Oct. 11. We’re a battleground state, with Vice President Harris and former President Trump very close in recent polls, so expect to see more campaign visits, more mailers and more ads on TV. Mecklenburg County began mailing absentee ballots Sept. 24. All that said, Early Voting begins next week!

Key dates

Oct. 11: Last Day to Register

Oct. 17: In person early Voting Begins

Oct. 29: Last day to request an absentee ballot

Nov. 2: Last day for in-person early voting

Nov. 5: Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Be sure to bring your drivers license or another acceptable form of photo ID such as a US Passport if you vote in person.

About the 2024 ballot

There are no Town Board or mayoral contests this year. However, Cornelius voters will be asked to approve a $20 million bond for parks and recreation projects. The estimated amount of property tax increase for the life of the bond is $16.10 for each $100,000 of property value, beginning in fiscal year 2028.

Federal contests

As is customary in a Presidential election year,  much attention has been focused on the races for President/Vice President, Governor and Attorney General. Here’s where it all stands at press time:

President/VP: Most polls have this contest between Republicans Donald Trump/JD Vance and Democrats Kamala Harris/Tim Walz  with either a slight Trump lead or as ‘too close to call’ in North Carolina.

Congress: Due to redistricting, Cornelius is now in the 14th Congressional District. Tim Moore is the GOP candidate while the Democratic challenger is Pamela Genant.

Statewide races

Governor: Polls from both parties now show Democrat Josh Stein ahead of Republican Mark Robinson.

Lieutenant governor: Rachel Hunt, a Democrat, vs. Hal Weatherman (GOP). Also running are Shannon Bray (Libertarian) and Wayne Jones (Constitution).

Attorney General: Democrat Jeff Jackson faces Dan Bishop in a race with a significant number of undecided voters.

Other statewide elections include Treasurer, Auditor, Commissioner of Insurance, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary of State and Agricultural Commissioner.

There is also a statewide constituional amendment on the ballot which reads as follows:

Only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State.

General Assembly elections

NC Senate 37: This district includes Cornelius west of I-77. Incumbent Republican Vicki Sawyer faces Democrat Kate Compton Barr.

NC Senate 38: This district includes Cornelius east of I-77. Incumbent Senator Mujytaba Mohammed is unopposed.

NC House 98: This is the seat currently held by Cornelius resident John Bradford, who is not running. As previously covered in Cornelius Today, this is a competitive contest between Democrat Beth Helfrich and GOP candidate Melinda Bales.

County Commissioners

The candidates, all Democrats, are Leigh Altman, Arthur Griffin, Jr. ,and Yvette Townsend-Ingram. Cornelius voters will also help select a commissioner for District One. The candidates: Incumbent Elaine Powell, a Democrat, and Aaron Marin, the Republican challenger.

Juidicial candidates

Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 6: Jefferson Griffin (Republican) vs. Allison Riggs (Democrat).

NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12: Tom Murry (Republican) vs. Carolyn Jennings Thompson (Democrat).

NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 14: Ed Eldred (Democrat) vs. Valerie Zachary (Republican).

NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 15: Chris Freeman (Republican) vs. Martin Moore (Democrat).

• For a complete list of candidates and a sample ballot, go to

vote.mecknc.gov/