Candidate Information

Thank you for your interest in running for a valued position within Harnett County and the State of North Carolina. Below you will find some important topics involving dates, campaign finance, and conduct at the polls. Please read all topics and contact us if you have any questions.

Important dates regarding the 2020 Elections:

Soil and Water District Supervisor filing will begin at noon on 06/08/20 and end promptly at noon on 07/06/20. Filing Fee is $5.

Filing for all other 2020 contests has ended as of noon on 12/20/2019. To qualify as a write-in candidate, more details can be found here: NC Write-In Candidate Information

Necessary forms and additional details are located at https://www.ncsbe.gov/Elections/Candidate-Filing

Click here for a list of current candidates who have filed for 2020 Elections

Primary Election:

- Feb. 7, 5:00 PM - Voter Registration/Update Deadline
- Feb 13 – Feb 29, One Stop Voting period*
- Feb 25, 5:00 PM - Deadline to request a civilian absentee ballot by mail
- March 3, 6:30AM - 7:30PM - Election Day (Voting held at designated precincts)
- March 13, 11:00 am– County Canvass Day
- If second primary/run-off required, please call or check site for dates
General Election:
- Oct 9, 5:00 PM – Voter Registration/Update Deadline
- Oct 15 – Oct 31, One Stop Voting period*
- Oct 27, 5:00 PM - Deadline to request a civilian absentee ballot by mail
- Nov 3, 6:30AM - 7:30PM - Election Day (Voting held at designated precincts)
- Nov 13, 11:00 am– County Canvass Day

*One-Stop voting locations and times will be listed on our website once approved by the Board of Elections

Campaign Finance – Candidate Committees [required for every candidate]

Organizational reports are due no later than 10 days after your filing date. Additional Campaign Finance forms can be found at https://www.ncsbe.gov/Campaign-Finance/reporting-forms
Treasurers must complete the mandatory Compliance Training; Dates and links are in your packet. Candidates are also encouraged to take the free training. A copy of the 2020 Candidate Guide is online – https://www.ncsbe.gov/Elections/Candidate-Filing

Conduct at the Polls

Electioneering- It is a crime to interfere with the ability of a voter to access the voting place. Therefore, please wait for voters to leave their vehicles before approaching them and do not physically delay or prevent voters from parking. This is a common complaint we receive about electioneers. NCSBE Numbered memo 2016-20 addresses this as well

Curbside- Please remember that voters who are voting curbside in their vehicles are in their voting enclosure. As a result electioneers are restricted from interacting with voters during the curbside voting process.

Bathroom facilities at our polling sites will only be available for voters and election staff as entrances and most facilities are located within the 50’ buffer zone (NCGS 163-166.3 and 163-166.4).This information is being provided early as a courtesy so candidates, electioneers, and impacted party members can make alternate plans prior to the voting periods.

Demonstrate courtesies towards those at the voting place, regardless of differences of opinion. Please remain civil and calm at all times. Arguments should not involve profanity or provocative gestures as this may intimidate or deter voters.

Parking – Parking areas at our sites must be reserved for voters. Electioneers and candidates not in the process of voting must refrain from parking in or blocking voter parking areas. It is also requested that electioneers at the Board of Elections office not park along the front road or driveway as it may impede the voter’s abilities to safely enter and exit the early voting site.