A compilation of Carolina Public Press 2020 election coverage
North Carolinians are steering away from a two-party political system
Carolina Public Press’ sent out a request for readers to submit their reasons for registering as unaffiliated. The survey was available in English and en Español aquí and received more than 80 responses.
Los donantes políticos mayores podrían dar de baja a los políticos leales a Trump en NC
Las consecuencias de la lucha Republicana para no certificar al nuevo presidente podrían obstaculizar los esfuerzos de recaudación de fondos a medida que las empresas se alejan de las contribuciones políticas.
Siguiendo el rastro del sistema de votación BallotTrax usado en Carolina del Norte
Un sistema en línea permitió a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte rastrear sus votaciones por correo, pero creó confusión para algunos votantes.
Big business donors may be pulling plug on NC Trump loyalists
Fallout from the vote to certify the new president could hinder future fundraising efforts as companies back away from political contributions.
VOTER RESOURCES
Carolina Public Press has compiled resources to assist North Carolina voters in making informed decisions. This content includes links to our nonpartisan election reporting and access to tools that voters can use to conduct their own research.
Registration and Ballot Resources • Forms & Downloads • Candidate Data
Frequently Asked Questions • Campaign Finance Data • Media
¿Qué pasó con las boletas de NC entregadas después de la fecha límite sin matasellos en 2020?
Un poco más de 400 votos en las elecciones de 2020 no se contaron porque se presentaron sin evidencia que fueron emitidas antes de la fecha límite del 3 de noviembre.
Tracing the BallotTrax trail
An online system allowed North Carolinians to track their absentee-by-mail ballots but created confusion for some voters.
Un vistazo a las boletas provisionales para votar en Carolina del Norte
Comprender dónde y por qué se usan las boletas provisionales puede brindar información útil sobre el proceso electoral.
What happened to NC ballots returned after deadline without postmarks in 2020?
A little more than 400 ballots in the 2020 Election went uncounted because they showed up with no evidence to prove they were cast before the Nov. 3 deadline.
One GOP legal claim failed in 2020 but could change how future elections are run
Political parties often make claims in one election cycle to gain a favorable result, experts say. If their arguments are applied in later elections, the results may not be to their liking.
A look at provisional ballots in North Carolina
Understanding where and why provisional ballots are used can give insight on the elections process.
What does DC rioting mean for future in NC and nation?
A look at tough questions following Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Hill insurrection in Washington.
NC reacts to DC insurrection: ‘Dark day for this country’
NC political leaders express shock, determination after rioters storm U.S. Capitol to prevent certification of presidential election results.
Llegó el fin: la presidenta de la Corte Suprema estatal Cheri Beasley concede
La concesión pone fin a la larga lucha de la carrera por la Corte Suprema de Carolina del Norte, mientras que la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos rechaza el esfuerzo por cambiar los resultados presidenciales de los Estados Unidos.
An end to the election: Beasley concedes
Concession ends long fight for NC Supreme Court race, while U.S. Supreme Court squarely rejects effort to reignite U.S. presidential race.
Slow wheels of NC chief justice vote count inching forward
Momentum favors GOP’s Newby, but race is closest statewide contest in NC history, with much on the line for key judicial position.
No decision: Recount ends without determining state’s chief justice
Second recount and multiple appeals await in close race for North Carolina’s top judge.
How are NC counties going to recount millions of ballots?
Statewide recount to settle Supreme Court chief justice contest will follow clear rules. But counties will be left paying the bill.
Chief Justice delayed: Protests, recount holding up certification of NC Supreme Court race
Extremely close finish, protest filings by both candidates and automatic recount could postpone conclusion of high court race in NC.
NC counties finalize elections just past deadline
Mistakes, system problems, outstanding provisional ballots and protests delay final result in at least one race, with recount possible.
Biden wins presidency, despite Trump plurality win in NC
North Carolina goes for Trump in close vote, but not enough to overcome other states that flipped to Biden.
Tillis wins close US Senate race, but most NC congressional races not competitive
Cawthorn stakes easy victory in much-hyped mountain congressional contest.
NC Gov. Cooper outruns Forest
Governor wins with comfortable edge as Forest fades. Parties to split other council of state races, with Attorney General Josh Stein a narrow winner.
GOP retains control after NC legislative contests
Split decision as one party gains in Senate and the other in House. GOP remains in majority in both chambers, but can’t reclaim supermajority they had before 2018.
Election is over in NC, well, not quite
Outstanding provisional ballots in one county, protests, possible protest appeals and likely recount leave one statewide race uncertain and more work for elections staffs before they can certify all results and update voter history.
Photo finish: 35 votes separate NC chief justice candidates with count nearly complete
Battle for chief justice role on state’s highest court may depend on final ballots from Robeson County.
Counting all the votes: Friday is canvassing day in NC
Republican member of the NC State Board of Elections Stacy ‘Four’ Eggers IV: ‘I think here in North Carolina we have one of the best processes I have seen.’
Your Election Day vote may not be showing up online — that’s normal in NC
For NC election officials, 2020 ballot counting has been business as usual.
Top NC races still too close to call
To-be-counted by-mail and provisional ballots will decide a handful of remaining statewide and down-ballot races that can still tilt the balance of power.
What’s with all the uncounted votes in North Carolina?
Counting how many ballots need to be counted is underway as they arrive by mail at county election offices. Counting the votes will come during canvassing.
Sparse turnout on Election Day in NC but record-breaking numbers overall
Rumors of problems a worse headache for some than the actual challenges experienced on Election Day in North Carolina.
The Kicker, Show 52 | NC first-hand voting accounts
On this week’s Kicker, host Stephanie Carson talks with a series of voters from across the state who voted early or by absentee ballot. The Kicker from Carolina Public Press · The Kicker, Show 52 | NC Voter First Hand Accounts Continue to follow our latest election 2020 coverage by clicking HERE. Carolina Public Press…
Showtime: Final ballots of 2020 being cast Tuesday
More than 4.5 million in NC have already voted, with edge to Democrats. But areas with more potential Election Day voters tilt Republican.
Forecast: NC could see deluge of postelection litigation, challenges and protests
Tomas Lopez of Democracy NC: “I think that if there’s a litigation option that’s out there on all sides of this, there’s a good chance it will be invoked.”
Congressional contests in NC hinge on presidential race
High early turnout in some districts likely a sign of loathing the opposition more than embracing one’s own candidate.
Democrats hope to flip these 4 NC Senate seats blue, and they’re spending big to do it
If you follow the money, four state Senate races stand out for major influx of cash, including from outside state.
NC House leadership up for grabs
Toxic partisanship means change in control of NC House would spell a sea change in policy making. Several races across the state highly competitive.
Election season enters home stretch in North Carolina
NC in better shape to handle absentee ballots, get results posted earlier than many other states. Counties a mix on transparency of vote counting.
I requested an absentee ballot. Can I vote in person instead?
Even if you requested an absentee NC ballot, you may opt to vote in-person instead. Here’s how.
How do I track my ballot if I voted by mail?
North Carolina voters can follow their ballots through an online system — and learn how to fix any errors on the return envelope.
NC Senate majority hangs on handful of races
Experts suggest Democrats pick up at least two state Senate seats, but possibly more if Cooper has coattails.
Supreme Court upholds NC ballot acceptance extension
Postmarked NC ballots submitted through the mail on time will still be counted if the Postal Service does its job by Nov. 12.
Why the legal fight over NC absentee ballots is a big deal
Court decision over extension on receiving NC absentee ballots could come down to arcane question about what a “legislature” is. The answer to that question could open the door to courts frequently deciding American elections.
Court decisions let NC counties process absentee-by-mail ballots again
Ballots being screened for flaws that can or can’t be fixed, with voters notified if they need to make a change.
Court decisions move NC by-mail voters out of limbo, but clock is ticking
State election director: ‘Any voter also has the option of going and voting in person if they’re comfortable and doing so if they’re worried about the time constraints with the absentee by-mail process at this point.’
Is there a real safety threat to NC voters?
Rhetoric and hiring of shady characters raises concerns, but NC laws protect voters against most intimidation efforts.
A million NC votes expected by Saturday, but lawsuits over mail-in ballots unresolved
Thursday set record for start of early voting, more than doubling numbers from 2016. Mail-in ballots also on record-breaking track.
Federal judge scolds NC election board, won’t block state court settlement
Legal fight could taint perception in a close election with parties threatening to go to the Supreme Court over NC absentee-by-mail ballots.
Early voting gets underway: What to expect and tips on avoiding lines
Election officials predict 80% of North Carolina voters will have cast ballots before Election Day.
Court said felons who only owe fees can vote in NC, but making it happen involves obstacles
Lack of clear information from state leaves responsibility for knowing whether they can vote on individuals, who could face prosecution if they’re wrong.
NC counties process ballots with wary eyes on court fight
Some counties not providing for virtual observation of ballot processing because state doesn’t mandate it.
Partisan lines clarified in federal court fight over which NC votes to count
Republican lawyers tell federal judge that flawed ballots fixed under new rules would taint vote pool with ‘illegitimate’ ballots. Judge says state election board went beyond what his previous ruling allowed.
Incurable ballots? Federal judge seems displeased with NC rule change during elections
Voting litigation being heard in federal and state courts with less than a month until Election Day. Thousands of mail-in ballots in limbo.
UPDATED: Vacancies filled, ending NC election board shakeup
Highly partisan system in NC encourages the political football with NC State Board of Elections seen in recent years, political scientists say.
11,000 incorrect voter registration forms sent to potential NC voters
Mailing from independent group appears to have been a mistake, but election officials wary of fraud after mischief in 2018 congressional race.
The Kicker, Show 50 | Voting for all – election accessibility in NC
Groups work to maintain equal access to the ballot for people living with a disability and in marginalized communities.
Register to vote by Friday, or during early voting
Deadline approaching for registration to vote on Election Day. One-stop voting offers additional option.
A ruling and an appeal: Nothing resolved by court hearing on absentee ballots
State legislators are co-defendants in lawsuit over counting absentee-by-mail ballots, which the N.C. State Board of Elections settled without their involvement. State judge rules that’s OK, but lawmakers announce immediate appeal.
Front line against fraud: County election workers log long hours processing absentee ballots
Tracking and other measures implemented in recent years should prevent repeat of ballot-harvesting exposed during 2018 election cycle.
Cutting through the true and false claims and confusing legal developments on NC by-mail balloting
Parties have done the math and one stands to gain in NC from counting more absentee-by-mail ballots while one stands to gain from counting fewer. Legal fight becomes a proxy for trying to win.
Watch: NC-11 congressional debate
Watch the NC-11 Sept. 30 debate. Watch the NC-11 Sept. 30 debate (Spanish translation). Download the transcript. Audio from Carolina Public Press · 11th Debate Wrap Up NC-11 congressional candidates Madison Cawthorn and Moe Davis debated on Sept. 30. This debate, hosted by Carolina Public Press and WLOS and broadcast here and on WMYA My40…
Consequences of Postal Service slowdown in NC extend beyond mailbox
Reporters test mail delivery across NC by sending from many points to different parts of the state. Missing postmarks could affect ballot acceptance.
NC counties begin processing absentee-by-mail ballots
NC rules allow public to observe as local boards of elections decide whether to accept or reject absentee ballots.
NC election board records counter claims of resigning Republican members
NC State Board of Elections votes to release records from closed session following claims from Republicans who departed over rules change for which they voted.
GOP members of NC election board quit in protest over rules change they approved
Republicans say Democrats misled them. Democrats deny accusations. Partisan fighting could threaten smooth election process in North Carolina.
District 11 debate Sept. 30
NC-11 Congressional candidates Madison Cawthorn and Moe Davis will participate in a debate on Wednesday, Sept. 30, hosted by Carolina Public Press and WLOS. The debate will be taped Sept. 30 at WLOS studios in Asheville for broadcast later that day at 7:00 p.m. on WMYA My40, wlos.com and carolinapublicpress.org. Holly Headrick, News 13 weekday…
Tracking your vote: New NC elections tool lets voters check on status of mailed ballots
Online tool will give by-mail voters in North Carolina knowledge about whether their ballots have arrived and been accepted.
Restoring the vote: Thousands in NC affected by court ruling, election officials trying to identify them
Some 5,000 people convicted of felonies who have completed sentences can’t be prevented from voting just because they owe fines, courts said. NC State Board of Elections now working to figure out which potential voters should be restored.
As early voting days approach, some NC counties still need poll workers
Expected surge in early voting could hit different NC counties unevenly, with some struggling more to find enough workers. By the way, it’s a paying job.
Mountain strength: Trump plays to base with visit to Mills River nonprofit
Crowds of supporters in Republican Henderson County greet President Trump on his way to appearance.
Restore voting rights to NC prisoners on probation? Three-judge panel to decide
Law preventing people convicted of felonies from voting dates to post-Civil War attempts to strip rights of Black residents, but people of all races are affected.
Powerful legislator pleads guilty to federal charges, resigns
Harnett County lawmaker steps down ahead of announcement from federal prosecutors.
Casting a North Carolina vote in 2020, an FAQ
Pandemic conditions, rumors about problems with mail-in voting, how to get a ballot, how soon to send it in, confusion about photo ID rules and many other concerns addressed in this NC voting in 2020 FAQ.
Nothing to see here: Judge won’t make Charlotte reveal ‘security’ purchases ahead of RNC
Even if hypothetical military equipment was purchased for police to use on protesters during RNC, judge says that possibility doesn’t negate security exception to state’s records law.
Lawsuit against NC: Absentee-by-mail ballots not accessible to 150,000 voters
Voters with visual impairment push for right to vote online in NC, currently limited to overseas military. Voting security experts warn that’s a bad idea.
NC needs more poll workers, but pandemic making them hard to find
Dynamics of 2020 election in NC are increasing the need for poll workers, but fears of the pandemic are making those workers harder to find, with many of the older workers who have served at polls previously worried about high risk for COVID-19.
Bracing for by-mail voting surge like NC has never seen
Pace of NC by-mail absentee ballot requests running four times higher than at this point in 2016, as officials prep for election impact of mail-in surge.
Unclear path forward for photo ID in NC 2020 elections
Photo ID provision may sway state and federal courts, but requiring it for fall elections could prove a serious headache for elections officials.
Underdog wins congressional primary in election under pandemic’s shadow
Election victory for Cawthorn in GOP second primary, despite opponent’s big-name endorsements. COVID-19 precautions offer glimpse of challenges for fall.
NC House passes bipartisan election bill to fund COVID-19 response
Bipartisan vote in NC House advances election bill with pandemic-related funding and other measures, but NC elections officials didn’t get all they wanted.
Pandemic driving up election costs, and NC not ready
Modifications to voting and expected high demand for absentee ballots will come with costs, for which state and local election officials aren’t ready.
NC elections officials complete primary work, adjust to coronavirus
A few NC election issues left unresolved after primary canvassing, but dealing with coronavirus looms as bigger headache for 2020 election.
NC held primary election, but coronavirus still creates problems
Social distancing and other coronavirus measures clash with rules for election tasks after primary, will cause headaches for runoff, possibly beyond.
Super Tuesday in NC: Top outcomes, surprises and question marks
Nationally hailed as Super Tuesday, March 3, 2020, saw big victories in NC for Joe Biden and most incumbents, but a few surprises and potential runoffs.
Super Tuesday in North Carolina: How the election was run
Big, busy primary election day in North Carolina goes off with only scattered line lags and printer glitches as voters make their decisions.
NC voters headed to polls amid misinformation, disinformation
After Winston-Salem police help expose disinformation campaign, it’s apparent efforts to meddle with elections have hit NC, but voters can fight back.
IMPORTANT DATES
October
October 9: Voter registration deadline for general election.
Go here to register online.
October 15: Early voting (also called “One Stop”) begins.
Go here for a list of One Stop sites.
October 27: Deadline to request an absentee mail-in ballot.
Request a mail-in ballot from the N.C. Board of Elections website.
October 31: Early voting (also called “One Stop”) ends.
Go here for a list of One Stop sites.
November
November 3: General election day. Your mail in ballot must be postmarked by 5 p.m.
Go here to look up your polling place.
November 6: Deadline for mailed absentee ballots to be received.
Return absentee ballots by mail or in person to your county board of elections office, or drop them off at an early voting site in your county.
November 13: Counties canvass the general election, making their vote counts official.
November 16: Deadline to conduct any county recounts.
November 17: Deadline to conduct any state recounts and receive protests.
November 24: State canvasses election results, making the vote counts official.