Linda Ford on the 2026 NC Primary
- Elizabeth Jennings
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Our HCDP Chair took a few moments to share her thoughts on the 2026 NC Democratic Primary and its virtually unprecedented importance in our nation's history.
Here are a few comments I’ve heard about the primary recently:
“I don’t usually vote in the primary. I don’t see the point.”
“How do primaries work anyway?”
“Can someone tell me how the primary affects us in Henderson County?”
I understand the sentiment and I might have said those same things a few years ago, back in normal times.
But these are not normal times.
The 2026 midterm election could decide the future of our country, and North Carolina is a critical part of that contest.
Our senate race is being watched by the whole country
The NC11 race for the seat held by Chuck Edwards appears on several lists as a possible and crucial flip.
The Court of Appeals race will affect our state for years to come.
In other words, Henderson County Democrats and unaffiliated voters have an opportunity to help shape some of the most important races in the country by voting in this primary election.
I’m writing this on February 10, 2026. Mail in voting—also known as absentee voting—has already begun and Early In Person Voting starts on February 12. Election Day, when people must vote at their precinct, is March 3, just a few weeks away.
Please do these 3 things:
1. Reach out if you have questions about the primary or you need a ride to vote or a notary for your mail-in ballot or any other logistical issue. Our email is info@myhcdp.com
2. Tell your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances how important this primary is. Post on social media, send an email, bring it up in conversation—whatever works for you. And please be sure to share with unaffiliated voters. They can vote in the Democratic primary too.
3. Make a plan to vote. Vote Early in Person if possible. There are several advantages to this form of voting, including the opportunity to fix problems with registration and to bank your vote ahead of time in case bad weather or a health problem or another unexpected issue pops up.
Finally, please visit our Primary Primer Page and our Candidates’ Page. We also have a video of the NC11 Candidates’ Forum featuring all five candidates running in the NC11 primary. This forum was held here in Henderson County and was both engaging and upbeat. It’s worth watching:
It’s a privilege to be able to vote in such a consequential election. Let’s get our friends and neighbors engaged in the primary as we build toward these critical November elections.
~ Linda
For even more reasons to vote in the primary, take a moment to watch the slideshow below:
Comments