The secretary's office works primarily in an administrative capacity helping people start and register businesses, protect North Carolinians against scams and fraud, oversee trademarks and lobbyists among other jobs.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals handles cases appealed by lower state courts and deals only with whether the previous trials were conducted in line with the law. There are 15 judges who serve on the court of appeals with three open seats this November. Terms for these judges last eight years.

Republicans in North Carolina and nationally are sifting through the fallout of a bombshell report about Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the GOP's gubernatorial nominee.

The North Carolina Supreme Court, the highest court in the state, takes up appealed cases from lower state courts, having the final say on matters. There are seven total justices, with one being the chief justice, and one of those seats is up for grabs this fall.

Mark Robinson’s chances may be sinking on the heels of two stories concerning his past and present online activity.

The entire nation will vote on the next president of the United States this fall, but the election will likely come down to seven key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina,

Prepare for the general election with this voter guide full of information on candidates running this November.