Lynn McGee
Chair, Orange County Democratic Party

February 6, 2026

On February 3, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) issued a release announcing it is sending letters to more than 241,000 North Carolina voters with unvalidated identification numbers. The letter informs affected voters that the identification numbers they provided when registering to vote (driver’s license or social security numbers) do not validate in governmental databases.

The NCSBE’s letter encourages affected voters to update their voter registration by providing their driver’s license or social security numbers or by ensuring the name on their voter registration matches other official government records.

There are 2,500 Orange County voters who have been mailed the letter. They can complete the form at the bottom of the letter or contact the Orange County Board of Elections at vote@orangecountync.gov to update their voter registration.

When affected voters go to vote they will be asked if they want to update their information. Regardless of whether a voter updates their information, they will still vote using a regular ballot not a provisional ballot.

January 27, 2026

In a time of nonstop headlines and manufactured distractions, we must stay focused on our core mission: electing Democrats who govern like Democrats. Just this past week, seven Democratic members of Congress joined Republicans to vote for the Homeland Security funding bill (H.R. 7147), which increased funding for ICE. Among the seven was NC Representative Don Davis who stated he voted for the bill because it included funding for FEMA. Democrats should not vote with Republicans on policies that harm immigrant families and vulnerable communities just because their district may not get FEMA funding. This is unconscionable. We cannot pretend it doesn’t matter.

The truth is uncomfortable, but necessary when some elected officials who campaign as Democrats do not consistently govern as Democrats. When legislators break with Democratic values and caucus priorities, it undermines our credibility with voters and weakens our ability to fight for justice, equity, and working families.

To hold Democrats elected to the North Carolina General Assembly (GA) accountable, the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) has established a policy with clear expectations. When GA Democratic lawmakers repeatedly vote to override the Democratic Governor’s vetoes without the permission of their respective Democratic caucus leader, as we have seen in recent years with Democrats such as Trisha Cotham, Carla Cunningham, and others, there will be consequences. These consequences include withholding all the free items, for the balance of their term, that are extended to all Democratic candidates, including the most valuable resource-VoteBuilder. This is not punishment– it is clarity. A party without standards is not a party, it is a label. I commend this policy shift by NCDP.

This moment demands being courageous, not self-serving. If we want to win elections and deserve the trust of our communities, we must support candidates who are willing to stand firm for democratic principles and not drift when it is politically easy.

January 1, 2026

Happy New Year from the Chair

As we step into 2026, we must focus on action, organization, and resolve by using our strength, discipline, and power. The upcoming primary election is an opportunity to train our volunteers and supporters to run a cohesive and effective ground game that carries us through to the Fall midterm elections.  It is as critical as ever to roll up those sleeves and support our efforts to win back our power by electing democratic candidates.

The first quarter of 2026 is the time to build a bigger and better trained volunteer team to register new voters, mobilize voters by canvassing all precincts, and provide voter protection to thwart voter suppression.  Every voter deserves to cast a ballot safely and confidently. 

We need your help! Please volunteer here to power the work ahead

In 2026, Let’s pledge to: “Get Out the Vote,” win elections and “Save Democracy.

December 23, 2025

Holiday Message from the Chair

As we close out the year, we want to thank every volunteer, organizer, donor, and supporter who make the Orange County Democratic Party strong and impactful. Your dedication and hard work truly matter, and we appreciate all your efforts.

As we move into the holiday season, we hope you are able to enjoy time with family, friends, and neighbors, and take a moment to rest and recharge.

The 2026 election cycle is already underway, and the work ahead will require all of us to stand united, engaged, and ready to participate. We must stay focused on how the actions of the current administration are affecting our economy and our daily lives, while working to restore and strengthen the guardrails that protect our democracy.

Together, we will help elect the best Democratic candidates, rebuild our power, and defend the values we share. Thank you for all you do, and for standing with us as we move into a critical year ahead.