Sometimes change simply can’t be avoided. Sometimes change is made simply for the sake of change. Most often, change can be a pain.

But there are times when change makes sense. And a proposal by state lawmakers to move the presidential primaries to March 15 is in that category. And in an even bigger common-sense idea, lawmakers are looking at the possibility of shifting the primary date for all races in the state to March for 2016.

Most folks know that North Carolina voters historically go to the polls in May to cast ballots in primary elections. We’ve done it for years and years. But over the past couple of decades, this late primary vote has eliminated North Carolina voters from having much of a say in the nominating primaries for president.

That led to low voter interest in our primary, and low presidential candidate interest in North Carolina. Political luminaries were always busy being on TV elsewhere to pay much attention to North Carolina.

A few months ago members of the N.C. General Assembly batted around the idea of moving the presidential primary date up. In recent weeks, it appears the state has settled on a March 15 presidential primary vote, which should give state residents a chance to take an up-close look at the Democratic and Republican contenders as they stump through this region. South Carolina’s primary is third in the country and the candidates are likely to stop here while they’re in the neighborhood.

But until last week, legislation moving the presidential primary didn’t include any other races. In other words, after going through the expense of a March primary, the state would have to do it all over again in May for a huge slate of races next year, including governor, state House and Senate, U.S. Senate and U.S. House — just to name a few. That second primary would be on May 3.

Seems like hardly an optimal situation. Even with a presidential primary attached, the May polling over the past years has often seen a sparse turnout. Without it, only a small and unrepresentative sampling of registered voters would be likely to show up.

Last week, legislators began talking about moving the entire state and local primary to March. That would save taxpayers millions of dollars. Last year’s November election cost about $9.5 million, with most of the expense covered by taxpayers in counties across the state.

The statewide races alone should ensure that things heat up as spring arrives. Putting all those races on the March ballot would raise public interest and likely lead to a much-improved turnout at the polls. Saving the expense of two primaries would be a bonus.

There is a down side: The filing period for candidates would have to begin late this year. It’s now scheduled to open on Feb. 8.

An earlier start might produce longer campaigns. But that’s an acceptable tradeoff for higher interest, bigger turnout and reduced expense.

We hope the General Assembly makes this move, and makes it soon. Candidates need all the lead time they can get in planning campaigns that will start before 2015 ends. And state voters could perhaps use some distraction from the increasingly odd run for the White House.

The change might do everyone some good.

Burlington Times-News