How often is State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) elected?

The position of State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in North Carolina?

Filing fee is 1% of the annual salary for the position sought. In lieu of paying a filing fee, a candidate petition must be signed by 5% of the registered voters in the election area in which the office will be voted for, who are affiliated with the same political party in whose primary the candidate desires to run, or 200 registered voters regardless of the voter’s political party affiliation, whichever is greater.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Board of Elections office in the county of your residence.

Where is the filing office?

Submit paperwork to the Board of Elections office in the county of your residence.

How do I get started running for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)?

You can start running for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) does not include a primary or runoff election.

How to Run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) in North Carolina

About State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

About this position

These District or Circuit Inferior Court Judges are responsible for adjudicating cases in Civil and Criminal Courts at the trial-level, usually for minor offenses such as misdemeanor cases or civil matters below a certain dollar amount.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $111,791/year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Candidates must be registered voters, reside in the district for which they are elected, 21 years old by the date of the general election, licensed to practice law in the state of North Carolina, and must retire upon reaching the age of 72.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is 1% of the annual salary for the position sought. In lieu of paying a filing fee, a candidate petition must be signed by 5% of the registered voters in the election area in which the office will be voted for, who are affiliated with the same political party in whose primary the candidate desires to run, or 200 registered voters regardless of the voter’s political party affiliation, whichever is greater.
Filing period
December 4, 2023 - December 15, 2023
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Board of Elections office in the county of your residence.
Where to file
Submit paperwork to the Board of Elections office in the county of your residence.
Filing phone
Submit paperwork to the Board of Elections office in the county of your residence.
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Candidates for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior).

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

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What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

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How to Run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior) in North Carolina

About State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

Candidates for State Trial Court Judge (Inferior)

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for North Carolina's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

How to Run for Judge

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About this guide

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