Apr 11, 2026 – Manteo & Wanchese Precinct Meeting
Melissa Zehner, Candidate for the NC Senate District 1, discussed the issues she will address when elected: healthcare in rural NC, housing and related infrustructure, education funding, stopping gerrymandering, and FEMA funding for Hatteras.
Mar 28, 2026 – No Kings Protests in Kitty Hawk and Avon
Press release Mar 22, 2026: Rep. Don Davis Joins Dare County Democratic Party for Well-Attended 2026 County Convention
MANTEO, N.C. — U.S. Representative Don Davis (D-NC) joined local Democrats, candidates, and community members Saturday as the Dare County Democratic Party hosted its 2026 County Convention, highlighting strong momentum ahead of the upcoming election season. Rep. Davis is running for reelection in the newly configured First Congressional District, which includes Dare and Currituck Counties.
Held March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Virginia S. Tillett Center in Manteo, the convention brought together residents from across Dare County for a morning of candidate engagement, political insight, and community connection.
Attendees heard directly from Democratic candidates for local office, including Aida Havel, candidate for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, and Kelleta Govan, candidate for the Dare County Board of Education, and had the opportunity to learn more about party priorities and organizing efforts in the months leading up to the general election.
The event also featured award-winning journalist Billy Ball of Cardinal & Pine, who delivered a keynote address focused on North Carolina’s political landscape following the primary election. Ball shared insights from his nearly two decades covering state and national politics, including trends shaping the 2026 election cycle and the impact of redistricting on communities across the state.
The convention also included remarks highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement and civic participation at the local level.
“County conventions are where the energy of our party really comes to life,” said Susan Sawin, Chair of the Dare County Democratic Party. “We had a fantastic turnout, heard from strong candidates, and gained valuable perspective from Billy Ball and Rep. Davis. It’s clear that people in Dare County are engaged and ready to do the work ahead.”
The Dare County Democratic Party encourages all community members to stay involved, learn more about local candidates, and participate in upcoming events.
For more information, visit daredemocrats.com.
Media Contact:
Laura Allendorf
llallendorf@gmail.com
703-628-1186
Press Release: Dare County Democratic Party Announces 2026 County Convention
MANTEO, N.C. — The Dare County Democratic Party will hold its County Convention on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Virginia S. Tillett Center in Manteo. The convention will bring together local Democrats, community members, and candidates for a morning focused on civic engagement and the upcoming election season.
Details
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from local Democratic candidates for office, learn about party priorities, and connect with fellow community members committed to strengthening democracy in Dare County.
The convention will feature award-winning journalist Billy Ball of Cardinal & Pine, who will provide insights on North Carolina politics following the primary election, offering analysis of statewide trends and what they may mean for communities across the state.
“County conventions are an important opportunity for Democrats to come together, hear from our candidates, and focus on the work ahead,” said Susan Sawin, Chair of the Dare County Democratic Party. “We’re especially excited to welcome Billy Ball to share his perspective on North Carolina’s political landscape following the primary. We encourage everyone who cares about the future of our county and state to join us.”
The convention is open to Democrats and community members interested in learning more about local candidates and participating in the democratic process.
Event Details:
Saturday, March 21, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Virginia S. Tillett Center
Manteo, North Carolina
For more information about the Dare County Democratic Party and upcoming events, community members are encouraged to visit daredemocrats.com. Media Contact: Laura Allendorf, llallendorf@gmail.com, 703-628-1186
Mar 15, 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Feb 25, 2026 Dare Democrats General Meeting
Speakers: Local luminaries Joan Collins and Coquetta Brooks will speak and present a short video about the Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc., (PIPSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Black History of the area. PIPSI also manages and operates the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum located on Roanoke Island. Also, two candidates spoke: Aida Havel (Board of Commissioners candidate) and Judge Eula Reid (NC Superior Court Judge Seat 1 candidate)
Feb 21, 2026: Manteo & Wanchese Precinct Meeting
Feb 6, 2026: Press Release in The Outer Banks Voice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dare County Democratic Party
Website: daredemocrats.com
Dare County Democratic Party Announces February 2026 Precinct Meetings
Dare County, NC — The Dare County Democratic Party has announced county-wide local Democratic Precinct Meetings throughout February 2026. These meetings provide an opportunity for community members to connect with neighbors, discuss local issues, and get involved in grassroots organizing across Dare County.
Meetings are open to the public and will be held at the following dates, times, and locations:
Sunday, February 15, 2026 – 3:00 p.m.
Colington / Kill Devil Hills Precinct Meeting
Kill Devil Hills Library Community Room
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Manteo & Wanchese Precinct Meeting
Head Start Building
723 Sir Walter Raleigh Street
Manteo, NC 27954
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Kitty Hawk / Southern Shores Precinct Meeting
Pitts Center, Southern Shores Town Hall
5377 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Avon, Chicamacomico, Frisco, Buxton, & Hatteras Precinct Meeting
Studio 12
41008 North Carolina Highway 12
Avon, NC 27915
Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Duck Precinct Meeting
Town of Duck
1200 Duck Road
Duck, NC 27949
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Nags Head Precinct Meeting
Nags Head Town Hall
5401 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959
“Precincts are the building blocks of our local Democratic Party,” said Susan Sawin, Dare County Democratic Party Chair. “The meetings give residents a chance to engage directly in the democratic process, build community, and help shape the future of Dare County.”
For additional information and to register for the upcoming precinct meetings, visit http://www.daredemocrats.com.
Jan 19, 2026: Coastal Cleanup Crusade – Roanoke Island
Event covered in The Coastland Times, Jan 28, 2026.
Thanks to all who participated in the cleanup January 19th with the NC Coastal Federation!
Jan 17, 2026 Two Nags Head Protests Against ICE
Dec 20, 2025, Letter to the Editor: Laura Allendorf, Coastland Times, “What the health, Republicans? #2”
Oct. 26, 2025, Letter to the Editor: Laura Allendorf, Coastland Times, “Republicans’ refusal to negotiate with Democrats over funding the government is unhealthy for North Carolinians”
Oct. 18, 2025: No Kings 2.0 Protests in Avon and Kitty Hawk
Richard Colgan: Good Vibrations! No Kings at the Beach in NC
See photos by Melissa Mattingly here.
Photos below by Angelo Lantigua by Cactus Studio
Mon Oct 13 Community Cleanup
Sep 24, 2025. Dare Democrats Monthly Meeting –
We were thrilled to hear from 3 judicial candidates:ff
- Eula Reid (left) running for NC Superior Court
- Christine Walczyk (center) running for NC Court of Appeal
- Jenny Wells (right), running for re-election to the 1st Judicial District Bench
- Watch for more information on how to support them.
Sep 13, 2025 Pridefest at Festival Park
Sep 6, 2025 Manteo Precinct Meeting
Thanks to all who attended today’s bimonthly precinct meeting! Our guest speaker was Bob Muller, Dare County Democratic Party votebuilder administrator. He presented Manteo Precinct data from the 2024 election; outlined ways we can get involved now in advance of the all-important mid terms when canvassing will be key to turning out the vote; and described relational organizing, a tool for voter engagement.
We also heard from Manteo Mayor Pro Tem Betty Selby, who is running for Mayor this year. Early voting begins on October 16! Be sure to attend Betty Selby for Mayor kickoff rally on Monday, September 8, from 6pm to 8pm at Cartwright Park.
Finally, we need you to step up and run for the Board of Education or the Dare County Board of Commissioners. We can’t let any seat go uncontested! The candidate filing period for 2026 races starts in December.
Sep 1, 2025, Labor Day Protest
Aug 27, 2025, Dare Dems Meeting
Some local Municipal Candidates explained their reasons for running and goals for the future. Betty Selby, Molly Harrison (with Susan Sawin), Charlotte Walker (with Susan Sawin), Monica Thibodeau, Miriam Rollin, Kevin Lingard. (See Candidate Listing on Dare County site)
Aug 1, 2025, Dare Dems Table at Manteo’s First Friday
Jun 17, 2025, Protect Our Courts Accountability Canvass, Kill Devil Hills
Jun 17, 2025, Manteo & Wanchese Precinct Social at Old Swimming Hole in Manteo
May 28, 2025, Speaker at Dare Democrats Meeting: Jason Newman on Civilian-based Defense
Jason Newman discussed the history of non-violent defense. See the entire video on the Dare County Democrats YouTube Channel. To connect with Jason, request to join the Civilian Defense Resources private Facebook group,
Apr 19, 2025 Resist the Regime Sign Waving at Dowdy Park in Nags Head
April 16, 2025 Community Forum
The Dare Democrats hosted a community event attended by over 100 people. Speakers included: Wiley Nickel (former US Representative); Chris Schulte (Democratic candidate for US Congressional District 3); Randy Fenninger (Vice Chair, Manteo Healthcare Task Force and Board Member, Manteo Community Health Care Center); Betty Selby (Manteo Mayor Pro Tem), Charlie Parker (US Veteran, Colington resident); Susan Lee (former high school counselor) and Susan Sawin (Dare County Democratic Party Chair). Moderator Amanda Hooper shared questions from the audience and Rev. Dr. Gaye Morris (Manteo) reminded us of those abducted by Trump and led us in a moment of silence. Miriam Rollin provided our Calls to Action. Video from the event can be found on YouTube here. Representative Murphy was invited. Although he was in Dare County, he did not bother to meet with his constituents,
March 8, 2024 Duck Precinct Meeting
Mar. 4, 2025 Sign Waving at Dowdy Park and NH Post Office – Great turnout!
Feb. 26, 2025 Dare Democrats meeting
Susan Sawin, Chairman, presented the organizational efforts underway by the North Carolina Democratic Party and the Dare Democrats. She shared ‘Activism 101: How Do I “Do” Something’, encouraged everyone to attend their next precinct meeting and recommended that we “Focus the Fire Hose of Information.
Feb 18, 2025 “The People vs. Griffin Rally” continued from the Home Page – more pictures!
Martin Luther King Day Morning of Service for Dare Democrats
Posted 1/25/2025. On the cold morning of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, Martin Luther King Day, Dare Democrats joined the N.C. Coastal Federation for a debris cleanup of the Federation’s adopted roadsides and adjacent areas.
Manteo/Wanchese Precinct Meeting January 25, 2025
osted 1/25/2025. The Manteo/Wanchese Precinct welcomed guest speakers Donna Creef (Chair, Dare Community Housing Task Force) and Malcolm Fearing (Vice Chair) on Jan. 25, 2025. Ms. Creef and Mr. Fearing discussed the Task Force’s 2025 focus, shared an informational handout, and announced that UNC has selected Dare County to participate in the “Our State Our Home” Program, which is an 18-month effort “partnering to address affordable housing needs in North Carolina”. Mr. Fearing recommended the book “The Affordable City” by Shane Phillips to better understand the issues and strategies related to housing.
What you missed at the Jan. 9th Nags Head Democratic Meeting
During the meeting, with Mary Kelley, Chair and Bob Muller, Chair, presented “inside the numbers” of the democratic party for the state, county, and precinct. As a result of volunteers since May 2024, the number of houses canvassed, number of phone calls made and the direct correlation to the successes we had. It should be noted that 88% of those canvassed and called did vote. It was highlighted that we as a county and precinct matched the percentage of the number of voters from the state. We discussed the “undervote” and the successes we achieved. Although the results of the election nationally affected us all deeply, we had success at the state level.
We are seeking volunteers to continue the work, make phone calls when needed, be present at Nags Head Democratic Precinct Meetings, and other organized meetings such as NH Commissioners monthly meetings, the NH Planning Board meetings. Please let us know if you are interested.