As voters prepare for upcoming elections, it’s crucial to understand the roles and responsibilities of state and local offices. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of key positions, from the lieutenant governor to city council members, explaining their duties and impact on governance. By familiarizing themselves with these roles, voters can make more informed decisions at the ballot box.

NC Lieutenant Governor

• The second-highest elected official in the state and the only one with powers in both the legislative and executive branches. 

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• Serves as President of the State Senate, casting tie-breaking votes when necessary and is a State Board of Education member. 

• Assumes the role of Acting Governor when the Governor is absent or incapacitated.

NC Attorney General

• Serves as the state’s chief legal officer. 

• Represents state agencies in legal matters, advises state officials and prosecutors and leads the North Carolina Department of Justice. 

• Defends the state’s interests in legal proceedings and has the authority to intervene in matters affecting the public interest.

NC Auditor

• Responsible for auditing state agencies, institutions and programs to ensure proper use of public funds. 

• Conducts financial audits, performance audits and investigations to promote accountability and efficiency in state government.

NC Commissioner of Agriculture

• Leads the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They oversee agricultural policies, food safety regulations and consumer protection programs related to agriculture and food products in the state.

NC Commissioner of Insurance

• Regulates the insurance industry in North Carolina. 

• Responsible for licensing insurance companies and agents, investigating consumer complaints and ensuring the solvency of insurance providers operating in the state.

NC Commissioner of Labor

• Leads the North Carolina Department of Labor. 

• Enforces workplace safety regulations, oversees occupational licensing programs and administers the state’s wage and hour laws.

NC Secretary of State

• Manages business registrations, maintains state records and archives and oversees various licensing programs. 

• Play a role in elections by certifying certain election results and maintaining campaign finance records.

NC Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Leads the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

• Responsible for implementing state education policies, overseeing curriculum standards and managing the state’s public school system.

NC Treasurer

• Manages North Carolina’s financial assets, including pension funds and state investments. 

• Oversee the state’s debt management and serve on various state financial boards.

NC Supreme Court Associate Justices

• Hear appeals on constitutional questions and other legal issues of major significance. 

• Interpret state laws and establish legal precedents through their rulings.

NC Court of Appeals Judges

• Reviews decisions from lower courts for errors of law. 

• Hears most appeals from the state’s trial courts before cases potentially move to the Supreme Court of North Carolina. 

NC District Court Judges

• Presides over misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felony cases, civil cases under $25,000, domestic relations cases and juvenile matters. 

• Makes rulings on local legal disputes and interprets state laws at the district level.

Wake County Board of Commissioners

• Serves as the governing body for Wake County. 

• Sets county policies, adopts the annual budget and oversees various county departments and services.

Wake County Register of Deeds

• Maintains and preserves vital records for Wake County, including birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and property deeds. 

• Manages the recording and indexing of these documents.

Wake County Board of Education

• Responsible for setting educational policies, managing the school system’s budget and overseeing the operation of public schools in Wake County.

Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor

• Work to promote soil and water conservation practices in Wake County. 

• Develop and implement conservation programs and provide education on natural resource management.

City of Raleigh Mayor

• Serves as the city’s chief executive officer. 

• Presides over City Council meetings, represents the city in official functions and plays a key role in shaping city policies and initiatives.

City of Raleigh City Council

• Responsible for enacting local ordinances, approving the city budget and making decisions on various municipal issues such as zoning, public safety and infrastructure development.