Voters will head to the polls on Sept. 10 to decide who will represent North Carolina's 9th District in Congress. For Charlotte voters, it's also the primary for the partisan City Council race. Here are a few quick things to know before you head to the polls.
What's The Big Deal With The 9th District?
The 9th District race is a redo. The November 2018 race — one of the most closely watched in the country — was scrapped after allegations of election fraud surfaced. The person at the center of the alleged fraud, political consultant McCrae Dowless, had worked for the campaign of Republican Mark Harris, a former pastor who had narrowly defeated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Democrat Dan McCready. Harris' win was never certified. State officials called for a new election, and Harris decided not to run again.
The 9th District hasn't had a representative in Congress since early January, when Rep. Robert Pittenger's term ended. Harris had defeated Pittenger, a three-term incumbent, in the 2018 primary.
Democrats have eyed the district – one that Donald Trump carried by 12 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election – as one that could potentially be flipped.
Who Are The 9th District Candidates?
- Dan Bishop (Republican)
- Dan McCready (Democrat)
- Jeff Scott (Libertarian)
- Allen Smith (Green)
Bishop, a state senator, and McCready are the leading candidates. The two met in their first and only debate last month. They also both appeared on "Charlotte Talks" leading up to the election.
Which Counties Are In The 9th District?
The 9th District covers Anson, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland and Union counties as well as parts of Bladen, Cumberland and Mecklenburg counties.
What About Charlotte City Council?
Several candidates are running for – or trying to retain – spots on Charlotte City Council. Winners in the primary will go on the ballot for the general election in November. Only one spot on City Council – District 6 – does not have a primary.
Who's On The Primary Ballots In Charlotte?
MAYOR
- Roderick Davis (Democrat)
- Vi Lyles (Democrat) — incumbent
- Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel (Democrat)
- Joel Odom (Democrat)
- Lucille Puckett (Democrat)
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE
- Dimple Ajmera (Democrat) — incumbent
- Julie Eiselt (Democrat) — incumbent
- Jorge Millares (Democrat)
- James "Smuggie" Mitchell (Democrat) — incumbent
- LaWana Slack-Mayfield (Democrat) — incumbent in District 3
- Chad Stachowicz (Democrat)
- Braxton David Winston II (Democrat) — incumbent
DISTRICT 1
- Larken Egleston (Democrat) — incumbent
- Sean Smith (Democrat)
DISTRICT 2
- Jeremy Arey (Democrat)
- Jessica C. Davis (Democrat)
- Malcolm Graham (Democrat)
- Antoinette "Toni" Green (Democrat)
DISTRICT 3
- Terry Brown (Democrat)
- Caleb Theodros (Democrat)
- Victoria Waltington (Democrat)
DISTRICT 4
- Richmond V. Baker (Democrat)
- Gabriel "Gabe" Cartagena (Democrat)
- Charlene Henderson El (Democrat)
- Renee Perkins Johnson (Democrat)
- Charles Robinson (Democrat)
- Sean Thompson (Democrat)
DISTRICT 5
- Matt Newton (Democrat) — incumbent
- Vinroy Washington Reid (Democrat)
- Mark L. Vincent (Democrat)
DISTRICT 7
- Ed Driggs (Republican) — incumbent
- Victoria Nwasike (Republican)
Candidates for the at-large City Council seats met in a "Charlotte Talks" forum last month.
When Can You Vote?
Early voting ends Friday, Sept. 5. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sept 10.
Here's Where To Learn More
If you're not sure which precinct is yours — or even if you live in a district with an election on Sept. 10 — you can check at ncsbe.gov. That's also where you can see sample ballots and learn more about future elections. You can also find Mecklenburg County-specific information at mecknc.gov/BOE.
Do You Need A Voter ID?
No. Voters in North Carolina will not have to show photo identification at the polls until 2020.
