I recently learned that my name appeared on a ballot attributed to the African American Caucus of the Halifax County Democratic Party. 

I want to be clear: I had absolutely no prior knowledge of this caucus, its leadership, its membership, or any endorsement process connected to it.

As chair of Roanoke Rapids Precinct 7–9 — the largest precinct in Halifax County — I am actively involved in party organization and communication. 

If there were an established caucus operating within our county party structure, I would reasonably expect to know about it.

In January 2025, our precinct hosted a well-attended mix and mingle event that brought together Democrats from across the community. 

During that event — and in conversations before and after — there was no mention of an African American Caucus, no discussion of endorsements, and no indication that such a group was conducting any formal process. 

Additionally, there have been no public forums, no outreach to candidates, and no transparent endorsement procedure that I am aware of.

This situation is reminiscent of the 2024 blue ballot controversy involving the Michael Hawkins Committee for Board of Education. In that instance, blue ballots were distributed listing unnamed fraternities, sororities, churches, and other local organizations as endorsers of certain candidates. 

According to reporting at the time, some organizations publicly stated they had not authorized the use of their names, and a complaint was submitted to the State Board of Elections regarding the matter. That situation raised serious concerns about transparency and the unauthorized association of candidates and organizations.

What we are seeing now carries similar concerns. When a ballot or slate appears suggesting endorsement or organizational backing — without a clear, open, and documented process — it risks misleading voters and undermining trust.

Endorsements should be earned through a transparent and legitimate process. Candidates should be contacted, informed, and given an opportunity to participate. That did not happen here.

For that reason, I will be formally requesting that my name be removed from this ballot. I also encourage any other candidates listed to determine whether they were informed or consented to being included.

My campaign for the Halifax County Board of Education is grounded in accountability, integrity, and open communication. 

Voters deserve clarity. They deserve honesty. 

And they deserve a process that reflects the values we claim to uphold.

Curtis W. Young