N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 3

North Carolina Court of Appeals judges are statewide roles, meaning voters across all 100 counties in North Carolina vote in these races. The court, which is made up of 15 judges who hear cases in three-person panels, is the state’s intermediate appellate court and hears appeals from lower courts in both civil and criminal cases.

Requirements and duties:

Judges on the North Carolina Court of Appeals serve eight-year terms.

They must be licensed attorneys and are responsible for reviewing lower court decisions, interpreting state law, and issuing written opinions.

The Court of Appeals plays a major role in shaping legal precedent in North Carolina and often hears cases involving constitutional rights, criminal justice and civil disputes.

Democrat Allegra Collins vacated the seat for this election, so there is no incumbent in the race. Democrat Christine Walczyk faces Republican Craig Collins. Judicial races in North Carolina identify candidates’ parties on the ballot, though judges are expected to be nonpartisan in decision-making. Republicans hold 12 of the 15 seats on the N.C. Court of Appeals.