As the calendar turns toward March 3, 2026, voters in two rapidly changing regions—Montgomery County, Texas, and Cleveland County, North Carolina—are preparing to cast their ballots in primary elections that will help shape the political landscape for years to come. These primary contests, held on the same day in both states, are drawing heightened attention from local leaders and residents alike, as they determine which candidates will advance to the consequential November general election.
Montgomery County, situated just north of Houston, is one of Texas’s fastest-growing counties. According to KPRC Click2Houston, the area’s swelling population has brought with it a surge of political engagement—and a set of races that touch nearly every corner of local government. On the ballot are pivotal contests for county judge, commissioners court positions, sheriff, district attorney, and a host of judicial seats. The stakes, local observers say, couldn’t be higher for a county experiencing such rapid transformation.
Historically, Montgomery County has leaned Republican, with primary turnout for the GOP consistently outpacing that of the Democratic Party. Yet, as the 2026 primaries approach, party leaders from both sides are working overtime to mobilize voters. The message from both camps is clear: every vote counts, and the outcome of these primaries will set the tone for November’s general election.
“We are seeing new faces and fresh energy in precinct meetings,” one local party leader told Click2Houston. “Our goal is to make sure every eligible voter knows how and when to participate.” While the Republican Party remains dominant in the area, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on demographic shifts and increased outreach to make inroads in several key races.
Meanwhile, across state lines in North Carolina, a similar scene is unfolding in Cleveland County and beyond. WBTV reports that voters there are also gearing up for the March 3, 2026, primaries, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The main items on the ballot in Cleveland County are the board of commissioners and the board of education—two bodies that wield significant influence over local policy, spending, and school governance.
For North Carolinians, the run-up to Election Day is marked by a flurry of activity, as residents check their polling places, review sample ballots, and make plans to vote. The North Carolina State Board of Elections has made it easier than ever for voters to find their assigned polling place and preview the choices they’ll face in the voting booth. Registered voters can use the official Voter Search to access specific details about their eligibility, polling location, absentee ballot status, and voting history.
Notably, North Carolina offers several pathways to voter registration, reflecting a push for broad participation. Residents can register online, by mail, or in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The deadline for mail and online registration for the March 3 primary was February 6, 2026. However, the state also allows for same-day registration during the early voting period, which ends on February 28. This provision means that eligible residents who missed the standard deadline can still register and vote at the same time, provided they bring proper identification and documentation proving residency—such as a utility bill or pay stub—and have lived in the county for at least 30 days.
“Same-day registration has been a game-changer for many voters who might otherwise be left out,” an election official told WBTV. “It makes the process more accessible and ensures that everyone who wants to participate has a fair shot.”
Early voting, a popular option in North Carolina, also wraps up on February 28. During this period, voters can not only cast their ballots ahead of the rush but also drop off completed absentee ballots at any early voting site or their local county board of elections office. This flexibility, officials say, has helped increase turnout and reduce bottlenecks on Election Day itself.
Once the polls close on March 3, real-time election results will begin to populate online, with WBTV and other outlets providing up-to-the-minute updates. Results will be listed in alphabetical order by county and then by city, town, or village, making it easy for residents to follow the races that matter most to them.
For both Montgomery County and Cleveland County, these primaries represent more than just a procedural step on the road to November. They are a reflection of changing communities, evolving political dynamics, and the enduring importance of local government. In Montgomery County, the rapid influx of new residents has brought with it questions about infrastructure, public safety, and the direction of growth. The races for county judge and commissioners court, in particular, have become focal points for debates about how best to manage the county’s expansion while maintaining its unique character.
“We’re at a crossroads,” a longtime Montgomery County resident told Click2Houston. “The people we elect now will be making decisions that affect our schools, our roads, and our quality of life for decades. That’s why this primary feels so important.”
In Cleveland County, the focus is similarly local, with voters set to decide the makeup of the board of commissioners and the board of education. These bodies oversee everything from school budgets to land use policies, and the choices made in this primary could have ripple effects across the region. With early voting and same-day registration options in place, officials are optimistic about strong participation.
“We want to see every voice represented,” a Cleveland County election worker told WBTV. “That’s what democracy is all about.”
As Election Day approaches, both counties are bracing for higher-than-average turnout, fueled by population growth, competitive races, and concerted outreach efforts by party leaders. For voters, the process is straightforward: check your registration, review your ballot, and make a plan to vote—whether in person, by mail, or during the early voting window.
Ultimately, the results of these primaries will set the stage for a consequential general election in November. But for now, the focus remains on March 3—a date that promises to bring clarity, competition, and, perhaps, a few surprises to Montgomery County, Cleveland County, and beyond.
With local government on the line and new voices entering the political arena, residents on both sides of the state line are making it clear: the future starts with a vote.