As North Carolina ushers in 2026, the state finds itself at a pivotal moment—one that blends the excitement of a busy primary election season with a flurry of tech and entrepreneurial events in the Triangle and beyond. With critical dates fast approaching for both voters and innovators, the first weeks of the year are shaping up to be anything but dull for residents across the Tar Heel State.
For those keeping an eye on the political calendar, the countdown to North Carolina’s Primary Election Day is well underway. According to WTVD, absentee ballots are set to be mailed out starting Monday, January 12, 2026, giving voters the first opportunity to participate in this year’s contests. But if you plan to vote by mail, don’t dawdle—the deadline to request an absentee ballot is February 17 at 5 p.m. Early in-person voting kicks off on February 12, offering another convenient option for those looking to cast their ballots ahead of the March 3 Primary Election Day.
There’s no shortage of ways to make your voice heard in North Carolina. As WTVD reports, voters can choose from three methods: early in-person voting, in-person voting on Primary Election Day, or voting by mail. But this year, there’s a new wrinkle: all voters must show a photo ID when checking in to vote. It’s a change that’s likely to spark conversation at polling places, especially for those who haven’t voted since the new requirement took effect.
Party affiliation plays a key role in how and what you’ll vote for. Registered voters can only cast a ballot for candidates in their own party’s primary—so, for example, Republicans get Republican ballots, and Democrats get Democratic ones. Unaffiliated voters, on the other hand, have the flexibility to pick any one party’s ballot or a nonpartisan option if available, but they can’t vote in more than one party’s primary. And, should no candidate reach the necessary vote percentage in any contest, a second primary—essentially a runoff—can be requested by the runner-up, scheduled for May 12, 2026.
This year’s primary is especially significant as it marks the first election since the North Carolina House approved a new Congressional voting map. The changes affect two districts in particular: District 1, the state’s only swing seat, and District 3. District 1 is currently represented by Democrat Don Davis, who secured his seat in 2024 by a razor-thin margin of less than 2%. Meanwhile, Republican Greg Murphy represents District 3, having run unopposed by a Democratic challenger two years ago. With new boundaries in play, both districts are likely to see heightened interest—and perhaps some surprises—when voters head to the polls.
While politics might be dominating headlines, North Carolina’s tech and entrepreneurial communities aren’t taking a back seat. As GrepBeat highlights in its Monday Mix podcast, the new year brings a packed schedule of events and opportunities for innovators and business leaders across the region. If you’re looking to get involved or simply stay in the loop, there’s no shortage of ways to plug in.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders can tune in to a webinar info session for NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grant applications at 3 p.m. EST. These grants are a lifeline for early-stage companies, providing crucial funding to help get ideas off the ground. And for those who missed the webinar, there are several in-person info sessions lined up throughout the week: Wednesday, January 14, brings an NC IDEA grant info session at First Flight Venture Center in the Triangle from 9:30 to 11 a.m., while Thursday, January 15, sees another session at UNCC CO-LAB in Charlotte from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
But the week isn’t just about funding. Tuesday, January 13, features the “Deals to Portfolios: AI and the Future of Venture Strategy” session at Innovate Carolina Junction from 9 to 10:30 a.m.—a must-attend for anyone interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and investment. Meanwhile, 1 Million Cups, a national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs, hosts two gatherings on Wednesday: one at Echo HQ in Durham and another with AxSellerated Development at the UNCW CIE in Wilmington, both at 9 a.m.
The energy doesn’t stop there. On Sunday, January 18, the early bird ticket price for GrepBeat’s annual Rising Stars event comes to an end. This gathering, a highlight for the region’s startup scene, is expected to draw a crowd of founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts eager to celebrate the state’s most promising new ventures. If you’re hoping to snag a ticket at the best rate, now’s the time to act.
And for those with an eye on longer-term growth, applications for CED’s GRO Incubator opened on January 12 and will remain open through February 16. The program, designed to help startups scale and succeed, is a coveted opportunity for early-stage companies looking to make their mark. As GrepBeat points out, the state’s innovation ecosystem is buzzing—and with so many events and deadlines, it’s easy to see why.
Amid all this activity, it’s easy to overlook some of the logistical details that can make or break your plans—whether you’re voting or launching a business. For voters, sample ballots for the primary are typically available 50 days before Election Day, giving you plenty of time to research candidates and contests. For entrepreneurs, GrepBeat’s community calendar is a handy resource for keeping track of upcoming events and deadlines.
Of course, the convergence of politics and innovation in North Carolina isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a testament to the state’s dynamic spirit. From the halls of the General Assembly to the co-working spaces of Durham and Charlotte, there’s a sense that big things are happening. Voters are preparing to weigh in on new Congressional maps, while founders are pitching ideas that could shape the next decade.
As election season heats up, the new Congressional districts are likely to draw particular scrutiny. District 1’s status as a swing seat means every vote will count, and with Don Davis having won by less than 2% in 2024, even minor shifts could tip the balance. District 3, meanwhile, might see fresh competition after Greg Murphy’s uncontested run last cycle. The stakes are high, and the outcomes could have ripple effects far beyond state lines.
For those new to the process—or just in need of a refresher—WTVD reminds readers that registering or updating voter registration is straightforward, with resources readily available online. The emphasis on photo ID at the polls is another change to keep in mind, as is the rule that prevents voters from participating in more than one party’s primary.
On the tech side, the sheer number of events and opportunities speaks to North Carolina’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation. Whether you’re seeking funding, mentorship, or simply a chance to network, the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem offers something for everyone. And with major deadlines like the Rising Stars early bird ticket and GRO Incubator applications looming, the time to get involved is now.
As January unfolds, North Carolinians are being called to action—at the ballot box and in the boardroom. With so much at stake and so many opportunities ahead, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year to remember for the Old North State.