3 things happening in NC: No more procrastination, Election Day is here

Start your week with your civic duty. Primary Election Day is Tuesday in NC. Plus, a Lake Norman comedy festival and political dance in High Point. 

There’s no more putting it off. Early voting is over and Tuesday is your last chance to vote in the midterm primaries. 

Many folks across the country feel frustrated, jaded, and disenfranchised by what’s happening politically. These feelings can lead to apathy and the idea that voting doesn’t matter. I’m here to tell you that it does matter. 

It’s not the only thing that matters, of course—protests, mutual aid, community organizing, etc., all play an important part in creating the change you want to see. ICYMI, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton wrote all about that on Friday. 

Voting goes hand in hand with all of these things, and this week provides the opportunity to kick off midterm season with the primaries. Below Election Day, I’ve picked out a couple of other fun opportunities for the week, but your civic responsibility comes first. *Dismounts from pedestal.* 

Election Day

Tuesday, March 3; polls open 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

If you live in an area that leans heavily to one side of the political aisle or the other, the primaries are likely your main chance to elect your local representatives for the year. Here in Mecklenburg County, where I live, the primaries will likely serve as the general election for our sheriff and county commissioners, among others. 

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. Here’s what you need to know about voting on Election Day.

There are also statewide races on the ballot for all of our readers across North Carolina, including the primaries to decide which two candidates will face off to fill Thom Tillis’s US Senate seat in November. 

On the Republican side, former Republican National Committee Chair and Trump-backed candidate Michael Whatley faces Michele Morrow, who pulled off an upset in the 2024 primaries by unseating incumbent NC Superintendent of Education Catherine Truitt. Morrow ultimately lost to Democrat Maurice “Mo” Green in the general election.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper is likely to sweep the Democratic field in that primary, though that’s no reason not to show up. Check out your own sample ballot to see which races are taking place in your district on Tuesday. 

Michael Whatley (left) and Michele Morrow (right) are among the Republicans competing in this year’s primary Election Day. (Photos via Whatley, Morrow campaigns)

Laughs On LKN: A Queen City Comedy Experience in Cornelius

March 5-8; Warehouse Studio Theatre, Cornelius

The comedy scene in Charlotte has been on the rise in recent years, and this weekend gives folks a chance to check out the wide variety of talented local comics performing in one space. One notable name on the bill is Steve Hofstetter, a nationally-recognized comedian who moved to Charlotte from Pittsburgh in 2025. 

“By bringing comedians and audiences together in an intimate theater setting, Laughs On LKN aims to create a shared live experience built on bold perspectives, sharp writing, and unforgettable performances,” read a release announcing the new festival. 

There are seven to 10 diverse acts taking the stage each night so you’re bound to catch someone who speaks to you. 

 

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‘Searching for Goya’ in High Point

Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.; High Point Theatre, High Point

When you think about political performances of interpretive dance, it’s likely that your eyes either glaze over or roll right out of your skull. This one, I promise you, is worth your time. 

With Martin Santangelo acting as director and co-choreographer alongside Bessie Award-winning principal dancer Soledad Barrio, Searching for Goya explores the life’s work of famed political visual artist Francisco de Goya through the language of flamenco. 

The performance comprises about a dozen vignettes inspired by Goya’s paintings, featuring original music and wardrobe, including original mask design by world-renowned artist Mary Frank.

The show’s organizers write, “The production reveals Goya’s scorching political criticisms and his penetrating examinations of the human condition.”

“Searching for Goya” at High Point Theatre explores the life’s work of famed political visual artist Francisco de Goya through the language of flamenco. (Photo via High Point Theatre)