RALEIGH, N.C. – As of noon on Monday, Dec. 4, candidates throughout North Carolina can officially file to run for office.

Candidacy filing runs through Friday, Dec. 15, but many people took advantage of the first day of filing.

Luke Farley, a Republican who is running for labor commissioner, brought his family and arrived early.

“We wanted to send a clear message right out of the gate that we're in this race to win, and that's why we're here even before the board opens,” Farley said.

In Durham, State Senator Natalie Murdock came to file for re-election. Murdock said she’s a believer in day-one filing.

“I think it's a signal to show folks that you are serious, that you are dedicated to the office. For some folks, that may take more time. But for me, I love filing day one, 12 noon, so that folks know that I'm excited and ready to serve the public,” Murdock said.

The 2024 ballots will be packed in North Carolina, with a variety of races for president, governor, council of state, legislature, judicial and local seats.

Murdock came to the Board of Elections with some co-workers, a group of current legislators who represent Durham at the General Assembly.

She said they work well together, and believe there is still work to be done in Raleigh.

“I think we are one of the most diverse delegations. We have a mix of gender. We have a mix of race. We have a mix of folks that have various viewpoints,” Murdock said. 

For Farley, this day of filing has been a long time coming, but it’s far from the end of the race.

“It's official now, you know, we've been on the campaign trail hard probably the last six months or so. And now, though it's set and we're in this race to win it,” Farley said.

For more information on filing for candidacy, you can click here.

North Carolina’s Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5.