The presidential election and the race for North Carolina’s Senate seat have gotten most of the attention this year, but there are hundreds of candidates running for seats up and down the ballot in North Carolina.

Tuesday’s election could change the balance of power on the North Carolina General Assembly. It could also shape what county commissions and schools boards look in the years ahead.

The two biggest issues for voters this year in national and local elections have been the response to the coronavirus pandemic and the economy. Those issues could have just as big an impact on local issues like reopening schools.

Raleigh voters also had an affordable housing bond on the ballot this year.

More than 4.5 million people already voted in North Carolina before Election Day. More than two thirds of registered voters in Wake, Durham and Orange counties have already cast their ballots early or by absentee. Johnston County is just short of those at about 64%.

Chatham County has had the highest turnout in the state for early and absentee voting so far with more than 75% turnout before early voting. 

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