Key Characteristics in North Carolina

• Voter Registration: An unaffiliated voter is someone who does not select a political party (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Green) on their voter registration application.

• Taxpayer Context: Because public funds—sourced from all taxpayers—are used to administer partisan primary elections, North Carolina law allows unaffiliated voters to choose which party's primary ballot they wish to cast on election day.

• Primary Election Flexibility: Unaffiliated taxpayers can choose a Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or nonpartisan ballot in a primary. However, they can only participate in one party's primary per election cycle.

• Population Growth: As of early 2026, unaffiliated voters remain the largest group of registered voters in North Carolina, surpassing both registered Democrats and Republicans.