The wait for election results in North Carolina has just become longer.
Due to technical malfunctions at multiple polling sites, state election officials have extended voting hours, with the initial statewide results now expected after 8:15 p.m. Eastern. Most polling places are still set to close at 7:30 p.m.
This delay is significant, especially as it pertains to a Republican-held U.S. Senate seat. Michael Whatley, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee, is competing against former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper to succeed retiring GOP Senator Thom Tillis.
This election represents a pivotal moment for Republicans aiming to secure their Senate majority while Democrats seek to flip a vital seat in North Carolina.
The State Board of Elections convened an emergency session to address the situation, approving extensions for polling hours. Notably, the South Williams precinct at the Tabor City Courthouse in Columbus County received an additional 45 minutes due to a computer outage that necessitated a backup system. Fortunately, no voters were turned away, according to the county elections director said.
Other locations saw shorter extensions; Lenoir County’s Holloway Recreation Center and Hertford County’s Murfree Center received an extra 30 minutes, while Como Fire and Rescue in Hertford was granted 25 minutes. Additionally, the Wilson City Recreation Building benefited from a 15-minute extension.
Apart from the Senate race, Republican Laurie Buckhout is vying to unseat Democratic Representative Don Davis in the highly scrutinized 1st Congressional District, further impacting Congressional control.
Additionally, Republicans aim to solidify their influence on North Carolina’s highest court, with Sarah Stevens challenging Democratic Justice Anita Earls for the lone Supreme Court seat on the ballot. A win for Stevens would increase the GOP majority from 5-2 to 6-1, while an Earls victory would maintain the current balance.
Every one of North Carolina’s 14 U.S. House seats, all 50 state Senate seats, and 120 state House seats are also on the ballot in this election.
