Tuesday, May 8th is Election Day -- when voters choose which candidates from each party make it to the November ballot. Early voting totals are low, but that is common in mid-term elections, say elections officals. It's too early to tell where this primary's voter turnout numbers will shake out in comparison to the last two mid-terms: 2010 and 2014.
So far, Early Voting numbers are higher than 2010 and lower than 2014. But the numbers are still preliminary. New Hanover County Elections Director Rae Hunter-Havens says teasing out reasons behind voter turnout is an inexact science, but one factor this year could be the lack of judicial races on the ballot. That filing period now begins in the summer.
Many voters will select party nominees for the North Carolina House and Senate. Democrats will choose their nominee for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. That person will square off with Republican Incumbent David Rouzer of Johnston County. Voters will also choose County and School Board candidates, and in Pender County, there’s a primary battle among Republicans for Sheriff.
Hunter-Havens says it’s important voters check their polling place as there is only one correct precinct location on Election Day – unlike the multiple sites available for Early Voting. If a resident votes with a provisional ballot in the wrong polling place, they may not see all the possible races in which they are eligible to vote.
Polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
In New Hanover County, there are some changes to polling locations in Kure Beach and the H01 precinct in the northern part of the county. Voters who go to Myrtle Grove Middle School will enter on the left side of the school to go directly to the gym and avoid disturbing school - -which will be in session.
To find details on these New Hanover County precinct changes, follow this link:
https://elections.nhcgov.com/voting-registration/polling-places/
To find your proper polling place in North Carolina, follow this link:
For more voter tools, follow this link:
