

p

The governing document for the North Carolina Democratic Party for each County is called the Plan of Organization. It explains how its Party structure of government works across the State.

You can find that document here – NCDP Plan of Organization. Each Party will have their own governance on how its party operates.

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE Ever heard of the “Electoral College”? This is the body that actually elects the President and the Vice President of the United States. Did you know that at your District Party level of government is where the electors of the Electoral College are chosen? To be able to vote for your Electoral College Representative, you must be declared a delegate to your Congressional District at your County Party Conventions. The total votes needed to elect the President of the United States is 270 out of 538. North Carolina has 16 electoral votes of which this number is based on 2 votes for U.S. Senate and 14 U.S. Congressional Representatives. Here is a certification from Governor Roy Cooper (who was governor in 2020) listing the last electors chosen for each Party within North Carolina – Certificate of Ascertainment.

Ready to be a part of history for Mecklenburg? Start getting involved with your County Party and County Auxiliaries/Caucuses to become more involved and be more empowered with affecting the outcome of voting with the United States of America!

Current Term = 2023-2025 for the County Party officers. Terms for County Auxiliaries/Caucuses are also 2-year terms where elections occur based on their calendar of elections.

For more information, visit meckdem.org and archives.gov

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY (AAC-MCDP) OFFICERS PRESIDENT Braxton Becoats aac.mcdp@gmail.com

SECRETARY Open

FIRST VICE CHAIR S.Y. Mason-Watson

SECOND VICE CHAIR Joshua A. Twitty

THIRD VICE CHAIR Open

TREASURER Open

Symw10@gmail.com

Joshua.twitty@gmail.com

AAC-MCDP MEMBERSHIP This Body is voted in by its Membership within Mecklenburg County or can be appointed by the President of the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The membership consists of both Associate Membership (non-African Americans) and African American Membership. Only the African American Membership is allowed to vote on any instances within the Caucus.

AAC-MCDP MISSION STATEMENT The MISSION of the AAC-MCDP is to promote political participation and education within the African American Community, encourage African Americans to seek public office, represent issues and concerns of its membership to the Democratic Party Leadership and work towards strengthening the Democratic Party.

Current Term = 2024-2026 for these Party officers. The next elections will occur in November of 2025.

For more information, visit https://www.aacofmeck.org/ 10

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

KNOW YOUR PRECINCT!

Charlotte-Mecklenburg is made up of 8 different cities/townships: Charlotte Davidson Huntersville Cornelius

Pineville Matthews Mint-Hill Stallings (part of precincts 136 and 221)

All of these areas = 195 precincts for Mecklenburg County!

Know your precinct number and as you keep moving through this document, you’ll see the power of your vote. Don’t know your precinct? Visit https://mcmap.org/geoportal/#/voting.

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

If your precinct is organized (this is a good place to get to know your precinct Chair if you don’t already!), then these are the amount of votes that your precinct holds at each Democratic County Convention. As you choose your Democratic County Party leadership, you begin to form the leadership behind how your local and national political activities and elected offices will flow. The powers of your votes start right here!

Precinct

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PCT Weighted Votes

PCT Precinct Weighted Votes

PCT Precinct Weighted Votes

Precinct

PCT Weighted Votes

1

9

26

23

51

15

76

15

2

21

27

15

52

17

77

16

3

13

28

14

53

20

78.1

15

4

12

29

13

54

20

79

13

5

9

30

25

55

11

80

20

6

13

31

15

56

10

81

27

7

12

32

10

57

12

82

20

8

11

33

12

58

12

83

19

9

28

34

16

59

7

84

13

10

16

35

10

60

13

85

14

11

50

36

14

61

15

86

10

12

15

37

12

62

12

87

14

13

24

38

11

63

12

88

13

14

23

39

17

64

7

89

35

15

29

40

16

65

8

90

8

16

22

41

16

66

9

91

23

17

12

42

17

67

8

92

15

18

9

43

19

68

11

93

8

19

9

44

11

69

20

94

11

20

14

45

12

70

12

95

11

21

13

46

17

71

10

96

11

22

47

47

16

72

8

97

9

23

14

48

10

73

9

98

14

24

17

49

15

74

15

99

13

25

16

50

11

75

17

100

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Continued Precinct Weighted Votes…

Precinct

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PCT Weighted Votes

PCT Precinct Weighted Votes

Precinct

PCT Weighted Votes

101

12

137

29

221

16

102

26

138

21

222

43

103

16

139.1

17

223.1

42

104

19

140

27

224

16

105

26

141

16

225

12

106

9

142

28

226

19

107.1

25

143

25

227

34

108

14

144

18

228

25

109

19

145

59

229

60

110

7

146

29

230

58

111

15

147

22

231

25

112

10

148

58

232

24

113

17

149

38

233

20

114

14

150

21

234

16

115

10

151

34

235

16

116

10

200

11

236

18

117

12

201

44

237

26

118

15

202

39

238.1

19

119

8

203

44

239

22

120

13

204.1

37

240

27

121

18

205

23

241

40

122

30

206

37

242

10

123

16

207

24

243

56

124

16

208

17

125

8

209

21

126

23

210

43

127

25

211

65

128

18

212

75

129

7

213

32

130

10

214

23

131

9

215

16

132

12

216

23

133

22

217

13

134

34

218

10

135

50

219

10

136

12

220

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Let’s talk about some of those precinct powers…

If some elected offices are vacated for any reason during their term, the precincts that are organized and have a Party associated with those seats make the deciding vote for who fills those seats. If the seat open is held by a Democrat, then the precincts organized within the Democratic Party get to make the decision…if the seat open is held by any other political Party, the party that holds the seat follows the same process. Here are some examples of those seats: Sheriff

State House of Representative

County Commissioner

US House of Representative

*City/Town Councils

US Senate (Governor Appointment)

State Senate The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections (MCBoE): The State chairman of each political party shall have the right to recommend to the State Board of Elections three registered voters in each county for appointment to the board of elections for that county. These recommendations are received from the County Chair of each county party from the vote of the County Executive Committee (CEC). The MCBoE is responsible for administering State election laws, establishing election precincts and voting sites, appointing and training precinct officials, preparing and distributing ballots, voting equipment, canvassing and certifying the ballots cast in elections, and investigating any voting irregularities.

That’s a lot of power, right? It behooves you to be as involved as you can with your Party structure…these are some important seats, and we don’t want to have just anyone in them…YOUR VOTING POWERS START WITH YOUR COUNTY PARTY! Note: The precinct delegate numbers on pages 12-13 will change each time we vote for the Governor of North Carolina.

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Be InThe Know

PARTY VS. PRIMARY VS. GENERAL ELECTIONS Party Elections allow you to choose the leadership for your County Party ,

District Party, and County Party Auxiliaries*. For the most part, you will vote for your Party Leadership every odd-numbered year for a two-year term.

Primary Elections There are normally Primary Elections EVERY YEAR.

Primary Elections are necessary to “make the ballot” for each General Election.

For example, if there is more than one Democrat running for an elected position, the Democrat that will be on the ballot in November is the one that wins the Primary Election.

General Elections There are General Elections

EVERY YEAR! These are the votes that actually get folks in elected office.

LET’S GO!!!

Count on voting at least TWICE every year at your assigned precinct locations or at early voting locations!

SO! NOW you know your precinct powers at the county conventions AND your powers for replacing some elected officials that vacate their seats…Let’s see how your precincts’ POWER/VOTE works through the rest of your local government….LET’S GO!

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Public/Elected Officials for County Offices & NC Judicial System 16

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (DISTRICT)

The Board’s major responsibilities include adopting the annual County budget, setting the County property tax rate, and assessing and establishing priorities on the many community needs, especially those related to health, education, welfare, mental health and the environment. The Board also makes appointments to citizen advisory committees. This Board also appoints the County Manager who leads a staff of nearly 5,000 employees that carry out the Board’s priorities.

County Services are funded through property taxes, local sales taxes, fees, and other sources.

District 1 Elaine Powell (D) Vice Chair

Precincts: 127,128,133,134,142,143,145, 150,151,202,206,207,208,209, 211,223, 238,239,240,241,242

District 4 Mark Jerrell (D)

Precincts: 002,005,006,009,010,011,013, 015,017,021,029,030,033,034, 044,045,046,061,062,063,064, 083,084,094,095,099,102,108, 109,115,116,117,124,125,130, 201,203

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District 2 Vilma D. Leake (D)

Precincts: 012,016,022,023,024,025,031, 039,040,041,052,053,054,077, 078,079,080,081,089,138,147, 200,210, 222,224,228,230,243

District 5 Laura Meier (D)

Precincts: 001,007,008,018,019,020,032,035, 036,037,038,047,048,049,050,051, 057,058,059,065,066,067,068,069, 070,071,072,073,074,075,076,085, 086,087,088,092,093,096,097,098, 100,101,103,106,110,111,114,118, 119, 120,131,226

District 3 George Dunlap (D) Chairman

Precincts: 003,004,014,026,027,028,042,043, 055,056,060,082,104,105,107,123, 126,132,135,141,146,149,204,205, 212,213,214,237

District 6 Susan RodriguezMcDowell (D)

Precincts: 090,091,112,113,121,122,129, 136,137,139,140,144,148,215, 216,217,218,219,220,221,225, 227,229,231,232,233,234,235, 236

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (AT-LARGE) At-Large Pat Cotham (D) All Precincts

At-Large Leigh Altman (D) All Precincts

At-Large Arthur Griffin, Jr. (D) All Precincts

What does the County Commission mean to me?

The County Commission handles services related (but not limited to) the following: Board of Elections/Voting Office of the Tax Collector Department of Social Services Parks & Recreation Libraries Land Use and Environmental Services (LUESA) Child Support Enforcement Medical Examiner Public Health Criminal Justice Services Restaurant & Food Service Inspections Adoption & Foster Care Various Permits & Licenses Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Budget Approval Courts And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The County Commission also nominates/appoints to Advisory Boards, Committees & Commissions covering the areas of Social, Environmental, Fiscal, and Other. Visit www.mecknc.gov-AdvisoryBoards for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = 2 years December 2022 to November 2024 for County Commissioners.

For more information, visit www.mecknc.gov APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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MORE COUNTY ELECTED OFFICES District Attorney Spencer B. Merriweather (D)

Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn Gary (D)

Sheriff Garry L. McFadden (D)

Register of Deeds Fred Smith (D)

All Precincts Next Election in 2026

All Precincts Next Election in 2026

All Precincts Next Election in 2024

All Precincts Next Election in 2026

Soil & Water (MSWCD) Chair Barbara Bleiweis (D) All Precincts Next Election in 2026

Soil & Water (MSWCD) Vice Chair Nancy Carter (D) All Precincts Next Election in 2026

Soil & Water (MSWCD) Rich George All Precincts Next Election in 2024

Each of these offices serves a term of four (4) years.

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WHAT DO THESE COUNTY ELECTED OFFICES MEAN TO ME???

District Attorney’s Office (NC Prosecutorial District 26 = Mecklenburg County) – Responsibilities of the DA include: Represent the state in the prosecution of all criminal matters filed in district and superior courts, prepare the criminal trial docket, advise local law enforcement, and supervise a staff of assistant district, victim witness legal assistants and other administrative employees. The DA’s Office for the 26th Prosecutorial District includes only Mecklenburg County. The office prosecutes about 200,000 traffic offenses and misdemeanors and 10,000 felonies each year. To best manage the high volume of cases prosecuted in Mecklenburg County, Assistant District Attorneys are divided into prosecution teams that specialize in particular types of cases. Each Assistant District Attorney is assigned to a team, and one Assistant District Attorney on each team is designated as the team leader. The various teams include: Misdemeanor Team, Misdemeanor Appeals and Probation Violation Team, Drug Team, Crimes Against Property Team, Juvenile Tam, Special Victims Team, Violent Crimes Team, Habitual Felon Team, and Homicide Team. For more information, visit charmeckda.com and nccourts.gov.

Clerk of Superior Court – Responsible for all clerical and record-keeping functions of the Superior court and District court. They hear proceedings like adoptions, determinations of guardianship for incompetent adults, and partitions of land amid a varying area of other areas.

They nominate magistrates. They perform marriages, along with providing many other functions.

For more information, visit nccourts.gov.

Sheriff – The office of Sheriff is established by the NC Constitution. This office has the responsibility of law enforcement with the power to make arrests within his or her own County.

This office performs routine patrol functions such as traffic control, accident investigations, and transportation of prisoners. For services, this office maintains fingerprinting, funeral escort services, gun permits, public auctions, pubic search for sex offenders, resources for domestic violence, and more! There are also responsibilities of maintaining the safety and security of the court. They serve court papers like subpoenas, summons, warrants, writs or civil process; extradite prisoners; enforce money decrees; collect taxes, and any other court-related functions.

– For more information, visit mecksheriff.com.

Register of Deeds – This office records, indexes, and stores all real estate and business related documents that are presented for registration. This office also issues marriage licenses and handles Notary commissions and military discharge recordings. In addition this office provides certified copies of recorded documents including birth and death records in accordance with NC statute. – For more information, visit mecknc.gov.

Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District (MSWCD) – This office is a governmental subdivision of the state of North Carolina, and a public body, corporate and politic, organized according to the Soil and Water Conservation District Law, operating within the powers set forth in the Law. – For more information, visit mecknc.gov.

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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CHARLOTTE- MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS (CMS) BOARD OF EDUCATION (DISTRICT)

The School Board’s major responsibilities include: employing the Superintendent, establishing policy, determining annual operating and capital budgets to submit for approval to the Board of County Commissioners, approving student assignment boundaries, overseeing the management of the school district’s major systems including budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, personnel and auxiliary services.

District 1 Melissa Easley (D)

Precincts: 127,128,133,134,142,143,145, 150,151,202,206,207,208,209, 211,214,223,238,239,240,241, 242

District 4 Chair Stephanie Sneed (D)

Precincts: 002,005,006,007,014,015,017, 029,033,034,044,045,046,061, 062,063,064,083,084,094,095, 099,102,108,109,115,116,117, 124,125,130,201,203,219,220, 221,234,235,236,

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District 2 Thelma Byers-Bailey (D)

Precincts: 009,011,012,013,016,022,023,024, 025,027,031,039,040,041,052,053, 054,055,056,078,079,080,081,089, 098,138,200,222,224,230

District 5 Lisa Cline (R)

Precincts: 001,008,010,018,019,020,021, 032,035,036,037,038,047,048, 049,050,051,057,058,059,065, 066,067,068,069,070,071,072, 073,074,075,076,085,086,092, 093,096,100,101,103,106,110, 111,118,119,120,131,136,215, 216,217,218,233

District 3 Vice Chair Gregory (Dee) Rankin (D) Precincts: 003,004,026,028,030,042,043, 060,082,104,105,107,123,126, 132,135,141,146,149,204,205, 210,212,213,237

District 6 Summer Nunn (D)

Precincts: 077,087,088,090,091,097,112, 113,114,121,122,129,137,139, 140,144,147,148,225,226,227, 228,229,231,232,243

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CHARLOTTE- MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS (CMS) BOARD OF EDUCATION (AT-LARGE) At-Large Lenora Shipp (D) All Precincts

At-Large Liz Monterrey Duvall (D)

At-Large Monty Witherspoon (D)

All Precincts

All Precincts

What does the CMS School Beard mean to me?

• They are sources to be sure our children are receiving the most equitable education possible.

• Ensure CMS administration takes responsibility for helping citizens receive services as intended by the State of North Carolina and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board.

• Follow processes designated to facilitate the administration’s ability to resolve problems effectively.

• Identify opportunities for systems improvement.

• Appoint School Superintendent.

• They also manage committees to see through the needs of CMS: Audit Committee, Facilities and Operations Committee, Intergovernmental Relationship Committee, and Policy Committee.

Terms for CMS School Board are for four (4) years. Current Term for District Representatives = January 2023 to December 2027.Their next election is November 2027. Current Term for At- Large Representatives = January 2024 to December 2028. Their next election is November 2028.

For more information, visit wearecms.com APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY 22

NORTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL BRANCH APPELLATE DIVISION: SUPREME COURT

The state’s highest court, and there is no further appeal from its decisions on matters of state law.

The Supreme Court has no jury and makes no determinations of fact, but it considers whether errors occurred at trial or in judicial interpretation of the law.

Associate Justice Phil Berger, Jr. (R)

Chief Justice Paul Newby (R)

All Precincts in NC Election in November 2028

All Precincts in NC Election in November 2028

Associate Justice Trey Allen (R)

Associate Justice Allison Riggs (D)

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2016 (Morgan).

Next Election 2024.

All Precincts in NC Election November 2030

Associate Justice Richard Dietz (R)

All Precincts in NC Election November 2030

Associate Justice Anita Earls (D)

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

What does the NC Supreme Court mean to me?

If a case at the District Courts gets an appeal (by the Appeal Courts Division), these are the judges that make the determination on whether a re-trial will be permitted or not.

Things to consider for Supreme Court Judges:

Associate Justice Tamara Barringer (R) All Precincts in NC Election in November 2028

• • •

The Justices are elected by voters for eight-year terms.

Justices of the Supreme Court must retire before the last day of the month in which they turn 72.

The Governor can appoint Supreme Court judges for vacant seats.

For more information, visit nccourts.gov and ballotpedia.org

*Note: Justice Michael Morgan stepped down to run for NC Governor (2024). Governor Roy Cooper appointed Allison Riggs to that seat in September 2023.

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NC JUDICIAL BRANCH APPELLATE DIVISION: NC COURT OF APPEALS

This is the state’s intermediate appellate court that reviews the proceedings that occurred in trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure. The majority of cases appealed from the Superior and District courts in civil and criminal cases are heard by the Court of Appeals with the exception of capital murder appeals in which the death penalty was imposed; these appeals go directly to the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

Chief Judge Chris Dillon (R)

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2020. Next Election November 2028.

Judge Julee Tate Flood (R) All Precincts in NC Election November 2030

Judge Donna Stroud (R)

Chief Judge Fred Gore (R)

Judge April Wood (R)

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2022. Next Election 2030.

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2020. Next Election November 2028.

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2020. Next Election November 2028.

Judge John M. Tyson (R)

Judge Michael J. Stading (R)

Judge Valerie Zachary (R)

All Precincts in NC Election November 2030

All Precincts in NC Election November 2030

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2016. Next Election 2024.

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NC JUDICIAL BRANCH APPELLATE DIVISION: NC COURT OF APPEALS CONT’D… Judge Jeff Carpenter (R) All Precincts in NC Last Election 2020. Next Election 2028.

Judge Toby Hampson (D) All Precincts in NC Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

Judge Hunter Murphy (R)

Judge John Arrowood (D)

Judge Jefferson Griffin (R)

Judge Carolyn Thompson (D)

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2016. Next Election 2024.

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2020. Next Election November 2028.

All Precincts in NC Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

Judge Allegra Collins (D) All Precincts in NC Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

All Precincts in NC Appointed 2023 (Riggs). Next Election November 2024.

What does the NC Court of Appeals mean to me?

These Judges provide reviews of court rulings issued by the Trial Court Division (these are the judges that submit cases to the Supreme Court to be considered for retrial).

Things to consider for Appellate Court Judges: • • •

The Judges are elected by voters for eight-year terms.

Judges of the Appellate Court must retire before the last day of the month in which they turn 72.

The Governor can appoint Appellate Court Judges for vacant seats.

For more information, visit nccourts.gov and ballotpedia.org

25 APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

TRIAL DIVISION: NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT 5TH DIVISION DISTRICT 26

The Superior Court hears civil cases over $25K and all criminal cases.

Judge Donald Cureton (D) District 26-A Election November 2030

Judge Matt Osman (R)

District 26-B Election November 2030

Precincts: 001,008,018,019,032,035, 036,047,048,057,067,069, 071,074,091,096,103,106, 113,119,136,215,216,217, 218,219,220,221,233,234, 236

Precincts: 070,072,073,075,076,086, 087,088,090,092,093,100, 101,110,111,112,114,118, 121,131,137,139,140,144, 226,227,232

Judge Reggie McKnight (D)

Judge

Karen Eady-Williams (D)

Precincts: 002,005,007,009,010,012, 013,014,016,017,020,021, 022,023,024,025,029,031, 039,040,041,046,052,053, 078,079,080,081,109,200

District 26-F Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

Precincts: 011,015,026,027,028,030, 042,044,054,055,056,082, 089,128,135,210,211,213, 214,222,238

District 26-E Election November 2030

Judge George Bell (R)

District 26-C Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

Precincts: 127,133,134,142,143,150, 151,202,206,207,208,209, 223,224,240,241,242

Judge Carla Archie (D)

District 26-G Election November 2030 Precincts: 003,004,043,060,061,104, 105,107,123,126,132,141, 145,146,149,204,212,237, 239

David Strickland (D) District 26-D Election November 2030

Precincts: 037,038,049,050,051,058, 059,077,097,098,120,122, 129,138,147,148,225,228, 229,230,231,243

Judge Louis Trosch (D)

District 26-H Last Election 2018. Next Election 2026.

Precincts: 006,033,034,045,062,063, 064,065,066,068,083,084, 085,094,095,099,102,108, 115,116,117,124,125,130, 201,203,205,235

26 APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

What does the NC Superior Court mean to me?

The Superior Court tries all felony criminal cases and misdemeanor/infraction appeals from the District Courts. In the Superior Court is where a jury of 12 is involved that hears the felony criminal cases.

Things to consider for Superior Court Judges: • • •

The Judges are elected by voters for eight-year terms.

Judges of the Superior Court must retire before the last day of the month in which they turn 72.

The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges for vacant seats.

For more information, visit nccourts.gov and ballotpedia.org

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TRIAL DIVISION (DISTRICT 26): NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT COURT

The District Court hears civil cases less than $25K, criminal (non-jury) cases, juvenile cases, and magistrate cases. There are 21 seats for District Court Judges.

DISTRICT 26

All Mecklenburg County Precincts

OPEN SEAT

Judge Shante Burke-Hayer (D) Seat 01 (Unexpired)

Judge Aretha Blake (D) Seat 02

Seat 05

Election in November 2024

Judge Rex Marvel (D) Seat 09

Election in November 2024

Judge Ty Hands (D)

Judge Gary Henderson (D)

Seat 06

Seat 07

Election in November 2024

Election in November 2024

Judge C. Renee Little (D)

Chief Judge Elizabeth Trosch (D)

Seat 10 Election in November 2024

Election in November 2024

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Seat 04

Seat 03

Election in November 2024

Election in November 2028

Judge Faith FicklingAlvarez (D)

Judge Jena Culler (D)

(Seat previously held by Judge Donald Cureton.

Elected in November 2022 to Superior Court)

Judge Christy Mann (D) Seat 08

Election in November 2024

Judge Roy Wiggins (D) Seat 12

Seat 11

Election in November 2024

Election in November 2024

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TRIAL DIVISION (DISTRICT 26): NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT COURT CONT’D… Judge Roderick Davis (D)

Seat 13 Election in November 2026

Judge Paige McThenia (D) Seat 17

Election in November 2026

Judge Jennifer Fleet (D)

Judge Alyssa M. Levine (D)

Seat 15

Seat 14

Seat 18

Election in November 2026

Seat 16

Election in November 2026

Election in November 2026

Judge Cecilla Osegura (D)

Judge Matt Newton (D)

Judge Samantha Mobley (D) Seat 19

Election in November 2026

Election in November 2026

Judge Karen McCallum (D) Seat 20

Election in November 2028

Judge Rhonda Patterson (D) Seat 21

Election in November 2028

What does the NC District Court mean to me?

The District Court hears civil cases like divorce, child custody, child support, and cases involving less than $25,000. They also hear criminal cases involving misdemeanors and infractions (non-jury) along with juvenile cases (under age 16) that involve delinquency issues and has the authority to hear juvenile undisciplined cases (under age 18).

Judge Things to consider District (R) Court Judges: Mattfor Osman • • •

For more information, visit nccourts.gov 29

Judge

The Judges are elected by voters for four-year terms.

Paige McThenia (D) Judges of the District Court must retire before the last day of the month in which they turn 72. in November 2022 TheElection Governor can appoint District Court Judges for vacant seats.

Election in November 2022

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SOME INFO ON VOTING RIGHTS FOR FORMER FELONS IN N.C.…

As of 2008, over 5.3 million people in the United States were denied the right to vote due to felony disenfranchisement. In the national elections in 2012, the various state felony disenfranchisement laws together blocked an estimated 5.85 million felons from voting, up from 1.2 million in 1976. This comprised 2.5% of the potential voters in general. We are working hard to tackle various injustices and inequalities.

So, this is some information you may need to know:

CAN FELONS VOTE IN NC? In multiple states, having a felony conviction on your record prevents you from voting, but North Carolina’s laws are not nearly as strict. While people serving their sentence for a felony conviction cannot vote, once the sentence is complete, we can have their rights restored. It’s important to note that this does include probation and parole. If you are actively on probation or out on parole, you are not legally eligible to vote.

COURT FEES AND FINES Until September 2020, state law prevented former felons from registering to vote if there are any fines or fees related to their case. Civil rights advocates argue that requiring payment of fees before having voting rights restored is a form of poll tax, which has been deemed unconstitutional, and a panel of three judges ruled two to one in their favor. This means that as of September 28th, 2020, people who still owe fines or court costs but have completed all other aspects of their conviction are eligible to vote. By overturning this law, over 60,000 people are now eligible to vote.

VOTING WITHOUT COMPLETING YOUR SENTENCE If you are still under court supervision and you attempt to register or vote, this is a Class I felony which is punishable by up to two years in prison. Additionally, this could constitute a violation of your probation or parole. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible to vote, before you do, consult with an attorney. This will help prevent serious legal problems and a possible added felony conviction.

We cannot emphasize how proud we are every time we exercise our constitutional right to vote. Too many people were killed in exchange for this unalienable right. Never take it for granted.

Information prepared by AAC-MCDP Members:

Tiawana Brown, Founder of Beauty After the Bars - https://beautyafterthebars.com/ Cedric Dean, Founder of S.A.V.E - https://cedricdean.com/about-save Charlene Henderson, Owner of N Demand Studios

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Let’s talk about Federal Judges…

Federal Courts are structured very similarly to our State Courts. North Carolina represents part of the Fourth Circuit of U.S. Federal Courts in the following areas: •

Eastern District (Elizabeth City, Wilmington, New Bern, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Greenville)

•

Middle District (Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem, Salisbury)

•

Western District (Statesville, Charlotte, Hickory, Asheville)

Presidential Elections: When we’re considering who we choose for U.S. President, we must understand that they have full authority to appoint Federal Court judges for lifetime appointments across ALL states.

For more information, visit uscourts.gov 31

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•

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Public/Elected Officials for Municipal (City/Town) Offices

Note that not every ballot in Cities/Townships will include a vote for their Councils. Residents in what are called annexed areas, still have representation, but do not have the choice of representation in these instances. For more information visit charlottenc.gov.

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CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL

The mayor and city council members are responsible for establishing the general policies under which the city operates which include: appointing the city manager, city attorney, city clerk and members of various boards and commissions enacting ordinances, resolutions and orders; reviewing the annual budget, setting the tax rate and approving the financing of all city operations; and, authorizing contracts on behalf of the city.

MAYOR Vi Alexander Lyles (D) mayor@charlottenc.gov

All Precincts in Districts

MAYOR PRO TEM At-Large At-Large (At-Large) James Mitchell, Jr. (D) LaWana Mayfield (D) James.mitchell@charlottenc.gov Lawana.mayfield@charlottenc.

Dimple Ajmera (D)

dimple.ajmera@charlottenc. gov

All Precincts in Districts

All Precincts in Districts

DISTRICT 1 Dante Anderson (D) Precincts: 002,003,009,010,013,014, 015,017,020,021,026,027, 028,029,030,037,038,042, 043,044,046,051,054,056, 060,061,082,109

DISTRICT 2 Malcolm Graham (D) Precincts: 011,012,016,023,024,025, 040,041,055,081,089,107, 135,146,150,209,210,213, 222,223

At-Large Dr. Victoria Watlington (D)

gov

Victoria.watlington@charlotte nc.gov

All Precincts in Districts

All Precincts in Districts

DISTRICT 3 Tiawana Brown (D)

DISTRICT 4 Renee Perkins Johnson (D)

Precincts: 022,031,039,052,053,077,078, 079,080,098,122,138,147,224, 225,228,229,230,243

Precincts: 105,126,128,132,141,145, 149,151,204,211,212,214, 237,238,239

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CHARLOTTE CITY COUNCIL, CONT’D… DISTRICT 5 Marjorie Molina (D)

DISTRICT 6 Tariq Bokhari (R)

DISTRICT 7 Edmund H. Driggs (R)

Precincts: 004,005,006,007,033,034, 045,062,063,064,066,083, 084,094,095,102,104,108, 115,116,117,123,124,125, 130,201,203,205

Precincts: 001,008,018,019,032,035,036, 047,048,049,050,057,058,059, 065,067,068,070,071,072,073, 074,075,076,085,086,092,093, 096,097,099,101,106,110,111, 114,119,120

Precincts: 069,087,088,090,091,100,103, 112,113,118,121,131,137,139, 140,144,148,226,227,232

What does the Charlotte City Council mean to me?

Permits & Licenses (like Alarm permits, Animal/Pet licenses, Business licenses, Beer/Wine permits, etc.)

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) Charlotte Fire Department Charlotte-Douglas International Airport 311 Services Parking tickets Pothole reporting/fixes And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The City Council also nominates/appoints to 35 Advisory Boards & Commissions.

Visit charlottenc.gov for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = 2 years January 2024 to December 2025 for Charlotte City Council. Their next election is November 2025.

For more information, visit charlottenc.gov

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TOWN OF CORNELIUS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

MAYOR Woody Washam (R) wtwasham@cornelius.org

MAYOR PRO TEM Scott Higgins (R)

shiggins@cornelius.org

COMMISSIONER Robert Carney (U)

COMMISSIONER Susan Johnson (R)

All Precincts in Cornelius

All Precincts in Cornelius

All Precincts in Cornelius

All Precincts in Cornelius

rcarney@cornelius.org

sjohnson@cornelius.org

Cornelius Precincts: 202,208,240,242 COMMISSIONER Michael Osborne (R)

COMMISSIONER Todd Sansbury (R)

mosborne@cornelius.org

tsansbury@cornelius.org

All Precincts in Cornelius

All Precincts in Cornelius

What do the Cornelius Board of Commissioners mean to me?

Animal Adoption Animal Control Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Library Cornelius Police Department And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Cornelius Town Council also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit cornelius.org for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = December 2023 to November 2025 for Town Council For more information, visit cornelius.org APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

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TOWN OF DAVIDSON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

MAYOR Rusty Knox (D)

wtwashamrknox@townofdavi dson.org All Precincts in Davidson

COMMISSIONER Ryan Fay (D)

MAYOR PRO TEM Autumn Rierson Michael (D)

COMMISSIONER Tracy Mattison Brandon (D)

All Precincts in Davidson

All Precincts in Davidson

amichael@townofdavidson.org tbrandon@townofdavidson.org

COMMISSIONER Steve Justus (D)

rfay@townofdavidson.org

sjustus@townofdavidson.org

All Precincts in Davidson

All Precincts in Davidson

COMMISSIONER Matt Dellinger (D)

mdellinger@townofdavidson. org All Precincts in Davidson

Davidson Precincts: 127,206

What do the Davidson Board of Commissioners mean to me?

Animal Adoption Animal Control Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Davidson Police Department And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Davidson Town Mayor also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit ci.davidson.nc.us for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = December 2023 to November 2025 for Town Council For more information, visit ci.davidson.nc.us 36

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TOWN OF HUNTERSVILLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

MAYOR Christy Clark (D)

MAYOR PRO TEM Jennifer Hunt (D)

cclark@huntersville.org

jhunt@huntersville.org

All Precincts in Huntersville

All Precincts in Huntersville

COMMISSIONER Edwin Quarles (D)

COMMISSIONER LaToya Rivers (D)

equarles@huntersville.org

lrivers@huntersville.org

nwalsh@huntersville.org

All Precincts in Huntersville

All Precincts in Huntersville

All Precincts in Huntersville

COMMISSIONER Alisia Bergsman (D)

COMMISSIONER Amanda Dumas (D)

All Precincts in Huntersville

All Precincts in Huntersville

abergsman@huntersville.org

adumas@huntersville.org

COMMISSIONER Nick Walsh (D)

Huntersville Precincts: 133,134,142,143,202*,207,209*,241 (part of Cornelius is in 202 and part of Charlotte is in 209)

What do the Huntersville Board of Commissioners mean to me?

Animal Adoption Animal Control Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Huntersville Police Department And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Huntersville Town Council also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit huntersville.org for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = December 2023 to November 2025 for Town Council For more information, visit huntersville.org

37

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TOWN OF MATTHEWS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

MAYOR John F. Higdon (R)

MAYOR PRO TEM Gina Hoover (R)

COMMISSIONER Ken McCool (D)

COMMISSIONER Renee Garner (U)

jhigdon@matthewsnc.gov

ghoover@matthewsnc.gov

kmccool@matthewsnc.gov

rgarner@matthewsnc.gov

Most Precincts in Matthews

Most Precincts in Matthews

Most Precincts in Matthews

Most Precincts in Matthews

COMMISSIONER Mark Tofano (R)

COMMISSIONER Leon Threatt (R)

COMMISSIONER John R. Urban (U)

mtofano@matthewsnc.gov

lthreatt@matthewsnc.gov

jurban@matthewsnc.gov

Most Precincts in Matthews

Most Precincts in Matthews

Most Precincts in Matthews

Matthews Precincts: 136*,215,216,217,218,233 (part of Stallings is in 136)

What do the Matthews Board of Commissioners mean to me?

Animal Adoption Animal Control Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Matthews Police Department And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Matthews Town Council also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit matthewsnc.gov for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = December 2023 to November 2025 for Town Council For more information, visit matthewsnc.gov 38

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TOWN OF MINT HILL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

MAYOR Brad A. Simmons (R)

MAYOR PRO TEM Dale Dalton (R)

COMMISSIONER Tony Long (R)

bsimmons@boc.minthill.com

ddalton@boc.minthill.com

tlong@boc.minthill.com

All Precincts in Mint Hill

All Precincts in Mint Hill

All Precincts in Mint Hill

I

COMMISSIONER Twanna Henderson (D)

COMMISSIONER Patrick Holton (R)

thenderson@boc.minthill.com

pholton@boc.minthill.com

All Precincts in Mint Hill

All Precincts in Mint Hill

Mint Hill Precincts: 219,220,221*,234,235,236 (part of Stallings is in 221)

What does the Mint Hill Town Council mean to me?

Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Mint Hill Police Department Mint Hill Fire Department And MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Pineville Town Council also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit https://www.minthill.com/government/ boards_and_committees/index.php for more information on how to apply!

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For more information, visit minthill.com APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

PINEVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

Mayor Pro Tem Ed Samaha (U)

MAYOR David Phillips (R)

dphillips@pinevillenc.gov Term 2023 to 2025 All Precincts in Pineville

esamaha@pinevillenc.gov Term 2021 to 2025 All Precincts in Pineville

COUNCILMAN Chris McDonough (U)

cmcdonough@pinevillenc.gov Term 2021 to 2025 All Precincts in Pineville

Pineville Precincts: 129,225*,231 COUNCILWOMAN Amelia Stinson-Wesley (D)

astinsonwesley@pinevillenc.gov Term 2023 to 2027 All Precincts in Pineville

COUNCILWOMAN Danielle Moore (U)

(part of Charlotte is in 225)

dmoore@pinevillenc.gov Term 2023 to 2027 All Precincts in Pineville

What does the Pineville Town Council mean to me?

Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Pineville Police Department And MORE!!!

Did you Know? The Pineville Town Council also nominates/appoints to various Boards & Commissions. Visit pinevillenc.gov for more information on how to apply!

Current Term = December 2023 to November 2025 for Mayor of Pineville (2 year term), December 2021 to November 2025 for 2 Town Council members, December 2023 to November 2027 for 2 Council members (4 year term).

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For more information, visit pinevillenc.gov APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

TOWN OF STALLINGS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners operate as a council-manager form of government, which establishes the Town’s policies that are carried out by the Town Manager and Staff.

There are 200+ Mecklenburg County voters in Stallings in the precincts below. Those listed as the Board of Commissioners in Stallings may not necessarily be registered voters in Mecklenburg County.

MAYOR Wyatt Dunn

wdunn@stallingsnc.org Term 2021 to 2025 Precincts in Stallings

District 3 COUNCILWOMAN Taylor-Rae Drake tdrake@stallingsnc.org Term 2021 to 2025 Precincts in Stallings

District 1 COUNCILMAN Graham Hall

ghall@stallingsnc.org Term 2021 to 2025 Precincts in Stallings

District 4 COUNCILWOMAN Heather Grooms

hgrooms@stallingsnc.org Term 2023 to 2027 Precincts in Stallings

District 2 MAYOR PRO TEM David Scholl

dscholl@stallingsnc.org Term 2021 to 2025 Precincts in Stallings

District 5 COUNCILMAN Steven Ayers

sayers@stallingsnc.org Term 2023 to 2027 Precincts in Stallings

Stallings Precincts: 136*, 221*

(part of Matthews is in 136 and part of Mint Hill is in 221)

District 6 COUNCILMAN Brad Richardson

brichardson@stallingsnc.org Term 2021 to 2025 Precincts in Stallings

What do the Stallings Board of Commissioners mean to me?

Stallings Fire Department Garbage/Recycling Stallings Police Department And SO MUCH MORE!!!

Current Term = 4 Years December 2021 to November 2025 for Mayor of Stallings, December 2023 to November 2027 for 2 Town Council members, December 2021 to November 2025 for 4 Council members.

For more information, visit stallingsnc.org 41 APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Public/Elected Officials for State Offices (North Carolina/ Mecklenburg) 233

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STATE OFFICES (NORTH CAROLINA): EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The State offices on this page are elected every 4 years and include votes in all precincts across the state of NC.

GOVERNOR Roy Cooper (D) (Last Term) All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Mark Robinson (R) All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

Governor - The governor is the chief executive of the state. Governor Roy Cooper is one of 10 members of the executive branch in NC who are popularly elected. As state managers, governors are responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the operation of the state executive branch. As state leaders, governors advance and pursue new and revised policies and programs using a variety of tools, among them executive orders, executive budgets, and legislative proposals and vetoes.

Governors carry out their management and leadership responsibilities and objectives with the support and assistance of department and agency heads, many of whom they are empowered to appoint that make up a Cabinet. The Cabinet under Roy Cooper includes: Administration, Commerce, Environmental Quality, Health & Human Services, Information Technology, Military & Veterans Affairs, Natural & Cultural Affairs, Public Safety, Revenue, and Transportation. A majority of governors have the authority to appoint state court judges as well, in most cases from a list of names submitted by a nominations committee.

Although governors have many roles and responsibilities in common, the scope of gubernatorial power varies from state to state in accordance with state constitutions, legislation, and tradition, and governors often are ranked by political historians and other observers of state politics according to the number and extent of their powers. Ranking factors may include the following: Qualifications and tenure; Legislative— including budget and veto—authority; and, Appointment sovereignty.

Although not necessarily a ranking factor, the power to issue executive orders and take emergency actions is a significant gubernatorial responsibility that varies from state to state. Do you have an issue concerning any of these areas? Contact the Governor - Governor Contact Form Lieutenant Governor - Serves as a member of the Governor’s Council of State.

The Lt. Governor has a unique role as a nexus between Education and Economic Development. Serves on the State Board of Education, NC Board of Community Colleges, State Economic Development Board, and the Military Affairs Commission. The Lt. Governor is “next in line” to fill the Governor’s Seat, should the Governor’s office become open for any reason.

Current Term = January 2021 to December 2024 for NC Executive Branch For more information, visit nc.gov, ltgov.nc.gov, governor.nc.gov, nga.org

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Let’s talk about NC Governor Appointments…

We covered earlier that the Governor can appoint judges the NC Courts. The Governor appoints to many boards and commissions as well!

Gubernatorial Elections: When we’re considering who we choose for Governor, we must understand that they have full authority to appoint to so many areas, including judicial, that run the operations of our State.

For more information, visit bc.governor.nc.gov

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STATE OFFICES (NORTH CAROLINA): COUNCIL OF STATE

The State offices on this page are elected every 4 years and include votes in all precincts across the state of NC.

ATTORNEY GENERAL Josh Stein (D)

AUDITOR Jessica Holmes (D)

*Previously held by Beth Wood.

Appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to take office on 12/15/23

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE Steve Troxler (R)

All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

SECRETARY OF STATE

Mike Causey (R)

Josh Dobson (R)

All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

Elaine Marshall (D) All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

Current Term = January 2021 to December 2024 for NC Executive Branch For more information, visit: nc.gov, ncdoj.gov, ncauditor.net, ncagr.gov, ncdoi.com, labor.nc.gov, sosnc.gov 45

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STATE OFFICES (NC): COUNCIL OF STATE, CONT.’D… What are the purposes of these offices?

Attorney General Josh Stein leads the North Carolina Department of Justice in its mission to protect the people of North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Justice works to prevent crime and support law enforcement, to safeguard consumers, and to defend the State, its people, and their constitutional rights.

State Auditor- Article V, Chapter 147 of the North Carolina General Statutes gives the Auditor broad powers to examine all books, records, files, papers, documents, and financial affairs of every state agency. The Auditor also has the power to summon people to produce records and to answer questions under oath.

Commissioner of Agriculture - The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ divisions have responsibilities in regulatory and service areas covering agronomy; animal health; weights and measures; gas and oil inspection; crop and livestock statistics; USDA commodity distribution; state farm operations; food, drug and cosmetic testing for purity; agricultural marketing and promotion; agricultural marketing grading; international agricultural crop and livestock marketing; operation of the North Carolina State Fair and North Carolina Mountain State Fair; operation of four state farmers markets; research station operations; seed and fertilizer inspection; nursery and plant pest eradication activities; regulation of the structural pest control and pesticide industries; agricultural environmental issues; soil and water conservation; forest management and protection; state and federal agricultural legislation; and agricultural economic analysis. The North Carolina Board of Agriculture is a statutory agency with members appointed by the governor. The board is a policy- and rule-making body that adopts regulations for many of the programs administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Commissioner of Insurance - Regulates the insurance industry, handles insurance-related complaints, licenses insurance agents, adjusters and bail bondsmen, provides specialized counseling to people eligible for Medicare, houses the Office of State Fire Marshal, interprets and works to improve state building codes, trains firefighters and rescue personnel, inspects fire departments, oversees motor clubs and collection agencies, investigates insurance fraud, licenses building code and home inspectors, licenses manufactured building professionals, educates the public about fire safety and injury prevention.

Commissioner of Labor - The N.C. Department of Labor is charged by statute with promoting the “health, safety, and general well-being” of more than 4 million workers across the state. The laws and programs it administers affect every worker—and virtually every person—in the state. The commissioner is head of the Department of Labor and also serves as a member of the Council of State. North Carolina law gives the commissioner broad regulatory authority and enforcement powers to carry out the department’s duties for the people.

Secretary of State - The N.C. Department of the Secretary of State is an Equal Opportunity employer and uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Personnel Act with qualified individuals. Applicants must document how they meet and/or exceed the minimum requirements and competencies for the position.

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STATE OFFICES (NC): COUNCIL OF STATE CONT’D.

The State offices on this page are elected every 4 years and include votes in all precincts across the state of NC.

STATE TREASURER Dale Folwell (R) All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION Catherine Truitt (R) All Precincts in NC Next Election 2024

The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer has broad authority over the finances of the state. The following table details key responsibilities and divisions within the Department responsible for carrying them out.

• Act as fiscal advisor to the State and local governments All divisions • Administer retirement plans and other benefit programs for public employees Retirement Systems Division (RSD)

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Invest and oversee short-term funds for government entities and long-term funds primarily for the pension fund Investment Management Division (IMD) Oversee local government finance, manage state and local debt issuance, and interface with bond rating agencies

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Local Government Commission (LGC) Operate the State Bank and perform the department’s accounting and financial reporting Financial Operations Division

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(FOD) Manage Unclaimed Property Program Unclaimed Property Division (UPP) Administer health benefit programs for public employees State Health Plan

**************************************************** The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state’s public school laws for prekindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The agency provides leadership and service to the 116 local public school districts and 2,500+ district public schools, 180+ charter schools, and the three residential schools for students with hearing and visual impairments. The areas of support include curriculum and instruction, accountability, finance, teacher and administrator preparation and licensing, professional development and school business support and operations. DPI develops the Standard Course of Study, which describes the subjects and course content that is taught in North Carolina public schools, and the assessments and accountability model used to evaluate student, school, and district success. DPI administers annual state and federal public school funds totaling approximately $11 billion and licenses the approximately 117,000 teachers and administrators who serve public schools. The agency’s primary offices are in Raleigh, with four regional alternative licensing centers in Concord, Fayetteville, Elm City and Catawba. Approximately 30,000 new teacher and administrator licenses are issued annually from these centers. DPI’swork extends to the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching with locations in Cullowhee and Ocracoke, and the NC Virtual Public School – the second largest virtual public school in the nation. The state agency also works closely with nine Regional Education Service Alliances/ Consortia and six regional accountability offices.

Current Term = January 2021 to December 2024 for NC Executive Branch For more information, visit: nc.gov, ncpublicschools.org, nctreasurer.com

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NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: SENATE

The legislative arm of the state is the NC General Assembly. They enact state-wide and local laws and establish rules and regulations governing the conduct of the people. Like the federal government and almost all the other states, NC has a bicameral legislature consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The General Assembly meets in regular session (“Long Session”) beginning in January of each odd-numbered year, and adjourns to reconvene the following even-numbered year for a shorter session (“Short Session”). The General Assembly is elected every 2 years and includes votes in 5 Senate districts and 12 House Districts in Mecklenburg County.

DISTRICT 37 SENATOR Vickie Sawyer (R)

DISTRICT 38 SENATOR Mujtaba Mohammed (D)

Precincts: 142,208,240,242 (plus 29 Iredell County precincts)

DISTRICT 40 SENATOR Joyce Waddell (D)

Precincts: 005,007,011,013,014,015,017, 026,027,028,029,030,033,034, 042,044,045,046,054,055,056, 082,107,109,126,128,135,145, 146,151,212,213,214,238,239

Precincts: 003,004,006,043,060,061,062, 063,083,084,094,095,102,104, 105,108,115,116,123,124,125, 130,132,141,149,201,203,204, 205,216,218,219,220,221,234, 235,236,237

DISTRICT 41 SENATOR Natasha Marcus (D)

Precincts: 012,016,023,024,025,031,039, 040,041,053,079,080,081,089, 127,133,134,143,150,200,202, 206,207,209,210,211,222,223, 224,241

DISTRICT 39 SENATOR DeAndrea Salvador (D) Precincts: 001,002,008,009,010,018,019, 020,021,022,032,035,037,038, 047,048,049,050,051,052,057, 058,059,071,074,075,076,077, 078,097,098,114,120,122,138, 147,225,228,229,230,243

DISTRICT 42 SENATOR Rachel Hunt (D)

Precincts: 036,064,065,066,067,068,069, 070,072,073,085,086,087,088, 090,091,092,093,096,099,100, 101,103,106,110,111,112,113, 117,118,119,121,129,131,136, 137,139,140,144,148,215,217, 226,227,231,232,233

Current Term = January 2023 to December 2024 for NC Senate

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NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The NC House of Representatives has 120 members. Elections for all 120 seats are held every 2 years.

At the beginning of each session, the members of the House choose a Speaker, who presides over the business of the House. In extraordinary cases, such as in the 2003-04 biennium, when the house was evenly divided between the two political parties, co-Speakers may be chosen. As in the Senate, the most important duty of the Speaker is to appoint the members to the various standing committees.

Precincts: 008,009,010,018,019,020,021, 022,023,031,037,038,039,049, 050,051,052,059,078,098,200

DISTRICT 92 REPRESENTATIVE Terry Brown (D)

Precincts: 077,122,138,147,225,228,229, 230,243

DISTRICT 98 REPRESENTATIVE John R. Bradford, III (R)

DISTRICT 99 REPRESENTATIVE Nasif Majeed (D)

DISTRICT 100 REPRESENTATIVE John Autry (D)

DISTRICT 101 REPRESENTATIVE Carolyn Logan (D)

DISTRICT 88 REPRESENTATIVE Mary Belk (D)

Precincts: 003,042,060,082,104,105,132, 141,149,204,205,237

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Precincts: 006,007,017,033,034,035,045, 062,063,064,066,084,099,102, 106,108,117,124,125,130

Precincts: 127,133,134,142,143,202,206, 208,240,242

Precincts: 012,024,040,041,053,079,080, 081,089,150,222,223,224

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NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONT’D… DISTRICT 102 REPRESENTATIVE Becky Carney (D)

DISTRICT 103 REPRESENTATIVE Laura Budd (D)

Precincts: 001,002,005,011,013,014,015, 027,028,029,030,043,044,046, 054,055,056,061,109

Precincts: 085,090,091,096,103,112,113, 118,121,136,137,215,216,217, 218,227,233

DISTRICT 105 REPRESENTATIVE Wesley Harris (D)

DISTRICT 106 REPRESENTATIVE Carla Cunningham (D)

Precincts: 087,088,092,093,097,101,114, 129,139,140,144,148,226,231, 232

Precincts: 126,128,133,145,151,207,212, 214,239,241

DISTRICT 104 REPRESENTATIVE Brandon Lofton (D)

Precincts: 018,019,032,036,047,048,057,058, 065,067,068,069,070,071,072,073, 074,075,076,086,100,110,111,119, 120,131

DISTRICT 107 REPRESENTATIVE Kelly M. Alexander (D) Precincts: 016,025,026,107,135,146,209, 210,211,213,238

DISTRICT 112 REPRESENTATIVE Tricia Cotham (R)

Precincts: 004,083,094,095,115,116,123, 201,203,219,220,221,234,235, 236

Current Term = January 2023 to December 2024 for NC House. Note that Rep. Cotham changed from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in April 2023.

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NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: HOUSE/SENATE CONT’D…

Senate The Senate has 50 members. Elections for all 50 seats are held every two years. The Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate; however, his/her main duty is to cast a deciding vote in the case of a tie. At the beginning of each biennium, the Senate chooses a President pro Tempore, who presides in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor. The most important duty of the President pro Tempore is to appoint the members to the various standing committees in the Senate.

House of Representatives The House of Representatives has 120 members. Elections for all 120 seats are held every 2 years. At the beginning of each session, the members of the House choose a Speaker, who presides over the business of the House. In extraordinary cases, such as in the 2003-04 biennium, when the house was evenly divided between the two political parties, co-Speakers may be chosen. As in the Senate, the most important duty of the Speaker is to appoint the members to the various standing committees.

Law making Much of the work of the General Assembly is done by standing committees. These committees consider the bills introduced into the two houses, hold hearings, make such changes and amendments as they think necessary, and report their findings back to their respective chambers. If the report on the final version of the bill is favorable, it comes up for debate on the floor of the House or Senate. After final passage in one chamber, the bill is then sent to the other chamber, where the same events occur. A bill passed by both houses is then sent to the Governor, who may either veto the bill, or sign it into law.

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For more information on the NC General Assembly, visit: nc.gov, ncpedia.org, ncleg.gov APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: A LITTLE MORE INFO…

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Public/Elected Officials for Federal Offices (North Carolina/ Mecklenburg County) 53

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NORTH CAROLINA FEDERAL OFFICES: US SENATE & US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The State of NC has 2 Senators in the US Senate and 14 Representatives in the US House of Representatives. Mecklenburg County has 2 US House of Representatives covering Congressional House Districts 12 and 14. District 12 is also shared with some of Cabarrus county. District 14 consists of some of Mecklenburg & some of Gaston counties

US SENATE SENATOR Thom Tillis (R)

US SENATE SENATOR Ted Budd (R)

All NC Precincts January 2021 to December 2025

All NC Precincts January 2023 to December 2027

DISTRICT 8 US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSMAN Dan Bishop (R)

DISTRICT 12 US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSWOMAN Alma Adams (D)

DISTRICT 14 US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSMAN Jeff Jackson (D)

All NC District 8 Precincts November 2024 Election

All NC District 12 Precincts November 2024 Election

All NC District 14 Precincts November 2024 Election

Current Term = Six (6) years for US Senate; Two (2) years for US Congress

(Redistricting as of November 2023. Prior Congressional Districts for Mecklenburg = D12 and D14)

For more information, visit: adams.house.gov, jeffjackson.house.gov, tillis.sentate.gov, budd.sentate.gov 54

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WHAT DO THE US SENATE & US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEAN TO ME?

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, and consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Both senators and representatives are chosen through direct election, though vacancies in the Senate may be filled by a gubernatorial appointment. Congress has 535 voting members: 435 representatives and 100 senators. The House of Representatives has six non-voting members representing Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia in addition to its 435 voting members. Although they cannot vote in the full house, these members can address the house, sit and vote in congressional committees, and introduce legislation.

The members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms representing the people of a single constituency, known as a "district". Congressional districts are apportioned to states by population using the United States Census results, provided that each state has at least one congressional representative.

Each state, regardless of population or size, has two senators. Currently, there are 100 senators representing the 50 states. Each senator is elected at-large in their state for a six-year term, with terms staggered, so every two years approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election. To be eligible for election, a candidate must be aged at least 25 (House) or 30 (Senate), have been a citizen of the United States for seven (House) or nine (Senate) years, and be an inhabitant of the state which they represent. Some services provided by your Congressional District House Representative: • Art Competition, • Flags, • Help with a Federal Agency • Internships • Military Academy Nominations • Passports • Tours & Tickets • Congressional Commendation • Presidential Greeting The Congress was created by the Constitution of the United States and first met in 1789, replacing in its legislative function the Congress of the Confederation. Although not legally mandated, in practice since the 19th century, Congress members are typically affiliated with the Republican Party or with the Democratic Party and only rarely with a third party or independents.

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NORTH CAROLINA FEDERAL OFFICES PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Joseph R. Biden (D)

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Kamala Harris (D)

All United States Precincts Count Towards Electoral Votes

All United States Precincts Count Towards Electoral Votes

The President The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress. Fifteen executive departments — each led by an appointed member of the President’s Cabinet — carry out the day-to-day administration of the federal government. They are joined in this by other executive agencies such as the CIA and Environmental Protection Agency, the heads of which are not part of the Cabinet, but who are under the full authority of the President. The President also appoints the heads of more than 50 independent federal commissions, such as the Federal Reserve Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as federal judges, ambassadors, and other federal offices. The President has the power either to sign legislation into law or to veto bills enacted by Congress, although Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses. The Executive Branch conducts diplomacy with other nations, and the President has the power to negotiate and sign treaties, which also must be ratified by two-thirds of the Senate. The President can issue executive orders, which direct executive officers or clarify and further existing laws. The President also has unlimited power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment. And though millions of Americans vote in a presidential election every four years, the President is not, in fact, directly elected by the people. Instead, on the first Tuesday in November of every fourth year, the people elect the members of the Electoral College. Apportioned by population to the 50 states — one for each member of their congressional delegation (with the District of Columbia receiving 3 votes) — these Electors then cast the votes for President and Vice President. There are currently 538 electors in the Electoral College.

The Vice President The primary responsibility of the Vice President of the United States is to be ready at a moment’s notice to assume the Presidency if the President is unable to perform his duties. This can be because of the President’s death, resignation, or temporary incapacitation, or if the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet judge that the President is no longer able to discharge the duties of the presidency. The Vice President also serves as the President of the United States Senate, where he or she casts the deciding vote in the case of a tie. Except in the case of tiebreaking votes, the Vice President rarely actually presides over the Senate. Instead, the Senate selects one of their own members, usually junior members of the majority party, to preside over the Senate each day.

Current Term = January 2021 to December 2024 for US Executive Branch For more information, visit: whitehouse.gov 56

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Let’s talk about Presidential Appointments…

We covered earlier that the President can appoint judges the Federal Courts. The President appoints to nearly 2,000 U.S. Government Agencies as well!

Presidential Elections: When we’re considering who we choose for President, we must understand that they have full authority to appoint to so many areas, including judicial, that run the operations of our Nation.

For more information, visit usa.gov/agencies

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References

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Mecklenburg County Board of Elections - https://www.mecknc.gov/BOE/Pages/default.aspx North Carolina State Board of Elections - https://er.ncsbe.gov/ North Carolina Democratic Party – https://www.ncdp.org/leaders/ North Carolina Democratic Party - https://www.ncdp.org/ NCDP Congressional 9th District - https://www.facebook.com/nc9dems/ NCDP Congressional 12th District - https://nc12thcd.org/our-district/ NCDP Plan of Organization - https://www.ncdp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CurrentPlan-v3-06-08-2019.pdf Certificate of Ascertainment - https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoralcollege/2016-certificates/pdfs/ascertainment-north-carolina.pdf Mecklenburg County Democratic Party - https://www.meckdem.org/ African American Caucus of Mecklenburg County Democratic Party https://www.facebook.com/aacofmeck/ Mecklenburg County Advisory Boards/Commissions https://www.mecknc.gov/CountyManagersOffice/BOCC/AdvisoryBoards/Pages/Default.aspx Mecklenburg County Government - https://www.mecknc.gov/Pages/Departments-main.aspx Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney - http://charmeckda.com/OfficeStructure.php NC Courts – https://www.nccourts.gov NC Courts Contact Directory - https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/mecklenburgcounty/contact-directory Clerk of Superior Court - https://www.nccourts.gov/learn/court-officials#section-clerks-ofsuperior-court Office of the Sheriff - http://www.mecksheriff.com/index.asp Register of Deeds - https://www.mecknc.gov/ROD/Pages/default.aspx Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District https://www.mecknc.gov/LUESA/WaterandLandResources/Conservation/Pages/Board-ofSupervisors.aspx Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board - https://www.wearecms.com/apps/pages/boe North Carolina Supreme Court - https://www.nccourts.gov/courts/supreme-court and https://ballotpedia.org/Supreme_Court_of_North_Carolina North Carolina Court of Appeals - https://www.nccourts.gov/courts/court-ofappeals/biographies-of-the-judges and https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_Court_of_Appeals North Carolina Superior Court - https://www.nccourts.gov/learn/court-officials#sectionsuperior-court-judges and https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_Superior_Courts North Carolina District Court (District 26) - https://www.nccourts.gov/courts/district-court Charlotte City Council Boards/Commissions https://charlottenc.gov/CityClerk/Pages/BoardsandCommissions.aspx Charlotte City Council - https://charlottenc.gov/Pages/Home.aspx Town of Cornelius Boards/Commissions - https://www.cornelius.org/FormCenter/Town-Forms3/Committee-Appointment-Form-37 Town of Cornelius Government - https://www.cornelius.org/218/Elected-Officials Town of Davidson Boards/Commissions - http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/72/BoardsCommissions Town of Davidson Government - http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us/75/Mayor-Commissioners

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References, Cont.’d

Town of Huntersville Boards/Commissions - https://www.huntersville.org/262/AdvisoryBoards-Commissions Town of Huntersville Government - https://www.huntersville.org/169/Local-Government Town of Matthews Boards/Commissions https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20706&catid=566 Town of Matthews Government https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview.aspx?id=20705&catid=566 Town of Mint Hill Boards/Commissions https://www.minthill.com/boards_committees.php?Boards-Committees-1 Town of Mint Hill Government - https://www.minthill.com/ Town of Pineville Boards/Commissions http://www.pinevillenc.gov/Government/Boards/tabid/207/Default.aspx Town of Pineville Government - http://www.pinevillenc.gov/Government/tabid/99/Default.aspx Town of Stallings - https://www.stallingsnc.org/Our-Community/Residents/Town-Services Contact Governor Cooper - https://governor.nc.gov/contact/contact-governor-cooper North Carolina Government - https://www.nc.gov/government North Carolina Governor - https://governor.nc.gov/ North Carolina Boards & Commissions - https://bc.governor.nc.gov/ North Carolina Lieutenant Governor - https://ltgov.nc.gov/ National Governors Association - https://www.nga.org/consulting/powers-and-authority/ North Carolina Council of State - https://www.nc.gov/government/NC-GOVERNMENT North Carolina Attorney General - https://ncdoj.gov/ North Carolina Auditor - https://www.auditor.nc.gov/pub42/ North Carolina Department of Agriculture - http://www.ncagr.gov/ North Carolina Department of Insurance - https://www.ncdoi.gov/ North Carolina Department of Labor - https://www.labor.nc.gov/ North Carolina Secretary of State - https://www.sosnc.gov/ North Carolina State Treasurer - https://www.nctreasurer.com/Pages/default.aspx North Carolina Public Schools - http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ State Legislative Government - https://ncpedia.org/government/state/legislative Lawmaking - https://strongernc.org/ncga-how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/ North Carolina General Assembly - https://www.ncleg.gov/ Congresswoman Alma Adams - https://adams.house.gov/ Congressman Dan Bishop - https://danbishop.house.gov/ Senator Thom Tillis - https://www.tillis.senate.gov/ Senator Richard Burr - https://www.burr.senate.gov/ White House Executive Branch - https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/theexecutive-branch/ USA Government Agencies - https://www.usa.gov/agencies

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APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

PHONE Phone: 704.578.1710

EMAIL & WEB collette@alstonsolutions.com Web: aacofmeck.org

APPROVED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY