Livable Raleigh Points Voters to David Cox

The advocacy group suggests former councilor David Cox as a possible write-in candidate in the Raleigh mayoral race.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a columned civic building beneath an oak canopy, with a single flag above, in deep red and cream. — Livable Raleigh pointed voters toward former councilor David Cox as a possible write-in candidate, after his wife's death kept him from filing for mayor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

In Raleigh's mayoral race, would you write in a candidate instead of voting for those on the ballot?

Livable Raleigh, which is not endorsing any candidate in the race, pointed voters toward former District B City Councilor David Cox as a possible write-in option. Challenger Ashleigh Heath Armstrong said she would wholly support Cox as a write-in candidate and as mayor.

Why it matters

The mayoral ballot lists incumbent Mayor Janet Cowell and challenger Ashleigh Heath Armstrong, and North Carolina allows voters to write in a preferred candidate instead. Cox said his wife died shortly before the filing period opened, so he did not run and is not campaigning.

Early voting ran from October 15 to October 31, and Election Day is Tuesday. Cox is not raising or spending money, so he does not have to form a candidate committee or report finances to the Wake County Board of Elections.

The players

David Cox

Former District B City Councilor who has served on the Raleigh City Council and is not campaigning for mayor.

Ashleigh Heath Armstrong

Challenger in the Raleigh mayoral race who said she would wholly support Cox as a write-in candidate and as mayor.

Janet Cowell

Incumbent Raleigh mayor and one of the two candidates on the ballot.

Livable Raleigh

Local advocacy group that is not endorsing any candidate in the Raleigh mayoral race.

The details

Cox, who voted against cutting off funding and support for the Citizen Advisory Councils, has not filed as a mayoral candidate. Voters who wish to support him would need to write his name in rather than select a candidate printed on the ballot.

October 15-31: Early voting period
Tuesday: Election Day for the Raleigh mayoral race

Political Context

The mayoral race pits an incumbent against a challenger, while Raleigh's write-in option under North Carolina law gives voters a way to back a candidate not printed on the ballot. Advocates and candidates alike are using that mechanism to shape the final days of the race.

Raleigh voters who want to back Cox must write his name on the ballot during the election. Votes for a write-in candidate are cast the same way as any other ballot, but they require the voter to fill in the name manually.

The takeaway

Voters choosing a mayor in Raleigh have a write-in option under North Carolina law, and knowing how it works can help them vote the way they intend on Election Day.