Public Opinion Poll Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh conducted a survey among 600 likely general election voters in the city of Raleigh between Nov. 4-6, 2025. Here are the results: 78% of voters say crime & public safety is important when deciding who to vote for in 2026. 62% of voters say public safety & crime will get worse if we don’t fully support the police. 74% of voters support funding for 300 new officers. 73% of voters support Chief Boyce’s goal to make Raleigh the safest city in America. CSSR 2024 Polling Data

Resources Find the resources behind key statistics used throughout our site. Raleigh’s population grew 13% since 2014, but the city added only 3% more police department staff, compared to a 20% surge in other city positions.” https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article296955124.html Raleigh mayor Janet Cowell delivers first State of the City address https://www.wral.com/news/local/raleigh-mayor-cowell-state-city-address-march-2025/ Raleigh owes citizens a public safety pledge https://www.wral.com/story/hilda-pinnix-ragland-peter-scott-raleigh-owes-citizens-a-public-safety-pledge/21625812/ Raleigh citizens form group to address public safety https://nsjonline.com/article/2024/10/raleigh-citizens-form-group-to-address-public-safety/ CSSR Digital Video Campaign https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7fuEwAtCrs Does your candidate prioritize Raleigh's public safety?

Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh is a 501(c)(4) social welfare and lobbying organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing Raleigh’s electorate during the 2024 election about the critical need to invest in public safety.  The people of Raleigh deserve to be safe and to feel secure.  Support the Cause Raleigh’s growth has outstripped its public-safety staffing, unlike other cities. Despite its success and accolades, Raleigh has neglected its most important job. Raleigh is America’s third-fastest-growing big city, but its police force has fallen far behind. The public does not feel safe. Raleigh residents, visitors, and business owners deserve better. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Raleigh had a police force of 25 years ago, 777 sworn officers with a population of 270k residents. Today, Raleigh has doubled in size and has fewer than 750 officers. This is not the formula for keeping Raleigh safe. view sources Pledging to protect and to serve the public. Raleigh needs a renewed commitment to public safety, including sufficient staffing, competitive pay, and superior officers and standards. Our City Council has a paramount duty to provide: 1. Appropriate Police Staffing A sworn police force large enough to ensure the safety and security of residents, visitors, and businesses in every neighborhood. 4. Necessary Tools State-of-the-art equipment and facilities to enable officers to work safely and effectively. 2. Adequate Police Funding Competitive pay, benefits, and working conditions to attract and retain excellent officers of all ranks. 5. Homelessness Action Promotion of innovative, caring solutions for the unhoused living and camping throughout our city. 3. Superior Officers The best police training, procedures and practices, and the highest professional ethics to bolster public accountability, confidence, and trust. 6. Honor for Those Who Serve Advocacy for their work, remembrance of the fallen and support for their families. Subscribe for Updates Subscribe Thank You for Subscribing!

Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh (CSSR) is proud to endorse the following candidates in the Raleigh City Council primary and general elections. Raleigh City Council Endorsements Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh (CSSR) is proud to endorse the following candidates in the Raleigh City Council primary and general elections on March 3, 2026 and November 3, 2026. These endorsements are based on each candidate’s demonstrated commitment to public safety, experience, and dedication to the well-being of our community. "Keeping our community safe is the most important job of the mayor and City Council.” -Janet Cowell, mayor Election Details In 2026, City Council districts will hold non-partisan primaries on March 3. The two candidates in each district who receive the most votes will advance to the general election in November. Early Voting: February 12–28, 2026 Primary Election Day: Mar. 3, 2026 General Election Dates Early Voting: October 15–30, 2026 General Election Day: November 3, 2026 At-Large Stormie Forte A City Council member since 2000, Forte serves as Vice-Chair of the Housing and Environment Committee and is a member of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. She currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem. A licensed attorney, real estate agent, and consultant, Forte has worked for the state’s Department of Correction and Department of Health and Human Services. Forte supports salary increases for the city’s first responders and has pledged to vote for an increased budget for the Raleigh Police Department. At-Large Clark Rinehart An entrepreneur and former pastor who has called Raleigh home since 2009, Rinehart believes that public safety must be a strong foundation as the city continues to grow. Having witnessed Raleigh’s transformation firsthand, he is focused on expanding affordability, increasing housing supply, and advancing multimodal transportation so more residents can share in the city’s success. Through his civic involvement, including serving on the city’s working group for the former DMV site on New Bern Avenue, Rinehart is committed to building a Raleigh that is affordable, safe, and thriving for generations to come. District C Corey Branch First elected to the Council in 2015, Branch serves as Chair of the Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. The private-sector information technology manager has served twice as mayor pro tempore. Among his top Council priorities are public safety and economic development. Branch said he would increase the police budget in three key areas: improving police officer pay, supplying the officers with equipment, and increasing the number of social workers within the ACORNS team. District Attorney Race Candidates The Wake County DA race will be subject to a partisan primary with only Democrats. This primary election will determine the Wake County District Attorney. Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh has met with each candidate individually. Although we will not be making an endorsement, all of the candidates have indicated that they are supportive of our vision of what it will take for Raleigh to be safe and secure. Wiley Nickel Wiley Nickel is a North Carolina attorney and public servant with a strong record of advocating for public safety, economic opportunity, and accountable government. He previously represented North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he focused on pragmatic solutions and bipartisan collaboration. Nickel brings a deep understanding of policy, law, and community needs to his work in support of a safer, stronger Raleigh. Melanie Shekita Melanie Shekita is a Raleigh-based community advocate committed to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting initiatives that promote safety and quality of life. She brings a thoughtful, community-driven perspective to civic engagement and believes in solutions that balance public safety, accountability, and long-term community well-being. Sherita Walton First elected to the Council in 2015, Branch serves as Chair of the Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. The private-sector information technology manager has served twice as mayor pro tempore. Among his top Council priorities are public safety and economic development. Branch said he would increase the police budget in three key areas: improving police officer pay, supplying the officers with equipment, and increasing the number of social workers within the ACORNS team.

People united for a safer Capital City, protecting Raleigh together. Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring robust public safety. We envision a thriving city where each resident, visitor, and worker feels respected and protected, safeguarding the security of everyone in our growing, dynamic community. Subscribe for Updates Progress Chief Rico Boyce has a vision to make Raleigh the safest city in the country and we support his vision. In the November 2024 City Council Election six out of our seven endorsed candidates won, including Mayor Janet Cowell. Council approved a budget with an 11% police force pay increase - the Chief’s #1 goal. CSSR Leadership Team John Cerqueira Executive Director Hilda Pinnix-Ragland Vice President R. Donavon “Don” Munford Treasurer Jim Beley Executive Director, North Carolina Hospitality Alliance Peter M. Scott III President Jim Stone Secretary Smedes York Former Mayor of Raleigh Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh (CSSR) and the Raleigh Police Foundation are separate organizations that serve distinct but complementary roles in supporting public safety in Raleigh. CSSR is a 501(c)(4) organization focused on advocacy and public policy, while the Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that directly supports Raleigh Police officers and programs. The vast majority of CSSR supporters also choose to support the Police Foundation, and we encourage those who are able to support both organizations to maximize their impact.

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Terms & Conditions Your use of Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh's ("CSSR") website, safeandsecureraleigh.org, (the “Website”) is controlled by these Terms of Use. By accessing or using the Website, you agree to abide by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these Terms of Use, you should not access the Website. MISSION Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring robust public safety. CSSR operates as a 501(c)(4) civic organization. Contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. This Website and all educational or promotional materials prepared by CSSR were paid for by CSSR, and such materials were not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. PROHIBITED USES You may use the Website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms of Use. You agree not to use the Website: In any way that violates any applicable federal, state, local or international law or regulation (including, without limitation, any laws regarding the export of data or software to and from the US or other countries). To transmit, or procure the sending of, any advertising or promotional material, including any "junk mail," "chain letter," "spam," or any other similar solicitation. To impersonate or attempt to impersonate CSSR, a CSSR employee, another user or any other person or entity (including, without limitation, by using e-mail addresses associated with any of the foregoing). To engage in any other conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone's use or enjoyment of the Website, or which, as determined by us, may harm CSSR or users of the Website, or expose them to liability. RELIANCE ON INFORMATION POSTED The information presented on or through the Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to the Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. CHANGES TO THE TERMS OF USE We may revise and update these Terms of Use from time to time in our sole discretion. All changes are effective immediately when we post them. The date the Terms of Use was last revised is identified at the top of the page. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of revised Terms of Use means that you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page from time to time so you are aware of any changes, as they are binding on you. EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS Email addresses and email links on this Website are provided as a convenience. No sensitive or confidential information should be sent through the Website. LINKS The Website contains links to third-party websites and content which are provided for convenience only. These websites are not affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by CSSR. CSSR is not liable for any of these third-party links or associated content. VIEWING PDF DOCUMENTS WITHIN SITE Some of the resources provided within the Institute’s site are available for view only in PDF format. To view these documents, you may need to download, or update to the most current version of, Adobe Acrobat Reader . COPYRIGHTS CSSR claims all copyrights in this Website and its content under all US and applicable foreign laws and treaties. All rights reserved. CSSR authorizes you to download, print, and use the CSSR Website and content for personal, non-commercial, informational purposes so long as (i) all copies retain the CSSR copyright notice and (ii) the content is not modified. Bona fide journalists may use and quote CSSR materials if CSSR is cited as the source. To request permission to utilize any content on this Website for commercial purposes other than journalism, please contact us at info@safeandsecureraleigh.com . Some information contained on the website may be copyrighted by others and may not be reproduced without the permission of the copyright owner. NO WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The Website is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of third party rights. To the extent permitted by law, CSSR disclaims all liability for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or special arising from your access to or use of this Website. ND:4880-2431-1266, v. 1

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INFORMATION WE COLLECT ABOUT YOU AND HOW WE COLLECT IT We only collect personal information through the Website that you choose to provide. The personal information you choose to provide, such as your name, email address, telephone number, or other contact information, will be collected through your completion of a contact or inquiry request, event registration, email sign up form, or survey response. This Website is not intended for, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from, children under the age of 13. If you are under 13, do not provide any information to us through the Website. If a parent or guardian becomes aware of any personal information provided to us by a child under the age of 13, please contact us immediately at info@safeandsecureraleigh.com . 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