North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the states where elections can quickly reshape women’s rights. North Carolina’s policy shifts in recent years have reflected a combination of legislative priorities, veto dynamics, executive action, and legal interpretations, with legislative control playing an important role.

As a result, access and protections can change even without broad public debate—making elections a central factor in determining the state’s direction.

What’s at stake

Several areas of women’s rights in North Carolina remain under active pressure and could shift based on future elections:

Reproductive healthcare access
North Carolina enacted a 12-week abortion ban in 2023, replacing broader access that had existed under earlier court rulings. The law includes limited exceptions and has been accompanied by new restrictions placed on providers. Because abortion access is governed by statute rather than constitutional protection, future legislatures could further restrict access or revise the current framework.

Voting and civic participation
North Carolina has already adopted voting laws that include strict voter ID requirements and limits on early and absentee voting. These restrictions have been shaped through both legislation and litigation, with courts repeatedly weighing in on how election laws are applied. Changes in legislative control or judicial interpretation could further affect voting access and election administration.

In 2026, residents will vote on a constitutional amendment that would require voter identification for all forms of voting, including mail and absentee ballots. If approved, the requirement would be written into the state constitution, making it harder to change through future legislation or court decisions.

Education and LGBTQ+ protections
Recent legislative efforts in North Carolina have targeted curriculum content, parental notification requirements, and gender-related policies in schools. These measures have implications for student safety, inclusion, and access to education—particularly for girls and LGBTQ+ students. Education policy remains highly sensitive to shifts in political control.

What will be on the ballot — and when

North Carolina voters will participate in two elections that influence how women’s rights laws are written, enforced, and challenged.

Primary election (March 3, 2026)

State legislative primaries
U.S. House of Representatives primaries

General election (November 3, 2026)

Governor
North Carolina General Assembly
U.S. House of Representatives
Ballot measure - "North Carolina Require Voter Identification Amendment."

Election resources

North Carolina State Board of Elections — voter registration, election dates, voting options
Ballotpedia — North Carolina elections, 2026

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.