Today’s decision continues a generational project of denying Black political power and fair representation. The right to fair maps and equal votes in our elections is a core American freedom.

Louisiana v. Callais opens the door to even more schemes to deny our votes and power. It comes amid an electoral power grab ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. We’ve seen partisan election officials in North Carolina and around the country cater to the whims of an administration scheming to change the rules instead of earning votes.

What started with Shelby County v. Holder in 2013 continues as the Court’s far-right majority working overtime to realign power away from our communities. And while the latest decision removed a key check on abuse of power and rigging outcomes, our votes still matter.

If our votes didn’t matter, the opposition wouldn’t work so hard to deny us. We, the people, have always been the check and balance on these abusive systems.

The Voting Rights Act was a debt owed to Black America paid for with the blood and sweat of our ancestors. We remain clear in our commitment to defending voting rights and fair maps, and electing leaders who will work for policies grounded in the needs of our people.

Recent articles covering the popularity of alleged SAVE America Act provisions fail to tell the full story. Headlines and reporting that frame people’s support for voter ID or citizenship verification as evidence of support for anti-democracy restrictions aren’t the flex some may think.

Most poll questions don’t provide people the background, context, or implications of the policies being asked about. It might be important for people to know that laws concerning voter ID and citizenship already exist.

And the polls aren’t asking whether people support the motivation and manipulation of information behind these proposals.

Blocking voters and our power is the goal. It’s not about security or integrity.

Election safety versus voting rights is a fake dichotomy set up to trick people into believing that giving away some of our rights will keep us safe. Since his return to office, the current president has made it very clear he wants to stack the deck so that he and his allies never lose again.

He has made numerous statements about wanting to take over elections, driven by his need for absolute power. In the past month, he has listed the same provisions being pushed in polls as a part of his voter suppression agenda.

He also bragged that his party could stay in control for another 50 years after his agenda is passed. All of this matters when people are being asked questions out of context.

Here’s what’s missing from articles and headlines about people’s support for SAVE Act provisions:

1. We already have laws and standards for voter eligibility and election administration

The way SAVE Act supporters carry on, you wouldn’t know there are already laws on the books that address everything they claim is a problem. American voters already have to confirm citizenship to register to vote. Improper voting, whether by non-citizens or due to other eligibility issues, already carries heavy penalties.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) set national standards for voter registration and voter list maintenance.

Sometimes called the “motor voter” law, the NVRA expanded how people could register to vote, opening the door to registration through the DMV or other government agencies. NVRA standards for voter list roll maintenance ensure transparent, accurate, and fair practices that balance necessary updates with voters’ rights.

Having more people registered is a good thing, unless you are obsessed with power and controlling election outcomes. More eligible people registering and voting is exactly why the right has spent almost 20 years fearmongering and repeating lies about virtually non-existent fraud.

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) implemented additional safeguards and practices that provide a baseline for all states.

But the SAVE America Act would ban online and mail-in voter registration, methods used by 94% of eligible voters, making it harder to register to vote or make required changes.

2. States already have citizenship safeguards in place

Again, states have safeguards in place for voter eligibility and election administration. Every state, except North Dakota, requires a declaration of citizenship when registering, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. North Dakota is the only state without voter registration.

In 36 states, voters must show some form of ID to vote. This varies from states that require a strict photo ID to others that allow people to show other forms of official documentation.

The 14 states that do not require voter ID use other forms of verification, such as signing sworn statements. Sworn statements and attestations are made under penalty of perjury and punishment.

The SAVE America Act’s voter ID requirements would nationalize the most restrictive policies and make it difficult for many voters to cast ballots. Student IDs and other forms acceptable in most states would be banned. Tribal IDs would be permitted only if they have an expiration date, but most don’t.

Most people’s Real IDs would not meet the act’s requirements for establishing citizenship. Only five states offer an “enhanced” license that notes citizenship status. And none of them are in the south.

While some discount the impact of voter ID laws, we’ve seen how even a few hundred votes can swing an election. Blocking even a “fraction” of voters or making thousands unnecessarily use provisional ballots can make the difference between electing a democracy champion and an election denier.

Again, federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections. It’s been illegal for decades. And non-citizens are not allowed to vote in federal elections.

3. It would have negative impacts on voter registration and vote-by-mail

According to democracy experts, the SAVE America Act’s requirement to submit documentary proof of citizenship in person would effectively eliminate online and mail-in voter registration. These two methods are used by an estimated 94% of Americans.

It would create barriers for voters across the board, including voters with disabilities, military families, and students. Can’t get off of work in time to register or update your registration? Tough luck.

The law would also significantly limit eligibility for mail-in voting in federal elections, including in states with universal vote-by-mail. It would also require people to submit a photocopy of their ID when requesting an absentee ballot and when returning the ballot.

4. Proof of citizenship laws are a trap and could block millions from the ballot

As widely reported, an estimated 21 million people lack the required citizenship documents to meet the law’s requirements. The fixation on citizenship is another way to create barriers for otherwise eligible voters. Reports indicate that citizenship review databases have incorrectly flagged people.

But that’s exactly why these laws are being pursued.

According to Mother Jones, in the first three years of a similar Kansas law, it blocked an estimated 31,000 otherwise eligible voters. It also led to the cancellation of another 16,000 voter registrations. A federal judge struck down the law as unconstitutional in 2018.

To date, only a handful of states have enacted documentary proof-of-citizenship laws.

It’s worth repeating that non-citizen voting and other forms of alleged fraud are extremely rare. And yet, we’ve been inundated with unfounded claims of alleged voter fraud or non-citizen voting for nearly 20 years.

Despite investigations and analyses consistently showing no evidence of the alleged mass fraud, those on the right continue to push for restrictive laws. Expert reviews of available voter data continue to show very few cases of reported fraud out of millions of votes cast across multiple election periods. Even conservative think tanks and researchers have found only a tiny number of reports out of billions of votes.

By some estimates, being struck by lightning is more common than so-called voter fraud.

And Trump and his allies at the state and federal levels know this. But they know fear is a motivator and can be used to deny eligible voters their right to free, fair, and accessible elections.

5. Promotes aggressive voter purges and increases election administration burdens

Despite the new requirements, no additional funding has been earmarked for state implementation and system upgrades. It would create chaos and confusion ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with little time for election staff training and compliance.

Thirty states have refused the Trump administration’s heavy-handed demand for access to our full, unredacted voter data. Remember when, during the height of the ICE siege in the Twin Cities, Attorney General Pam Bondi basically told Minnesota’s governor all he had to do was comply with the voter roll demand, and ICE would leave him alone?

Trump is trying to use Congress to force the states to do what federal courts won’t. The SAVE America Act would also require all states to hand over their data to the Department of Homeland Security for its citizen check review.

It’s a shakedown, and we should be appalled. And even the Trump administration’s own data review of 49.5 million voter registrations from 2024 found that only 0.02% of registrations were referred for additional investigation.

That doesn’t mean people were voting; just that their names were flagged. As Campaign Legal Center previously explained, aggressive purges like this make mistakes and are more likely to remove otherwise eligible voters than alleged non-citizens.

The existing system, also known as SAVE, cannot be used to verify the citizenship of U.S. citizens because it is for immigration review. It’s also outdated. So naturalized citizens, who have the right to vote, could be incorrectly flagged as non-citizens.

Think about all the personal information collected about us. Do you really want that sitting in a government database to be used however this administration and its rich friends see fit? The Brennan Center highlighted concerns about the security of the collected data and vague references to outside contractors who may have access to it.

The law also imposes criminal penalties on election officials and workers who do not comply. And it incentivizes snitching and frivolous lawsuits by allowing people to sue if they don’t think the law is being enforced correctly.

This is very different from the private right of action under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which allows people to challenge discrimination in voting processes or election administration. The proposed SAVE America Act provisions could embolden threats, attacks, and harassment of election officials and workers.

6. SAVE America Act provisions are a part of Trump’s voter suppression mandate

The SAVE America Act is a fake solution for issues that aren’t a real threat to our elections. And the so-called solutions put forth are barriers to millions of eligible voters. The real threat is a president and members of his party who continue to erode ballot access and voting rights.

Now, nearly 20 years after a bipartisan majority last reauthorized the Voting Rights Act, we are facing the greatest threat to our right to vote. Championed provisions around voter ID and proof of citizenship have nothing to do with election protection or security.

This law is a voter suppression fever dream with provisions proven to shave off thousands of eligible voters or block millions from even being able to apply to participate. We know firsthand the difference a few hundred votes, let alone a few thousand, can make in determining the outcome of an election.

Popular opinion is not always a good guide to which rights should be protected. Take a look at old opinion polls — racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression have been quite popular, but still wrong.

Simple fact checks, without context, do not help people understand the grave stakes for millions of voters and for our democracy overall. But context matters, and the SAVE America Act cannot be reduced to hot takes about polls saying people want this.

Austin Costner, Cleveland County organizer, stands in front of a storage unit filled with donated supplies during a countywide distribution that delivered more than 4,500 items.

In Cleveland County, Advance Carolina’s Southwest team is staying connected to the community through service, local engagement and intentional outreach to young people.

On March 9, Austin Costner, Cleveland County organizer, led a countywide school supply distribution, delivering more than 4,500 donated items to over 32 locations. The effort reached every public school in Cleveland County, as well as district programs, after-school sites such as the Boys & Girls Club, and local colleges and universities.

A volunteer delivery team that included Advance Carolina staff and regional partners supported the distribution, reflecting a coordinated approach to meeting community needs.

“This work is about more than supplies. It’s about making sure students have what they need to succeed,” said Austin Costner, Cleveland County organizer. “Access to basic resources is a critical part of economic empowerment.”

Local partners and members of NAACP Branch 5379-B gather at a Cleveland County Board of Education meeting to honor the Shelby 4, who broke racial barriers in 1963.

Honoring local history and advancing community recognition

Following the distribution, local partners gathered at a Cleveland County Board of Education meeting alongside members of NAACP Branch 5379-B, where the board voted unanimously to honor the Shelby 4 — four students who, in 1963, broke racial barriers by attending an all-white school.

The resolution recognizes Rayfield Cabaniss, Mary Elizabeth Borders, Severne Logan Budd and Cynthia Lowe for their courage and lasting impact. Community members also recognized Budd, the only living member of the group.

After more than six decades, the effort will result in the placement of a memorial within Shelby High School, marking a significant milestone in preserving local history and honoring those who paved the way.

Cleveland County students visit the Advance Carolina table at the C.O.R.E. HBCU College and Career Fair.

Engaging the next generation

The following week, on March 10-11, the Cleveland County organizing team participated in the C.O.R.E HBCU College and Career Fair, connecting directly with students about opportunities for civic engagement and leadership.

During the two-day event, nearly 60 students signed up to volunteer or receive organizational updates. The team also established connections with advisors from North Carolina A&T State University, UNC Charlotte and Cleveland Community College, opening the door for future partnerships and campus-based engagement.

Across each of these efforts, Advance Carolina’s Southwest regional team in Cleveland County continues to demonstrate a community-centered approach rooted in service, partnership and long-term impact.

Position Description

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Leadership Development

• Build and expand the volunteer base by initiating and cultivating relationships within the community.
• Identify and develop potential volunteer leaders, providing them with the support and resources needed to take on leadership roles.
• Recruit and support volunteers for election protection work, ensuring they are prepared and committed to safeguarding the democratic process.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and other local entities to advance shared goals.

Issue-Based Organizing

• Lead the planning and execution of issue-based campaigns and initiatives, collaborating with volunteers to drive meaningful change.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with community members to understand their concerns, interests, and motivations for involvement.
• Draft a local organizing agenda aligned with the needs and priorities of the community.
• Facilitate county table meetings to promote collaboration, communication, and coordination among local stakeholders.

Harbor and Community Access Coordinator

• Providing field support, recruitment and management of canvassing teams, and ensuring the successful execution of voter outreach initiatives.
• Leverage the Harbor as a critical location for community-led and supported voter education and outreach
• Provide in-field training, guidance, and reinforcement to canvassers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective voter engagement.
• Recruit and maintain relationships with both paid and volunteer canvassers, offering ongoing support, motivation, and feedback to enhance their performance.
• Collaborate with the data team to ensure accurate and clean data collection, analysis, and utilization for targeted outreach and voter engagement strategies.
• Monitor the performance and progress of canvassing teams, providing regular feedback and support to maximize their effectiveness in the field.
• Ensure canvassers have access to all necessary materials and resources for successful outreach efforts.
• Coordinate the ordering and distribution of outreach materials, ensuring timely delivery and availability for canvassing activities.
• Encourage and incentivize canvassing efforts, focusing on neighborhood-based initiatives to maximize local impact and voter participation.
• Actively promote and support the canvassing efforts of volunteer and constituency groups, enhancing neighborhood outreach and community engagement initiatives.

Educational Programming

• Create and implement educational opportunities to raise awareness of critical issues and promote engagement with the statewide agenda.
• Provide training and resources to volunteers and community members to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and organizing strategies.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect and report data related to volunteer engagement, campaign progress, and community impact.
• Provide regular updates to the Regional Coordinator, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Experience in community organizing, advocacy, or grassroots campaigns preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible schedule with availability for evening and weekend activities as needed.
• Commitment to the mission and values of NCBA and Advance Carolina
• Must live in NC

Compensation

• $3,500 per month

Advance North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

​
Last night’s primary election in North Carolina was a clear reminder that community engagement and grassroots organizing continue to shape the direction of our state. It also underscored the undeniable power of a unified Black community, which continues to play a decisive role in shaping elections and advancing leadership that reflects the priorities of OUR communities. No one should take the Black vote for granted, especially incumbents who think their misdeeds in Raleigh can be hidden from their district.

Advance Carolina congratulates the candidates we endorsed who secured victories in their primary races: Roy Cooper (U.S. Senate), Valerie Foushee (U.S. House N.C. District 4), Alma Adams(U.S. House N.C. District 12), Raymond Smith (U.S. House N.C. District 3), Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler (N.C. House District 106), Rodney Pierce (N.C. House District 27) and Satana Deberry (District Attorney – Durham).

The race in the 4th Congressional District drew national attention and significant spending. Outside groups spent over $4 million on advertising and messaging — making it one of the most expensive primaries in North Carolina history. Any investments made in our elections should be grounded in community and sustained efforts that inform, engage, and empower voters in every election cycle. Election outcomes should be shaped by the voices and priorities of local communities.

Grassroots organizing across North Carolina

Over the past several weeks, our team has been on the ground across the state — connecting with OUR communities, listening to what matters most and helping voters make a plan to participate in the primary election.

Together we:

• Knocked 76,362 doors across 23 counties
• Made 267,052 voter contacts through traditional phone banking and our Emerging Voter Program

​These conversations are about more than a single election. They are about building long-term civic participation, strengthening community voice and preparing for the critical election ahead.

Over the past year, we also led an accountability campaign across our digital platforms, including district accountability town halls and coordinated advocacy at the North Carolina General Assembly through our policy network, generating over 11,600 views.

As we look toward the general election this November, Advance Carolina will continue investing in the relationships and organizing that bring us closer to the people.

Position Description

The Community Organizer works closely with organizing staff and community stakeholders to drive voter engagement and maximize turnout and will report to the Organizing Manager and work collaboratively with volunteers, community members, and other organizers to implement initiatives that address community needs and advance organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Leadership Development

• Build and expand the volunteer base by initiating and cultivating relationships within the community.
• Identify and develop potential volunteer leaders, providing them with the support and resources needed to take on leadership roles.
• Recruit and support volunteers for election protection work, ensuring they are prepared and committed to safeguarding the democratic process.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and other local entities to advance shared goals.

Issue-Based Organizing

• Lead the planning and execution of issue-based campaigns and initiatives, collaborating with volunteers to drive meaningful change.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with community members to understand their concerns, interests, and motivations for involvement.
• Draft a local organizing agenda aligned with the needs and priorities of the community.
• Facilitate county table meetings to promote collaboration, communication, and coordination among local stakeholders.

Harbor and Community Access Coordinator

• Providing field support, recruitment and management of canvassing teams, and ensuring the successful execution of voter outreach initiatives.
• Leverage the Harbor as a critical location for community-led and supported voter education and outreach
• Provide in-field training, guidance, and reinforcement to canvassers, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective voter engagement.
• Recruit and maintain relationships with both paid and volunteer canvassers, offering ongoing support, motivation, and feedback to enhance their performance.
• Collaborate with the data team to ensure accurate and clean data collection, analysis, and utilization for targeted outreach and voter engagement strategies.
• Monitor the performance and progress of canvassing teams, providing regular feedback and support to maximize their effectiveness in the field.
• Ensure canvassers have access to all necessary materials and resources for successful outreach efforts.
• Coordinate the ordering and distribution of outreach materials, ensuring timely delivery and availability for canvassing activities.
• Encourage and incentivize canvassing efforts, focusing on neighborhood-based initiatives to maximize local impact and voter participation.
• Actively promote and support the canvassing efforts of volunteer and constituency groups, enhancing neighborhood outreach and community engagement initiatives.

Educational Programming

• Create and implement educational opportunities to raise awareness of critical issues and promote engagement with the statewide agenda.
• Provide training and resources to volunteers and community members to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and organizing strategies.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect and report data related to volunteer engagement, campaign progress, and community impact.
• Provide regular updates to the Regional Coordinator, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Experience in community organizing, advocacy, or grassroots campaigns preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible schedule with availability for evening and weekend activities as needed.
• Commitment to the mission and values of NCBA and Advance Carolina

Compensation

• $3,000-$3,500 per month

Advance North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

The targeted arrests of Black journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort by the Department of Justice represent yet another escalation in the current administration’s attack on our rights and freedoms. There is a reason that freedom of the press, along with the freedom of speech, is a part of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

A free press has always been necessary to hold unchecked power accountable. Lemon and Fort were covering a community-led protest at a Minnesota church in response to the government’s disruptive operation in the Twin Cities.

The Black press has a long and storied history in this country. From Ida B. Wells and Marvel Cooke to Wilmington’s Daily Record, the Black press has been essential to OUR fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms. They have told the stories that power would rather bury. They have held the line when institutions failed us.

The arrests of journalists. Federal raids on our communities. Threats and violence against citizens documenting government abuses. These are not isolated incidents–they are coordinated efforts to isolate us and cut us off from our ability to organize, to witness, and to demand change.

If they go after Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, the rest of us are in the crosshairs. It’s also no coincidence that these arrests come as a new drop of Epstein files was released.

This Sunday also marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month — a century of commemorating Black resistance, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for freedom. It also marks the anniversary of the Greensboro sit-ins, a defining moment when ordinary people took extraordinary risks to confront injustice.

Commemorating this history amid the current attacks presents a clear charge for Black communities and those who claim to stand with us.

Moments like this require more than outrage. It requires individuals committed to justice and to OUR communities. But more than that, it requires a broader ecosystem — organizations, networks, and movements that collectively build to raise the alarm, protect one another, and provide for OUR people when the government fails us.

Advance Carolina stands with Black journalists. We stand with those who document the truth. And we will continue building the political and economic power OUR communities need to resist what’s coming.

Advance Carolina organizers Faith Howell-Bey (right) and Alicia Roberts share a laugh during a meeting with coworkers and partners at John Chavis Memorial Park on Jan. 15, 2026. Howell-Bey is Advance Carolina’s new Triangle regional coordinator.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Roughly a month out from the state’s March 3 primary election finds Faith Howell-Bey stepping into one of Advance Carolina’s pivotal roles as the organization’s regional coordinator for areas in and around Raleigh and Durham.

“Faith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role,” said Jovita Lee, Ed.D., Advance Carolina’s policy director. “We are excited to see her growth as she steps into this new position and look forward to the vision and priorities she will advance.”

Howell-Bey, 28, already was rooted in the Triangle area, cultivating Black political power as Advance Carolina’s Johnston County organizer. In that space, she’s led with her ears and followed with plenty of heart. Like that time, for example, when what was supposed to be a one-off women’s brunch turned into a series of gatherings to meet ladies where they were, building a bridge to the ballot box. The brunches offered a place to platform issues that Howell-Bey would connect to voting. She’s broadening that approach for similar impact in Wake and Durham counties, guiding other organizers in the work.

“I plan to bring a unifying, people-centered vision that sees the Triangle not as separate counties but as an interconnected region with shared power and shared responsibility,” Howell-Bey said. “My work in Johnston County grounded me in the importance of deep listening, trust building and sustained engagement. As Triangle regional coordinator, I will lead with a clear understanding of what local organizers need to thrive and be effective.”

In December, The Johnston County Citizens Association recognized Howell-Bey for her public service, which included her get-out-the-vote (GOTV) initiatives.

“She was recognized by her peers as the community trailblazer in Johnston County, a testament to the dedication and skill set she brings to community organizing and GOTV engagement,” Lee said. “Having her leadership as we head into a critical election cycle will ensure that we are rightly positioned in the Triangle region to serve our community well and support them in casting their ballot freely and fairly.”

Among Advance Carolina’s goals is making sure people on the fence about voting in the midterm elections understand the power of their civic engagement.

North Carolina is among the states emerging from the wave of redistricting — redrawn voter maps — that flooded the country in 2025. State legislators gerrymandered the 1st Congressional District of North Carolina. For years, voters in that district sent a Democrat to Washington, D.C. The redraw makes it more favorable for Republican candidates.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of North Carolina, the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, the Hogan Lovells law firm, as well as individual plaintiffs sued lawmakers on grounds that the redrawn maps shifted thousands of Black voters out of their communities and made it nearly impossible to elect their candidates of choice. This past November, a three-judge panel ruling out of federal court in Winston-Salem said the maps are fine. While residents in Wake, Durham and Johnston counties are not directly impacted by that particular redraw, the verdict could discourage their participation in the political process, according to NAACP North Carolina State Conference President Deborah Dicks Maxwell.

“Gerrymandered maps that dilute Black political influence undermine the very foundation of our democracy,” Maxwell said.

It’s where Howell-Bey shows up with her creative approaches to offset apathy. 

“My goal is to foster deeper alignment within and across communities, elevate local leadership and advance long-term collective impact that builds and sustains Black political and economic power,” she said.

As 2026 gets underway, North Carolina lawmakers have returned to session without a finalized state budget. North Carolina is currently the last state in the country operating without one.

The ongoing delay has created uncertainty across multiple systems, including education, health care and higher education, with impacts already being felt by workers and families statewide.

What the budget delay means for North Carolinians

Without a state budget in place, funding decisions remain stalled, affecting essential services and public employees.

Educators remain in limbo regarding pay increases that were proposed in both the House and Senate versions of last year’s budget. With no final agreement, raises have not been implemented, prompting growing concern about retention as some educators consider leaving the profession due to financial instability.

Major health care projects are also at a standstill. Plans for a new children’s hospital have not moved forward despite an ongoing provider shortage in North Carolina and across the country. Delays in capital funding limit the state’s ability to expand access to care.

Institutions within the UNC System are operating under outdated funding levels that do not reflect current enrollment growth. The mismatch between student population increases and available funding has delayed staff raises and expansion projects needed to support students.

The lack of a state budget, combined with federal Medicaid cuts, has raised additional concerns about the stability of North Carolina’s health care coverage system. Together, these factors increase the risk of coverage gaps and reduced access to services.

Budget action unlikely before spring

While calls for a finalized budget persist, lawmakers are not expected to resume negotiations until April. That timeline leaves many North Carolinians facing continued uncertainty for at least another quarter.

Primary elections offer opportunity for voter engagement

In the meantime, North Carolinians have an opportunity to participate in the state’s upcoming primary elections.

Primary Election Day is March 3, with early voting beginning Feb. 12. Voters are encouraged to check their registration status, confirm polling locations and make a plan to vote.

Election information and voting resources are available at SafeVoterNC.org.

Editor’s Note (Dec. 18): We are resurfacing this article as Congress faces another pivotal moment on healthcare affordability. On Dec. 17, a bipartisan group of House members took the rare step of challenging their own leadership by supporting a procedural move that would force a vote on extending enhanced health insurance subsidies first expanded during the pandemic. These subsidies help keep monthly premiums affordable for millions of people who rely on coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

This development comes as House leadership advanced legislation that leaves those subsidies untouched — despite warnings that their expiration at the end of the year could result in sharp premium increases. As lawmakers prepare to return in January, the future of affordable healthcare remains uncertain, and the consequences will be felt most by working families already struggling with rising costs.

Recently, lawmakers reached a tentative agreement, a 328-page document that temporarily extends funding into the new year. This deal will replenish SNAP benefits and ensure back pay for federal employees. But it’s far from a full solution.

The most critical unresolved issue remains healthcare affordability. As part of this temporary agreement, Congress has made a “handshake promise” to revisit the extension of healthcare subsidies in December, a major sticking point for Democrats who have pushed to prevent devastating premium hikes.

Without these subsidies, the consequences are staggering. A family of four currently paying around $500 to $600 per month for healthcare could see that cost soar to over $2,100 a month in 2026. These skyrocketing premiums stem from a decade of cuts to the healthcare system — cuts driven mainly by the Republican majority in Congress.

Today’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives could reopen the government and bring temporary relief to millions, but the fight for healthcare justice is far from over.

That’s why we’re urging you to contact your House representative and tell them to hold the line for affordable healthcare. Your voice can help ensure that working families don’t shoulder the burden of political gridlock.