Midterm elections 2022: Voting in Durham County

In the deep blue Durham County, many — but not all — of the races on the ballot here are shoo-ins for Democratic candidates.

Why it matters: But your vote in these races matters. But this year North Carolina voters could help determine whether Democrats hold on to both chambers of Congress and whether Republicans take control of the state Supreme Court and win a supermajority in the legislature.

• Plus: The local races, though they receive less hype, will influence your everyday life.

Keep reading for your Smart Brevity, handy-dandy, user-friendly guide to some of the most pivotal races in Wake County this year.

To see what'll be on your ballot: Head to the state’s voter registration lookup, search your name and scroll until you see a heading titled “YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT.” Click the link under “Your Sample Ballot(s).”

Key dates

Nov. 5:  Early voting ends.

Nov. 8:  Election Day.

• Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped off at your county board of elections by 5 pm.

Nov. 14: Mailed absentee ballots must be received by 5 pm. Here's how to complete your absentee ballot, and here's everything you need to know to return it to make sure it’s accepted.

Statewide races

Statewide races

U.S. Senate: U.S. Rep. Ted Budd (Republican) faces former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (Democrat) in the race to replace retiring Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr.

• While outside groups and national parties prioritize states like Georgia and Pennsylvania — where celebrity candidates with big personalities drum up national headlines daily — North Carolina could quietly determine the balance of power in the Senate.
• Also running: Matthew Hoh (Green Party) and Shannon Bray (Libertarian)

State Supreme Court: These under-the-radar races could solidify the GOP's hold on the North Carolina, as the winners will determine whether Democrats maintain their majority on the court or lose it.

• Seat 3: Lucy Inman (Democrat) vs. Richard Dietz (Republican)
• Seat 5: Sam J. Ervin IV (Democratic incumbent vs. Trey Allen (Republican)

Congress

4th Congressional District: Courtney Geels (Republican) vs. state Sen. Valerie Foushee (Democrat)

State Legislature

• Senate District 20: Alvin Reed (Republican) vs. state Sen. Natalie Murdock (Democratic incumbent)

• Senate District 22: Larry Coleman (Republican), state Sen. Mike Woodard (Democratic incumbent) and Ray Ubinger (Libertarian)
• House District 2: Gavin Bell (Libertarian), state Rep. Larry Yarborough (Republican) and Ray Jeffers (Democrat)
• House District 30: Guy Meilleur (Libertarian), state Rep. Marcia Morey (Democratic incumbent) and William G. Antico (Republican)
• House District 31: Sean Haugh (Libertarian) vs. state Rep. Zack Hawkins (Democratic incumbent)

Local

Sheriff: Clarence Birkhead (Democratic incumbent) vs. Maria Jocys (Unaffiliated)

N.C. Court of Appeals judges:

• Seat 8: Carolyn Thompson (Democrat) vs. Julee Flood (Republican)
• Seat 9: Brad Salmon (Democrat) vs. Donna Stroud (Republican incumbent)
• Seat 10: Gale Adams (Democrat) vs. John M. Tyson (Republican incumbent)
• Seat 11: Darren Jackson (Democratic incumbent) vs. Michael J. Stading (Republican)

Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor: David Harris (incumbent) vs. Mark Waller

Referenda

• Public school construction bond — $423.5 million
• Community college bond to expand and improve Durham Technical Community College — $112.7 million
• Museum bond to expand and improve the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science — $14 million
• More details on the bonds.