Your guide to the 2026 election in the Wilmington area

The 2026 election features many races, including those for numerous state-level offices, county commissioners, sheriffs, judges and school boards. The StarNews has compiled Q&As to help you get to know the candidates for local offices and their stances better. We asked candidates in contested races

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What is the story about?

The 2026 election features many races, including those for numerous state-level offices, county commissioners, sheriffs, judges and school boards.

The StarNews has compiled Q&As to help you get to know the candidates for local offices and their stances better. We asked candidates in contested races across the region to participate.

Early voting for the election runs from Thursday, Oct. 15 until 3 p.m. Oct. 31. The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Learn more about the candidates

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School bond referendums

In addition to voting on candidates for public office, voters in New Hanover and Brunswick counties will be asked to decide on school bond referendums.

Sample ballots

Want to know exactly what's on your ballot before you head to the polls? Registered voters can find their sample ballot through the Voter Search tool on the State Board of Elections website.

Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at sjones1@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Your guide to the 2026 election in the Wilmington area