Live updates: Here's what voters say brought them to the polls on Super Tuesday in Wilmington
Super Tuesday has arrived and voters across North Carolina and numerous other states are casting their ballots in the primary election.
While many voters will select nominees for federal and state races, there are several local races on the primary ballot, including school board, county commissioner, register of deeds, judge seats, and one local referendum.
We'll be providing updates from polls across the Wilmington area throughout the day, and we'll have the latest results as they come in Tuesday night.
Voters share what's bringing them to the polls on Super Tuesday
Voters shared a range of opinions about presidential candidate Joe Biden Tuesday morning at the MLK Center on South Eighth Street.
Ethan Jones, 19, cast his first ballot on Tuesday, voting 'no preference' for the presidential candidate.
"I just don't really like the one option I've been given," Jones said, referring to Biden.
Jones said that housing, abortion, and healthcare are issues that matter to him most. Josh Stein will receive Jones' vote for NC Governor due to Stein's endorsement from Planned Parenthood.
Drina Kay, 80, shared similar frustrations with Jones.
"Mostly I am just here to support being at the polls," Kay said. "I am kind of a middle of the road person. I'm not happy with what's going on in politics either way."
Kay shared she is likely to ultimately cast her ballot for Biden, but said that she's "not happy that this huge country has such little to choose from."
In contrast, Alan Smith, 81, showed up to the MLK Center ready to cast his vote for Biden.
Smith said Biden has his vote due to his "competence, experience, values, wisdom, and integrity."
Foreign policy, with specific regards to NATO and Russia, are most important to Smith in this election. Additionally, Smith said Stein will be getting his vote for governor.
When asked his general thoughts about the election, Smith said he feels "dismay and horror," adding that "the downsides of a Trump victory (would be) so catastrophic it makes (him) contemplate citizenship in New Zealand."
When to expect election results for the NC Primary
Voters and candidates will wait a bit longer to see results from today’s primary.
In previous years, many counties reported early voting results as soon as the polls closed at 7:30 p.m. But changes made in Session Law 2023-140 now state that county boards must wait until 7:30 p.m. on election night to begin counting ballots cast during early voting.
Today’s primary will be the first election held under the new law, so election officials do not know exactly how long the reporting of results will be delayed. However, the release states that state board staff will monitor the situation and assist county boards if needed.
More: When to expect primary election results in North Carolina on Super Tuesday
Unlike early voting results, absentee-by-mail results may be tabulated before polls close. Those will likely be the first to appear publicly for counties and will include all absentee ballots returned to the county board of elections before the primary. Under the new law, all absentee ballots must be returned to the county board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Finally, it is important to remember that all results reported today are considered unofficial until canvass, which is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 15.
-- Renee Spencer
These voters are supporting Donald Trump. Here's why.
David Smith of Ogden arrived around 9:45 a.m. to cast his ballot at Coastal Community Baptist Church.
“I hope Trump wins,” Smith said. “He has a right to be on the ballot. I’m glad the Supreme Court (did) what they did.”
Smith said issues with illegal immigration and the economy are predominantly driving his voting decisions.
For North Carolina governor, Smith will be voting for Mark Robinson.
“I love his views on what he’s going to do for this state and the gun laws,” Smith said.
Another resident of Ogden, Mindy Nemargut, 37, said she will be voting for Trump as well.
“He aligns more with my values as a Christian,” Nemargut said about Trump, adding that issues with the border, abortion, COVID, and inflation have influenced her voting decisions.
“I feel like it’s an important election, there’s a lot that’s been going on with the country that’s not very good,” Nemargut said. “I feel like there has been a lot of turmoil.”
-- Molly Wilhelm
Why these Wilmington residents are voting for Nikki Haley
Lynn Goldman, 78, and Beth Herritage, 78, arrived together just before 9 a.m. at Porters Neck Elementary School to cast their ballots this Tuesday. Both women said Nikki Haley will be receiving their vote in the presidential primary.
Goldman and Herritage said immigration is the issue that matters to them most in this election cycle.
“Well that affects the economy and safety and everything,” Herritage said.
“It’s what drives everything right now,” Goldman added, agreeing with Herritage.
Both Goldman and Herritage, who previously volunteered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, are voting for Dale Folwell for North Carolina governor.
“I’m a little sad about it,” Herritage said, sharing her general thoughts about the 2024 election. “I just want a happy country with no divisiveness,” she added, acknowledging the idealistic nature of the sentiment.
-- Molly Wilhelm
Who’s on the ballot in the Wilmington area?
In New Hanover County, the biggest race is that of the school board where three Democrats and five Republicans are vying for three open seats on the board, and four Republicans have filed for the open NC Superior Court Judge District 06C seat. Learn more about the New Hanover County races and candidates here.
In Brunswick County, there will be Republican primary races for the District 3 and District 5 commissioner seats, and the District 1, 2 and 4 school board seats. (David Robinson, the incumbent in the District 2 seat, had filed for re-election but died on Feb. 26.) Two republicans have also filed for Brunswick County Register of Deeds. Voters in Bald Head Island will also weigh in on a beach improvement bond referendum. Learn more about the Brunswick County races and candidates here.
In Pender County, three Republicans have filed for the District 4 seat on the board of commissioners, and two Republicans each have filed for the District 5 and District 1 commissioner seats. Two republicans have also filed for the District 5 seat on the Pender County Board of Education. Learn more about the Pender County races and candidates here.
-- Renee Spencer
What are the NC primary voting hours?
Polls in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.
To find your assigned polling place, enter your address into the North Carolina State Board of Elections polling place search tool, or use their voter search tool.
Voters should also be prepared to present identification when they head to the polls. Acceptable forms of identification can be found on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.
-- Renee Spencer
Who can vote in the NC primary?
Voters will choose candidates for national, state, and local races. In cases where only one candidate has filed to represent a party in a particular race, there may not be a primary contest, and that candidate automatically advances to the November ballot.
In North Carolina, voters affiliated with a political party may only cast a ballot for the candidates for their party. For example, registered Democrats will receive a ballot containing Democratic primary races, and registered Republicans will receive a ballot with the Republican primary races. Some recognized political parties in North Carolina may not have primary ballots.
Unaffiliated voters may choose to vote any one political party’s ballot or a nonpartisan ballot, if available. A voter may not vote in more than one party’s primary.
-- Renee Spencer
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: NC primary: Latest updates for from Wilmington on Super Tuesday
