Top Concerns
We focus on issues that protect democracy and improve people’s lives.
Democracy North Carolina has identified a set of core issues that directly affect the health of our state’s democracy and have a profound impact on people’s lives. This section outlines the core issues that concern us.
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Our top concerns include money in politics (which we address, in part, by advocating for voter-owned elections), ethics reform, voting and voter rights, modernizing NC's electoral policies, promoting democracy-friendly legislation and encouraging greater citizen participation in our government. Within each of these issue areas, we conduct original research and use our advocacy and community organizing skills to win new government policies that bring us closer to our ideal of a state government of, for and by the people of NC .
If you would like to know more about our top concerns and how they affect your life, please explore this section using the submenu at right or the links above. If you would like to help us promote one or more of these issues:
Because we are nonpartisan, we are often invited to speak in front of schools, civic groups and faith communities.
A National VOE Leader
Advocating For Voter-Owned Elections
Did you know that North Carolina is leading the nation in implementing Voter-Owned Elections (sometimes called VOE or public campaign financing)? The N.C. Public Campaign Fund, which supports statewide judicial candidates, and our Council of State VOE program are both serving as model programs for other states seeking to put elections back in the hands of voters. NC is even implementing a local public campaign financing pilot program and considering legislative VOE. Democracy NC has worked hard with our partners to bring these innovative programs to fruition and we are proud of our success.
Let the People Speak
2008: A Banner Year for Voting
Voter participation reached a new high in 2008, thanks to the efforts of our organization and many others who heeded our call to make maximum use of Early Voting and Same-Day Registration. Local boards responded to these efforts and a record 368 sites were opened for early voting leading up to November 4th. A record 2 million citizens took advantage of Early Voting during the General Election and 253,000 participated by using Same-Day Registration. As a bonus, this turn-out helped keep polls orderly on Election Day and resulted in a decrease in challenges and provisional ballot.
Why These Issues Matter:
Our goal is to build a government that is responsive to ordinary citizens, one that listens to all people, not just the people who donate to political campaigns. We believe that, as a citizen of North Carolina, you have the right to be represented well in Raleigh, by elected officials who conduct themselves with honor and integrity. All of our core issues contribute to creating this kind of government.
