The Orange County Democratic Party
of North Carolina
Message from the Chair
A Fourth of July Message
This Fourth of July, we celebrate the enduring promise of the Declaration of Independence that all people are created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The freedoms we enjoy are not guaranteed. They are entrusted to each generation to protect. As Benjamin Franklin is famously said to have remarked when asked what kind of government had been created: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
One of the most important ways we keep it is by voting. Every election is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and to help shape the future for those who will follow. When we participate, we strengthen our democracy and affirm that every voice matters.
May this Independence Day remind us that we keep our republic not by fighting one another, but by working together, respecting one another, and renewing our commitment to the common good. Our unity has always been America’s greatest strength.
Happy Independence Day!
Filling OC District 1 Commissioner Vacancy
The following process is to ensure that the vacancy is filled in accordance with applicable state laws and the North Carolina Democratic Party Charter and Bylaws adopted June 27, 2026.
- Candidate Nominations: Nomination Form closed on July 13 at 5:00p.m. Six candidates filed. See link above for more information.
- County Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting: On July 20, the CEC will meet, which will include a Candidate Forum and two elections. One election will be to fill the balance of the current District 1 Commissioner term. The second election will be to elect a candidate to appear on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, election. CEC Meeting Registration Here
- Voting: Eligible voting members (Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the 23 precincts in District 1) will cast their weighted votes in accordance with the governing rules and procedures that apply to filling this vacancy. Proxy voters are permitted. Please complete the proxy form BY JULY 17, 5pm only if you are an eligible voter and cannot attend. Proxy Voting Form Here
- Recommendation: Once a candidate receives the required level of support, that individual’s name will be forwarded to: 1) the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for final action in appointing an individual to fill the balance of the current term, and 2) the Orange County Board of Elections for placement on the ballot.
If you would like to submit questions for the Candidate Forum portion of the meeting, please use the following link: Candidate Question Suggestions Here
Developments in Voting Rights
I. Voter Suppression Bill Moves Through N.C. General Assembly
A sweeping voter suppression bill (H.B. 958) passed the N.C. House on June 30 along party lines by a 66 to 47 vote. Among its suppressive provisions, the bill empowers the State Board of Elections to use federal databases to identify potentially ineligible voters. It is unclear whether the N.C. Senate will take up H.B. 958. The News and Observer reported: “Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Senate leader Phil Berger said he had not committed to do so.” Read more here
II. N.C. State Board of Elections Proposes Rules Harmful to Voters
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has proposed rules which would harm our voting rights. It is important for concerned voters to review the proposed rule changes and make public comment by July 14. The text of the proposed rules can be found here.
Below are summaries of the proposed rules and links to the Public Comment Portal.
- Photo ID: The proposed rules would change the approval process used by county boards of elections for ballots cast by voters who submitted an ID exception form due to a “reasonable impediment.” Currently, county boards of elections are required to have a unanimous vote to reject a ballot cast using a voter ID exception form. The proposed rule would allow county boards of elections to reject an exception form by majority vote. All NC county boards of election are composed of 3 Republicans and 2 Democrats.
Public Comment Portal: 2026 Rulemaking – Photo ID - Absentee ballots: The proposed rules for absentee ballots would make voting by mail more difficult. The new rules place additional requirements on voters who cast an absentee-by-mail ballot but whose ballots are deemed as having irregularities. The current rules let the county board of elections weigh the facts in favor of counting the ballot. The new rules would require the voter to cure the irregularity through written certification.
Public Comment Portal: 2026 Rulemaking – Absentee Voting
It is important that we offer comments about these rule changes. You can click on the links above to enter comments in the public comment portal. Public comments can also be sent via email to rulemaking.sboe@ncsbe.gov or by mail to Rulemaking Coordinator, P.O. Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255. Please identify the specific rule on which you are commenting. The public comment period ends July 14, 2026.
Mission Statement of the Orange County Democratic Party
The Orange County Democratic Party works to elect leaders who will provide: an economy that works for all, quality public education, reproductive rights for all, affordable health care for all, the right to vote in fair elections, civil rights of all, and strong communities across our wonderful state where everyone has access to clean air and water.
