Sheriff's race could result in a runoff
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Voters are casting ballots today in primaries across the state, but it may take several days or weeks to determine the winners of some races.
Why it matters: The primaries are crucial in North Carolina, since Republicans and Democrats who advance often cruise to victory in November because of how districts are drawn and populations are sorted.
How it works: A handful of runoffs and recounts are possible this election.
- Runoffs can be held if no candidate wins 30% of the vote. The candidates in first and second would go head-to-head in the second primary. If needed, the runoff would be held May 12.
- Recounts thresholds depend. If it's something on ballots statewide, the threshold is 0.5%. If it's a local matter, such as a seat in the state legislature, it's 1%.
Zoom in: We're especially watching the sheriff's race for a potential runoff.
- Three Democrats with law enforcement backgrounds are attempting to oust embattled Sheriff Garry McFadden.
- Since no Republicans are running, whoever wins in the primary takes office.
Go deeper: Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot
Flashback: The state dropped the runoff threshold from 50% to 40% in 1989, and to the current 30% in 2017, political science professors Chris Cooper and Michael Bitzer wrote for Old North State Politics.
Fun fact: The results change about a third of the time, Cooper and Bitzer's 2024 analysis found.
What's next: Election results will begin rolling in after polls close at 7:30pm.
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