This story was republished from 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 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 some 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
Thursday, Oct. 15: The Crown Jewels chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is hosting a “Green Chair Civic Lounge” event with Mecklenburg County Elections Director Michael Dickerson. This non-partisan conversation will be about “voter readiness, election procedures, and the information you need to develop your voting plan.” The Links’ Crown Jewels chapter is dedicated to service in communities of color in the Charlotte area. This event is in partnership with The Charlotte Post.
Register for free online here.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; event is from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Address: Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
Related reading: Mecklenburg County’s elections director is confident that voting process will be safe and secure
Cabarrus County
New events will be listed here as The Election Hub learns of them.
Gaston County
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.; forum is from 7-9 p.m.
Address: 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052
Livestream links to past events:
Mecklenburg County:
Tuesday, Oct. 6 and Thursday, Oct. 8: The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry hosted two non-partisan candidate forums. Oct. 6’s event focused 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 (District 2). On Oct. 8, voters heard 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. The events were moderated by Judge Carla Archie, chief superior court judge for Mecklenburg County, and Kevin Patterson, retired executive at International Business Machines Corp. Livestream videos for Oct. 6 are available here and here for Oct. 8.
Cabarrus County:
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Quality Cabarrus, a non-partisan advocacy group, hosted a forum at The Sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church for candidates for Cabarrus County Commission. Candidates in attendance included James Bailey, Phil Henry, Thomas Hill, Ingrid Nurse, Dan Redding, Ian Patrick and Kristel Swayze. The event was moderated by Chris Miller, The Cabarrus Compass’ founder and reporter. A livestream recording is available through Central United Methodist Church’s YouTube channel.
Gaston County:
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 branch’s Facebook page has the livestream here and here.
Monday, Oct. 5: The Gaston County Progressive Coalition hosted a political forum at Center Baptist Church, which was open to all candidates running for office. The event featured 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. The church’s YouTube channel has a livestream here.
This story was republished with permission from The Election Hub.