Runoff Election Today

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Runoff Election Today

Special Report - July 17, 2012
North Carolina voters have a key opportunity to influence their parties’ nominations for several state and national offices during the primary runoff election today. The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at polling locations across the state. North Carolina is one of eight states that hold runoff primary elections for all state offices. When no candidate for a state position receives 40 percent of the vote in the initial primary, state election law allows the runner-up to go head-to-head against the leading candidate in a runoff primary. Historically, voter turnout has been low in runoffs, which means that North Carolinians who vote in the primary runoff election have the potential to be a powerful influence on who wins their party’s nomination for various political offices.

Republicans Dan Forest and Tony Gurley are vying for their party’s nomination for lieutenant governor. Among other Republican nominations to be decided are commissioner of insurance, secretary of state, and superintendent of public instruction. Democrats will have the opportunity to nominate either Marlowe Foster or John C. Brooks for labor commissioner. Here is an organizational and party breakdown of the runoffs: NC Council of State (DEM 1, REP 4), General Assembly (DEM 2, REP 5), and congressional (DEM 0, REP 3).

For more information, voters should go to the State Board of Elections website for a copy of their ballots and for polling locations. Be sure to also check the NCFPC Primary Election Website for information about various races on the ballot. The candidate information from the May 8 primary is still available as a voter resource.

Related resources:
2012 Primary Highlights - May 10, 2012