NORTH CAROLINA, USA — In addition to voting in the presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, North Carolinians participating in the 2024 General Election Tuesday are selecting their governor, lieutenant governor, representatives in Congress, a host of state officials, and even vote on a constitutional amendment. North Carolinians can find a list of all offices up for election here.
There are several races to watch, including the gubernatorial one. Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is term-limited, and Democrat Josh Stein easily defeated Republican Mark Robinson in the governor's race. Another hotly contested Congressional race will be a newly redrawn NC-01, where Democratic incumbent Don Davis was able to hold off a challenge from Republican Laurie Buckhout.
North Carolina is also considered to be a battleground state in the presidential election, although a Democrat hasn't won it since Barack Obama did so in 2008. It's gone for Donald Trump all three times he's been on the ballot.
North Carolina also experienced a record turnout during the early voting period this election, with over 4.2 million voters, or 57% of the state's registered voters, cast ballots between Oct. 17 and Nov. 2.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday — Buckhout concedes to Davis
Republican candidate Laurie Buckhout conceded the race for North Carolina's only toss-up congressional district on Wednesday following a tight, closely watched race against incumbent first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis.
Buckhout issued a statement on X announcing her loss and calling on Davis to work with President-elect Donald Trump's administration on immigration and economic issues. She said she phoned Davis early Wednesday to congratulate him on “his hard-fought victory.”
“While Don and I have different visions, it is obvious to everyone he cares about this district,” she said.
Davis also put out a statement declaring victory and thanking his supporters. He said he looks forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in his second term.
“I'm wholeheartedly dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges and aspirations over everyday citizens in our community,” he said.
2:28 p.m. Wednesday — Trump campaign issues statement on Harris' concession over the phone
The Trump Campaign released a statement from the campaign communications director, Steven Cheung.
"President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone earlier today where she congratulated him on his historic victory. President Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country," Cheung said.
2:09 p.m. Wednesday — Harris congratulates Trump on election victory
The Associated Press reports that senior aid for Vice President Kamala Harris said she called President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election win and the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.
Harris is set to issue her planned concession speech Wednesday afternoon.
1:41 p.m. Wednesday — Don Davis issues statement on NC-01 race
Congressman Don Davis released a statement on social media on his second Congressional term win.
"My deep passion lies in fighting for the families of eastern North Carolina. I'm wholeheartedly dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges and aspirations of everyday citizens in our community, and I genuinely appreciate all of our incredible supporters. As I prepare to continue in the 119th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives, I eagerly look forward to working with colleagues from both parties and the newly elected Administration."
1:36 p.m. Wednesday — Laurie Buckhout concedes in NC-01 race, Davis will hold onto incumbency
Republican GOP challenger Laurie Buckhout conceded in a very tight race in North Carolina's first congressional district, paving the way for incumbent Democrat Don Davis to hold onto the seat.
She thanked and congratulated both Davis and North Carolinians in her concession.
"Thank you to the voters of North Carolina’s First Congressional District," Buckhout said. "I’ve spent my life fighting for our country, fighting to defend our Constitution, and yes, fighting for extraordinary great Americans just like all of you! It was an honor and privilege to campaign to serve the people of Eastern North Carolina."
3:45 a.m. Wednesday — Jeff Jackson elected attorney general
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson has been elected as North Carolina’s next attorney general. Jackson defeated Republican congressman Dan Bishop on Tuesday in an expensive campaign that focused on who was best able to represent the state in court and keep communities safe. Jackson is an Afghan war veteran and National Guard attorney.
He decided against seeking reelection to Congress because redistricting placed him in a heavily GOP district. Bishop accused Jackson of being soft on crime and antagonistic to police. Jackson called Bishop too extreme for the job. A Republican hasn’t been elected to the post of attorney general in North Carolina since 1896.
8:15 p.m. — Democrat Josh Stein new NC Governor
ABC News declares Democrat Josh Stein the winner in North Carolina governor's race against Republican Mark Robinson.
5 p.m. — College students enjoy food truck after voting
At the Kermit E. White Graduate Center in North Carolina, a food truck was available for people to enjoy after casting their vote. The crowd was mostly college students, as the center is part of Elizabeth City State University.
The students told 13News Now's Madison Schlegel they were sticking around and having conversations about the election and what they hope to see after tonight.
Jonari Carroll was one of those students. He’s studying for his graduate degree at Elizabeth City State University.
He tells us seeing a turnout like this one that is largely student-based gives him hope for future generations.
“We’re the future. We’re tomorrow. You know, in school you always get taught history. You always hear what happened back then. Well we ain’t worried about back then, we’re in the now. The now set up for the later.”
3:30 p.m. — Two precincts will have extended voting after administrative issues
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted on Tuesday to extend voting at a precinct in Burke County and a precinct in Wilson county for 30 minutes each.
Gardners School in Elm City, NC (5404 NC 42 HWY E) in Wilson County will be open until 8 p.m. Voters at this precinct were delayed by an hour and a half because of a printer connection issue. Poll workers were not able to print "authorization to vote" forms to check voters in until about 8 a.m.
The Rock Church in Morganton, NC (4806 US 64) in Burke County will be open until 8 p.m. as well. Voting was delayed this morning due to a temporary inability to turn on a laptop that had the official pollbook on it, used to check voters in.
The State Board of Elections has state powers to extend voting hours at sites where voting is interrupted for at least 15 minutes.
11 a.m. — Board of Election gives update on voting across North Carolina
Executive director of the State Board of Elections Karen Brinson Bell gave her first update to the media on voting across North Carolina.
As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, state election officials said they have not received any reports of any major incidents at polling places. However, they have received several reports of the North Carolina Board of Election website running slow. Officials said that is expected as thousands of people are visiting the site at once. The public was advised to wait patiently for their information to load.
According to officials, there have not been any reports of long lines. There are 2,600 polling places open statewide for voters to cast their ballot.
Here's everything you need to know to vote today in North Carolina.
Find your North Carolina voting location
The easiest way to find your in-person voting site for Election Day in North Carolina is to go to the North Carolina State Board of Election's website. When there, enter your address where you are registered to vote and click submit. Your specific polling place location will show up. This is where you must vote on Election Day. A sample ballot will also be shown.
(Note: If you aren't sure which county you're registered in, you can check your voter registration information online.)
It's important to remember that North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote.
What hours are polls open in North Carolina?
Polls open at 6:30 a.m. all across the state on Election Day and will remain open until 7:30 p.m. If you are in line at your assigned polling place at 7:30, you will still be able to vote. The busiest times tend to be early in the morning and just before polls close.
All absentee ballots must be received by your registrar's office by 7:30 p.m. as well/
Check my voter registration status in North Carolina
You can confirm you are registered to vote by checking the State Board of Elections website.
The deadline has already passed to register to vote in North Carolina, which was Oct. 11, 2024, and North Carolina does not offer same-day registration on Election Day.
How to check my ballot status in North Carolina
Once you cast your ballot, you can check to see where it is in the process on either the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.