NORTH CAROLINA (02/12/2026) — As early voting begins today in North Carolina’s primary election, a broad, nonpartisan coalition of civic, legal, faith, and community organizations announced an expanded and strengthened statewide Election Protection coordination structure, building on infrastructure first established in 2016.
Leading these efforts are Common Cause North Carolina, Democracy North Carolina, Disability Rights NC, Forward Justice, North Carolina Black Alliance, North Carolina For The People, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice, in coordination with Blueprint North Carolina. These organizations represent nearly three decades of coordination in support of access to the ballot and electoral defense for communities across this state.
The statewide framework formalizes and deepens collaboration among long-standing partners who have worked together across multiple election cycles to provide voter education, legal support, poll monitoring, rapid response, and post-election analysis. With voters casting ballots starting today, the coalition affirmed that a coordinated, proactive voter protection system is already in place.
As early voting begins, voters will see:
- Clear, accessible voter education materials, such as a nonpartisan candidate voter guide and our preliminary election protection hotline report
- Real-time assistance if they encounter issues at early voting sites or on Election Day
- Multilingual education, outreach, and resources
- Public reporting on systemic challenges affecting voter access
A nonpartisan election protection effort that defends against interference and unlawful attempts to overturn certified results, ensuring every eligible vote is counted and that the outcome reflects the will of the voters
“Now more than ever, North Carolinians need experienced advocates with lasting relationships in the community working to protect them at the polls. There is no better time to underscore the importance of this work than the first day of early voting,” said Adrienne Kelly, Executive Director at Democracy North Carolina.
“For over a decade, this partnership has built a durable, nonpartisan election protection infrastructure serving millions of North Carolina voters. As voters head to the polls today, we are committed to strengthening this collaborative effort in 2026 to ensure every eligible voter can participate freely and confidently and that all eligible votes cast are counted,” said Sailor Jones, State Director for Common Cause North Carolina.
Building on the Decade-Long Legacy of North Carolina Election Protection
The enhanced Election Protection framework includes:
- A nonpartisan voter assistance hotline connected to trained volunteers and attorneys
- Expanded vote protector programs to monitor polls in real time
- Clear incident tracking and escalation protocols to rapidly help voters
- Partnerships with community-based organizations serving historically underrepresented voters
- Legal coordination with state and national voting rights partners
Coalition partners emphasized that this announcement marks a strengthening and formalization of an existing structure, not the creation of a new one. The coordination table is fully operational as voters begin casting ballots in the primary and will remain active through Election Day and beyond.
North Carolina remains one of the most closely watched states in the country, making preparedness essential. The coalition’s approach focuses on steady infrastructure building, transparency, and voter-centered support rather than reactive crisis management.
“With increased challenges facing voters, this is about readiness on day one of voting,” Marcus Bass, Executive Director at North Carolina Black Alliance said. “Voters deserve accurate information, accessible polling places, and confidence that if an issue arises, there is a coordinated, nonpartisan team ready to respond.”
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to a nonpartisan, voter-centered approach grounded in transparency, accountability, and the fundamental principle that voters choose their leaders.
For more information about North Carolina’s Election Protection efforts, including voter resources and ways to get involved, visit ncvoter.org and protectourvotenc.org. Voters who need assistance can call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683) for real-time support.
“The Election Protection Hotline is a critical access point for voters who need trusted, real-time assistance,” said Jeff Loperfido, Chief Counsel for Voting Rights at Southern Coalition for Social Justice. “No matter who you are or what language you speak, eligible voters across North Carolina can reach live, nonpartisan support to make sure their voice is heard.”
“In this historic election cycle, the eyes of the country are once again on our state as a testing ground for democracy,” said Caitlin Swain, Executive Director of Forward Justice. “To meet this moment, we are making an historic investment in 2026 to ensure that every voter in this state in all 100 counties seeking to exercise the fundamental freedom to vote knows their rights. As a voter, you are legally protected from intimidation, harassment, and unlawful disenfranchisement. We will stand with you to accept nothing less.”
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Common Cause North Carolina is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. Learn more at commoncause.org/north-carolina.
Democracy North Carolina is a statewide nonpartisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to strengthen democratic structures, build power among disenfranchised communities, and inspire confidence in a transformed political process that works for all. Learn more at democracync.org.
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) is the federally designated protection and advocacy organization for the State of North Carolina. Our services are free of charge to all residents of NC with a disability. We are also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at disabilityrightsnc.org.
Forward Justice is a nonpartisan law, policy and strategy center dedicated to advancing racial, social, and economic justice in the U.S. South. Our work catalyzes success for social movements and expands opportunities for people affected by injustice. Learn more at forwardjustice.org.
North Carolina Black Alliance advances state-level transformative change by fostering intentional collaboration with elected officials, community partners and grassroots organizations to improve the lived experiences of Black communities across the state. Learn more at ncblackalliance.org.
North Carolina For The People is North Carolina’s pro-democracy coalition, aimed at educating the public on how to build a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, voting rights are fully enforced, and everyone’s voice is heard. Learn more at ncforthepeople.com.
Southern Coalition for Social Justice, founded in 2007, partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities in the South to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights through the combination of legal advocacy, research, organizing, and communications. Learn more at southerncoalition.org.