Johnston NAACP Announces Candidate Forum Ahead Of General Election

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – The Johnston County Branch of the NAACP will host a nonpartisan candidate forum Friday, Oct. 9 at Johnston Community College.

The forum will begin at 6 p.m. in the Wood Building, 245 College Road in Smithfield.

Organizers said the event is intended to give Johnston County residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates appearing on the November general election ballot and learn more about the issues and offices being decided.

Oct. 9 is also North Carolina’s regular voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election. The registration deadline is 5 p.m., according to the N.C. State Board of Elections. Voters who miss that deadline may still be able to register and vote during the in-person early voting period.

Dinner will be provided at no cost to attendees through grant funding, according to organizers.

A Mix & Mingle is scheduled to follow the candidate forum at 7:30 p.m.

The Johnston County NAACP is seeking participation from candidates as well as partnerships with nonpartisan community organizations interested in supporting the event.

Candidates and organizations interested in participating may contact Michelle Lewis, First Vice President of the Johnston County NAACP, at michellemccormicklewis@gmail.com.

The 2026 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. In-person early voting begins Oct. 15 and continues through Oct. 31.