The political season formally opens today in North Carolina, although some candidates have already been running TV ads, holding barbecues and participating in forums. But that was the run-up. The campaigns don't officially get under way until noon today, when candidates for local, state and federal offices in North Carolina can begin filing papers declaring their candidacy for this year's elections.

Election '08: Issues that may dominate the race

IRAQ: The U.S. effort in Iraq has become unpopular even in hawkish North Carolina. Democrats hope to use anti-war sentiment to defeat Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and GOP U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes. War supporters hope to unseat anti-war Republican U.S. Rep. Walter Jones in the primary.

IMMIGRATION: There were an estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants in North Carolina in 2004, according to the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington, D.C. Dole and the four GOP gubernatorial candidates have been stressing the need to crack down on illegal immigrants.

JOBS: With the economy and the stock market in a funk, pocketbook issues top voter concerns, according to the polls. This could have an effect in the governor's race.

DROPOUT RATE: More than 30 percent of North Carolina high school students drop out before graduating. This is likely to be a top issue in the races for governor, lieutenant governor and state superintendent of public instruction.

HEALTH CARE: The gubernatorial candidates are pushing various plans to make health insurance more available and more affordable.

CORRUPTION: Democrats have been in control in Raleigh for a long time, and a string of Democratic office holders, such as former Speaker Jim Black, above, have gone to jail or are being investigated. Republicans will try to convince voters it's time for a clean sweep.

Key dates

Feb. 11: Candidate filing begins

Feb. 29: Candidate filing closes

March 17: Absentee voting for primary begins

April 11: Last day to register to vote in the primary

April 17: One-stop early voting begins for primary

April 29: Absentee voting for primary closes

May 3: One-stop early voting closes for primary

May 6: Primary

June 24: Primary runoff (if necessary)

Sept. 15: Absentee voting for general election begins

Oct. 10: Last day to register to vote in the general election

Oct. 16: One-stop early voting begins

Oct. 28: Absentee voting for general election closes

Nov. 1: One-stop early voting closes

Nov. 4: General election

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.