Tuesday is the last day for registered voters to make their voices heard on multiple state constitutional amendments, as well as the 2024 Presidential Race.
The Commonwealth reported a record-breaking number of early votes, at more than 250,000. With around 3.5 million registered voters in the state, even more took to the polls on Tuesday. Leading up to the election, officials have encouraged voters to make sure they understand the measures on the ballot before they arrive at the polls.
Barbara Shoales is a Rowan County voter. She said generationally, she does not believe all voters have been given proper civic education to understand what they are voting for and why.
“I remember, well that’s when it was cool to think getting an education was completely unnecessary. And unfortunately, our coolness passed down to what we taught our kids, who in turn taught their kids, etc., etc.,” said Shoales. “We did a bad job.”
In addition to multiple high-profile state and national races, the entirety of the Morehead City Council is up for re-election. All incumbents are running, in addition to opponents Michael Kash, Darrell Littleton, and Mickey Reffitt.
Johnathon Bowman, another voter in Rowan County, said local elections are arguably more important to the everyday resident than state and national tickets. Yet, he said they are often overlooked.
“It’s all got to start at home. If you’re not happy with how the state is being run, well, look at how your county is being run, how your school district is being run. And start there and work your way up,” said Bowman.
New city council members have historically been sworn in at the council’s regular December meeting, currently scheduled for December 9.
Election totals and the results of two proposed state constitutional amendments will be available once the ballots are delivered to the county clerk’s office this evening. Statewide results will be made available live here.