CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A local LGBT political action committee has given their nod to each of the Democratic candidates vying for seats on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners.
Early voting begins today for the May 6 primary, in which five Democrats will compete to run for three slots on the November ballot. Two Democrats are also competing for the Democratic nomination for the county’s District 2 seat.
The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) has endorsed each of the Democrats running. The group notes that it evaluates candidates only on their positions and records as it pertains to LGBT issues.
Candidates endorsed and running in the at-large Democratic primary include incumbents Pat Cotham, Trevor Fuller and Kim Michele Ratliff. Challengers endorsed and running include Elaine Powell and Ella Scarborough.
Scarborough is a former Charlotte City Council member.
MeckPAC also gave the green light to both candidates in the District 2 Democratic primary, incumbent Vilma Leake and challenger Dondhi Burrell.
Other seats in Democratic and Republican primaries for County Commission either have no candidate or no primary. MeckPAC did not endorse in those races, though the group says the did receive questionnaire responses from a total of 10 candidates.
MeckPAC is expected to review candidates again and release more extensive endorsements before the November general election.
Due to changes in North Carolina’s voting laws, one must have been registered to vote by April 11 in order to vote in this year’s May 6 primary. Same-day voter registration will not be allowed. The deadline to register for the November general election is Oct. 10.
For more information on voting and voter registration, polling places, candidates and more, visit NC Voter Guide.