The state supreme court is the state’s highest appellate court and has the power to uphold or strike down state laws and policies depending on their interpretation of the federal and state constitution. If the General Assembly passes unconstitutional bills, the state supreme court may decide whether those laws stand. Especially with a hostile legislature, state supreme courts are crucial for protecting our civil rights and freedoms.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the state Supreme Court may have the last word on abortion rights in North Carolina.
This year, one state supreme court seat is up for election. This is important to note because it took just one vote in our state legislature to make the abortion ban in NC law. The ACLU of North Carolina does not endorse or oppose candidates, but wants you to make an informed decision.
To see all the races that will be on your ballot this year, you can search your information on NC's voter search page. It will show you a sample ballot to help you prepare for the election.