Filing deadlines · North Carolina

North Carolina candidate filing & campaign-finance deadlines

Official 2026 report due dates for North Carolina state candidates file with North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Verified deadlines loaded
Last updated August 27, 2026
Next deadline in North Carolina
NC 2026 Third Quarter (pre-general)

1 more deadline follows in this cycle.

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This page also covers North Carolina candidate-filing (ballot access) deadlines for 2027–2028 — the process of becoming a qualified candidate, distinct from the campaign-finance reporting below. Here's how to run for office in North Carolina: what to file, when, and with whom.

The 2026 cycle

5 report deadlines for the 2026 cycle.

These are the campaign-finance report due dates a North Carolina state candidate files with North Carolina State Board of Elections for the 2026 election cycle, stored verbatim from the official schedule. The 2026 primary is Mar 3, 2026.

DueTypeReportCovers
Annual/Year-end
NC 2025 Year-End Semiannual
Semiannual report due the last Friday in January, covering July 1 – December 31, 2025.
 Jul 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025
Pre-election
NC 2026 First Quarter (pre-primary)
Election-year Q1, cut off the 17th day before the March 3 primary; due seven working days later.
 Jan 1, 2026 – Feb 14, 2026
Periodic
NC 2026 Second Quarter
Quarterly report due no later than seven working days after the end of the quarter.
 Feb 15, 2026 – Jun 30, 2026
Pre-election
NC 2026 Third Quarter (pre-general)
Election-year Q3, extended through the 17th day before the November 3 general; due seven working days later.
 Jul 1, 2026 – Oct 17, 2026
Post-election
NC 2026 Fourth Quarter (year-end)
Quarterly report due no later than seven working days after the end of the quarter.
 Oct 18, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Shaded rows are deadlines that have already passed.

Good to know

North Carolina has no separately named pre-election reports — the election-year quarterlies absorb them (Q1 cut off 17 days before the primary, Q3 extended to 17 days before the general). Each report must be current within seven days of its due date.

Filing to run for office

North Carolina candidate-filing deadlines — 2027–2028.

Deadlines to become a qualified candidate for office in North Carolina — declarations of candidacy, nominating petitions, and related ballot-access filing requirements — compiled from North Carolina State Board of Elections. Distinct from the campaign-finance report deadlines above.

2027

Municipal

Election not yet scheduled

Municipal Officers (Mayor, City Council, Town Council, etc.)

North Carolina Municipalities (all municipalities) · 2027 North Carolina Municipal General Election

Candidacy method: Nonpartisan · Deadline type: Nonpartisan filing

Files with: County board of elections (for municipal jurisdiction)

North Carolina General Statute 163-294.2 - Municipal candidate filing deadlines; municipal election schedule · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

The filing deadline for Municipal Officers (Mayor, City Council, Town Council, etc.) in North Carolina Municipalities (all municipalities) for the 2027 North Carolina Municipal General Election is not yet a confirmed date (election not yet scheduled); check with County board of elections (for municipal jurisdiction). Source: North Carolina General Assembly and State Board of Elections.

School Board

Election not yet scheduled

School Board Members

North Carolina School Districts (county and independent school districts) · 2027 North Carolina School Board Elections

Candidacy method: Nonpartisan · Deadline type: Nonpartisan filing

Files with: County board of elections (for school district jurisdiction)

North Carolina General Statute 115C-37 and 163-294.2 - School board elections and filing procedures · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

The filing deadline for School Board Members in North Carolina School Districts (county and independent school districts) for the 2027 North Carolina School Board Elections is not yet a confirmed date (election not yet scheduled); check with County board of elections (for school district jurisdiction). Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

2028

Federal

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

President of the United States

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount not yet published; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters who voted in most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding the primary election, each day from 12:00 noon to 12:00 noon. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2 - Time for filing notice of candidacy · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

Filing for President of the United States in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

President of the United States

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina General Election ·

Filing window: Closes

Candidacy method: Independent · Deadline type: Independent candidate filing

Petition deadline: Aug 9, 2028 · Write-in deadline: Aug 9, 2028 · Withdrawal deadline: Oct 5, 2028

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters who voted in most recent gubernatorial election (approximately 90,000+ signatures based on 2024 gubernatorial turnout)

Statutory rule: Unaffiliated candidate petitions for statewide/presidential office must be filed no later than noon on the primary election day (for state offices) OR 90 days before general election (for presidential/federal general-election-only candidates). (works out to Aug 9, 2028)

North Carolina General Statute 163-122 - Unaffiliated candidates nominated by petition · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for President of the United States in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina General Election (Nov 7, 2028) closes Aug 9, 2028 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

U.S. Senate — Class 3 Seat

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina General Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Write-in deadline: Aug 9, 2028 · Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election (for petition in lieu of fee)

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary, filed at State Board of Elections. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2 - Time for filing notice of candidacy; U.S. Senate elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for U.S. Senate in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina General Election (Nov 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

U.S. House of Representatives — Districts 1-13

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 4% of registered voters in the U.S. House district (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election, filed with county board of elections. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) - Time for filing notice of candidacy · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for U.S. House of Representatives in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Statewide

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

Governor

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) and 163-1 - Statewide officer elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for Governor in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

Attorney General

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a); NC Constitution and GS 114-1 · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for Attorney General in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

Secretary of State

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-1 and 163-106.2 - Statewide officer elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for Secretary of State in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

State Treasurer

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-1 and 163-106.2 - Statewide officer elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for State Treasurer in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

State Auditor

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-1 and 163-106.2 - Statewide officer elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for State Auditor in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 1.5% of registered NC voters from most recent gubernatorial election

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 115C-26 and 163-1 - Superintendent of Public Instruction elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for Superintendent of Public Instruction in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

State Legislative

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

North Carolina State Senate — All districts (50 total)

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: County board of elections (candidate's home county)

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 4% of registered voters in the state senate district (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election, filed with county board. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) - State legislative candidate filing · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for North Carolina State Senate in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

North Carolina House of Representatives — All districts (120 total)

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: County board of elections (candidate's home county)

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 4% of registered voters in the state house district (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding primary election, filed with county board. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) - State legislative candidate filing · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Last verified Jul 13, 2026

Filing for North Carolina House of Representatives in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

Judicial

Awaiting local confirmation

North Carolina Supreme Court — Statewide (seat(s) up in 2028 to be determined)

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 2% of registered voters in state (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) and 7A-2 - Supreme Court elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

Filing for North Carolina Supreme Court in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. Source: North Carolina General Assembly and State Board of Elections.

Awaiting local confirmation

North Carolina Court of Appeals — Statewide (seat(s) up in 2028 to be determined)

Statewide · 2028 North Carolina Primary Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Party Primary · Deadline type: Party primary filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: North Carolina State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 2% of registered voters in state (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) and 7A-30 - Court of Appeals elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

Filing for North Carolina Court of Appeals in Statewide for the 2028 North Carolina Primary Election (Mar 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. Source: North Carolina General Assembly and State Board of Elections.

Awaiting local confirmation

North Carolina District Court — All districts (to be confirmed)

Statewide (all districts) · 2028 North Carolina General Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Nonpartisan · Deadline type: Nonpartisan filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: State Board of Elections

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 2% of registered voters in district (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

North Carolina General Statute 7A-140 and 163-106.2(a) - District Court elections · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

Filing for North Carolina District Court in Statewide (all districts) for the 2028 North Carolina General Election (Nov 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. Source: North Carolina General Assembly and State Board of Elections.

County

Calculated from statute — not an official calendar date

County Commissioners, Register of Deeds, and Other County Offices

All North Carolina Counties (100 counties) · 2028 North Carolina General Election ·

Filing window: –

Candidacy method: Nonpartisan · Deadline type: Nonpartisan filing

Withdrawal deadline: Dec 14, 2027

Files with: County board of elections (candidate's home county)

Fee: Filing fee amount TBD; may petition in lieu of fee · Signatures: 4% of registered voters in county (if petitioning in lieu of fee)

Statutory rule: Filing window: first Monday in December through third Friday in December preceding the primary election. (works out to Dec 17, 2027)

North Carolina General Statute 163-106.2(a) - County officer filing deadlines · accessed Jul 13, 2026

Not yet independently verified

Filing for County Commissioners, Register of Deeds, and Other County Offices in All North Carolina Counties (100 counties) for the 2028 North Carolina General Election (Nov 7, 2028) closes Dec 17, 2027 at 12:00 PM America/New_York. Opens Dec 6, 2027. This date is calculated from statute and is not an official calendar date. Source: North Carolina General Assembly.

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Electbase compiles these dates from official state sources as a workflow aid. It is not legal advice. Confirm every deadline with your filing authority before you rely on it.

Last updated August 27, 2026

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