District 5 Democratic Primary Guide – Charlotte Mercury
A district in transition
District 5 stretches across east Charlotte, including neighborhoods around Eastland, Albemarle Road, and the Independence corridor. Long home to immigrant communities, working families, and small businesses, the district faces rapid redevelopment pressures and persistent debates over affordable housing, transit, and schools.
Key Election Information
- Primary Election Day: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Early Voting: Thursday, August 21 – Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Same-Day Registration: Available during early voting at all sites
- Voter ID: Photo ID required under North Carolina law
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (received by 5 p.m.)
- Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Polling places include Independence Regional Library, Albemarle Road Rec Center, and Garinger High School. Check the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections for your exact location.
Candidates in District 5
Marjorie Molina (Incumbent)
- First elected in 2021, reelected in 2023
- Background: non-profit and community leadership
- Priorities: affordable housing, public safety, improving city services
- Has positioned herself as a pragmatic progressive who works across factions on the council
J.D. Mazuera Arias
- Colombian-born, raised in Charlotte; graduate of East Mecklenburg High, Queens University, and NYU (MPA).
- Former Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute fellow; works in government affairs at Kyndryl.
- Focuses on housing affordability, accountable public safety, improved transit, transparency, and elevating East Charlotte’s voice.
Why it matters
District 5 is one of the most diverse in Charlotte. Redevelopment at the old Eastland Mall site, expansion of bus rapid transit, and debates over housing density will all hinge on who represents this seat. With a rapidly growing immigrant population and historically lower turnout, mobilization could reshape the balance of power on council.
Getting Around the Ballot
If District 5 isn’t your stomping ground, we’ve got you covered:
Because every district thinks it’s the most important until you realize your trash pickup depends on all of them.
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