Election Day in the Carolinas: Key Votes on Local Issues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Election Day has arrived across the Carolinas, with local elections taking place in numerous counties. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters in North Carolina and South Carolina cast ballots for mayors, council members, commissioners, and various local offices.

WBTV is tracking the races throughout the Charlotte region in both states. Results will be available in real-time as polls close later in the evening. In North Carolina, polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and will close at 7:30 p.m., while South Carolina’s polls have been open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters in line at their polling locations by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots. However, those who arrive after polls close will not be permitted to vote. Absentee ballots must also be returned in person before closing time; they can be delivered to the local county board of elections office in North Carolina or the county voter registration office in South Carolina.

This year, Mecklenburg County voters are faced with a critical decision regarding a transit tax referendum. This measure seeks to raise the sales tax by 1 cent, increasing it from 7.25% to 8.25%. If approved, funds raised will support significant transportation improvements, including enhancements to roads, rail services, and bus systems to alleviate traffic congestion.

As voters head to the polls, several local Charlotte races are also in focus. Recently, Republican candidates have criticized the effectiveness of city governance under Democratic leadership, especially following the tragic stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line.

In terms of fundraising efforts, Republicans have outperformed Democrats in several key races, including the mayoral contest and the Charlotte City Council District 6 race. Additionally, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board may see changes as new members could alter its composition.

Former North Carolina governor and Charlotte mayor, Pat McCrory, who led the city during the Blue Line’s inauguration in 2007, offered his thoughts on the transit plan vote, touching on the importance of transportation amid ongoing state budget disputes and other political issues.