This story was co-published with The Election Hub, a free, non-partisan resource that empowers voters with unbiased information about statewide and local races in North Carolina.
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At several upcoming events, you can hear directly from candidates on the ballot
The midterm elections are quickly approaching, and with less than six weeks until Election Day, candidates across the ballot are eagerly pitching themselves to voters at an array of forums and other political events.
Want to be a more informed voter this election cycle? Here are upcoming events in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Gaston counties where you will have the opportunity to hear directly from some of your future elected officials at both local and state levels. Some events may also offer the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with candidates about the issues that matter most to you.
This list will be updated continually until Election Day. Email Rachel Black at [email protected] if we missed any.
KEY DATES TO REMEMBER:
Mecklenburg County
Tuesday, Oct. 6 and Thursday, Oct. 8: The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry is hosting two non-partisan candidate forums.
Oct. 6’s event will focus on candidates for North Carolina State Senate (Districts 37, 40, 41 and 42), North Carolina House of Representatives (Districts 88, 102, 104, and 105), and Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners (Districts 1 and 2).
On Oct. 8, voters will hear from candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House (Districts 8, 12, and 14), and judicial candidates for the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
Voters will have the opportunity to meet the candidates and ask them questions.
Registration is free on Eventbrite here.
On both days, doors open at 5:30 p.m. The forums are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 3301 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Cabarrus County
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Quality Cabarrus, a non-partisan advocacy group, is hosting a forum at The Sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church for candidates for Cabarrus County Commission. Candidates in attendance will include James Bailey, Phil Henry, Thomas Hill, Ingrid Nurse, Dan Redding, Ian Patrick and Kristel Swayze. The event will be moderated by Chris Miller, The Cabarrus Compass’ founder and reporter. Livestreams will also be available through Central United Methodist Church’s YouTube channel. This event is free and open to the public.
The forum will be held from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Address: 30 Union St N, Concord, NC 28025 (in the church’s sanctuary)
Sunday, Oct. 11: Multiply Church Concord is hosting “Coffee with the Candidates,” a non-partisan forum where voters can hear from local candidates. The event’s format “intentionally avoids rebuttals, cross-examination, and audience Q&A,” according to the Eventbrite listing. However, after the event, voters may stay for “coffee and conversation” to meet candidates and talk to them one-on-one.
Registration is free on Eventbrite and encouraged, but not required for admission.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; forum begins at 6:00.
Address: 280 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC 28027
Gaston County
Monday, Oct. 5: The Gaston County Progressive Coalition is hosting a political forum at Center Baptist Church, open to all candidates running for office. The event will feature a live Q&A with candidates, moderated by the Rev. Dr. Pierre Crawford, who is the pastor of Center Baptist Church and Political Action chair. This event is free and open to the public. The forum will also be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; forum begins at 6:30
Address: 3301 S New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056
Wednesday, Oct. 7: The Eta Mu Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is hosting a candidate forum at St. Stephens AME Zion Church. The conversation will be moderated by Dedrick Russell, executive producer for community content at WBTV. Attendance is free; registration is required and spots can be reserved via Eventbrite here.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the forum is from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Address: 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052
Friday, Oct. 9: The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second annual “Meat” the Candidates BBQ at The Pointe Church. This is a drop-in event where voters will be able to grab a meal and chat with candidates one-on-one. Notable candidates attending include Tim Moore, longtime Republican legislator currently representing North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, and the Democrat newcomer who seeks to unseat him, LaKesha Womack. Other notable candidates at the local level include Charley Killian, the write-in candidate for the Riverbend Township seat on the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, who is running against incumbent Chad Brown. A full list of candidates who have committed to attending can be found here.
Cost is $15 to reserve a plate; tickets can be purchased via the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce’s website here.
Candidates will be in attendance from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; barbecue will be served until 6 p.m. or until supplies run out.
Address: 6700 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012
Livestream links to past events:
Monday, Sept. 14: The NAACP’s Gastonia branch hosted a candidate forum moderated by WSOC-TV journalist Ken Lemon. Democratic candidates up and down the ballot attended, including Justice Anita Earls and local Board of Education candidates. Republican Donnie Loftis — the incumbent representing District 109 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, who is also known for being present at the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot — and his opponent, Democrat Mark Carver, also attended. The livestream is available on the branch’s Facebook page here and here.