NC primary results: Updates from New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties

Thousands of voters across North Carolina headed to the polls on Super Tuesday to cast their ballots in the primary election.

Some results were delayed due to a change in the law that states county boards of election had to wait until polls closed Tuesday to tabulate results from the early voting period. In Pender County, however, mechanical issues caused a delay in reporting results. Elections officials were adamant, though, that all results would be counted.

You can see results for races in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties here.

New Hanover results: School board candidates Perry, Tew and Bascome to face Merrick, Justice and Jones

Brunswick results: Several incumbents move on after primary results

Pender results: Voting machine issues cause delays at several polls

-- Renee Spencer

Getting to the polls just in time

In Burgaw, Pender County residents were arriving at the polls just minutes before closing time.

Burgaw resident William Davis, 79, said his vote was important to him because he said there’s so much deviation in the country currently.

He said that a lot of people talk about the importance of the economy, but one issue that’s important to him is justice and making sure people are following the law.

Burgaw resident Tanja Lee said she votes for who is going to do the right thing for the people regardless of their political affiliation.

A younger Burgaw resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he voted for Donald Trump and Mark Robinson because the economy, border protection and the direction of the country are important to him.

He said that he thinks the election is going to be a lot closer than a lot of people may think.

-- Madison Lipe

New Hanover woman vows to ‘leave this country’ if Trump is president

At the New Hanover County Northeast Regional Library, Grace Cooley of Wilmington cast her ballot for Trump on Tuesday evening because she’s concerned about the border, inflation and the war in Ukraine. She also stated that she thinks what’s going on in the Middle East is going to cause a third world war.

“That’s really what I’m afraid of,” Cooley said.

New Hanover County resident Shawnetta Pinckney said, “I’m an Independent, but today I’ll probably be voting for Nikki Haley.”

A top issue priority for her right now is immigration at the border. Cooley has also been keeping up with the New Hanover County Board of Education and said that she’d be happy voting for anyone except for Republican candidate Natosha Tew.

Mary-Beth Kohler is voting for Biden. She mentioned that she’s voting Democrat down the ballot.

“We can’t afford not to anymore. There are too many issues,” she said.

Some of those issues included concerns regarding the LGBTQ community, the border and women’s rights.

“I will leave this country if Trump is president for another four years,” said Kohler. She added if it were an option, she’d prefer a different Democratic candidate than Biden.

“He’s too old. All of my kids are asking me why they have to vote for someone who doesn’t understand their generation,” Kohler said.

-- Megan Pociask

Pender voters for Trump say America first

Craig Walsh, who just moved to Rocky Point, came to vote for Donald Trump at the election polls at the Pender County Hampstead Annex. The 57-year-old said issues that are the most important to him include border protection as well as putting America first again.

Hampstead resident Morgan Proulx, 65, voted for Donald Trump because of his prioritization of putting American history back in the country. He also said that because he is a veteran, he wants kids to learn how to “be Americans first.” He said America is “still the greatest country in the world,” but to him President Joe Biden has caused a divide for Americans.

As far as local government goes, Proulx said he wants elected officials to make decisions that will help slow down traffic and have higher fines on litter. He is a fisherman and said that he would like to see the town cleaned up.

Hampstead residents Kenny Eason, 63, and Trenney Eason, 61, came out to vote for Donald Trump because they believe immigration and the federal government’s spending are out of control.

Kenny Eason said he voted for Tommy Reeves for the Pender County Board of Education because he believes Reeves has common sense and will work well with students and teachers in the local district.

The Easons said they will be staying up late to watch the results of the election as they normally do for each election.

-- Madison Lipe

Voters say the economy a factor as they cast ballots from Trump

Molly Baruc, 80 of Woodscape Drive, cast her ballot for Trump on Tuesday evening at Harbor United Methodist Church.

"The country is a mess," Baruc said, adding that immigration, safety, law enforcement, education, anti-semitism, and the economy are issues most important to her in the 2024 election cycle.

"I can afford it, but who can this day and age? You blink and they go up," Baruc said, addressing inflation. "It's really sad, it's just really, really disgusting."

Cheryl Schmidt, 52, will also be casting her ballot for Trump.

"Our country was in a much better place when he was president," Schmidt said, clarifying "I can't stand the man, I don't like him necessarily as a human, but he did a really great job for our country."

Schmidt emphasized the economy as a major driving factor behind her voting decisions.

"I hope (the election) goes fairly," Schmidt said. "I do love that in North Carolina we now have (photo) ID laws (for voters).”

-- Molly Wilhelm

Brunswick man: 'I just voted for my king'

Bolivia voters steadily streamed into the N.C. Cooperative Extension Brunswick County Center Tuesday afternoon to cast their ballots. Poll workers said the day hadn’t been overwhelmingly busy, but the flow of voters was constant throughout the day.

Anthony Ratto, 78, and his wife, Carol, 77, exited the precinct smiling.

“I just voted for my king,” Anthony Ratto declared.

Trump received votes from both Bolivia residents, who said border control, inflation and the economy are among their top issues of concern. When it came to preparing to vote in Tuesday’s primary, Carol Ratto said local issues weren’t of much concern.

“Our biggest thing was just — who’s going to be running the country?” Carol Ratto said.

-- Jamey Cross

Some voters crossing party lines for 'the right experience'

Monty Schultz voted for Republicans down the ballot at the New Hanover County Northeast Regional Library off of Military Cutoff Road. When asked about the issues he cares about during the election, Schultz mentioned “borders, wars, and inflation.” Carol Shultz, his wife added that she’s worried about security and crime.

Another voter who didn't want her name published said even though she’s a Democrat, she’ll be writing in Nikki Haley’s name on the ballot.

“I just think we need a bright adult in office,” she said.

She added that she thinks Haley has the right experience, and that her stance on women’s issues is more positive than some other candidates.

“I will vote straight Democrat when it comes to it, but right now, I want her to get as much attention as she can," she added.

-- Megan Pociask

What's bringing voters to the polls on Super Tuesday

Voters shared a range of opinions about presidential candidate Joe Biden Tuesday morning at the MLK Center on South Eighth Street.

Ethan Jones, 19, cast his first ballot on Tuesday, voting 'no preference' for the presidential candidate.

"I just don't really like the one option I've been given," Jones said, referring to Biden.

Jones said that housing, abortion and healthcare are issues that matter to him most. Josh Stein will receive Jones' vote for NC governor due to Stein's endorsement from Planned Parenthood.

Meanwhile, Drina Kay, 80, shared similar frustrations.

"Mostly I am just here to support being at the polls," Kay said. "I am kind of a middle of the road person. I'm not happy with what's going on in politics either way."

Kay shared she is likely to ultimately cast her ballot for Biden, but said that she's "not happy that this huge country has such little to choose from."

In contrast, Alan Smith, 81, showed up to the MLK Center ready to cast his vote for Biden.

Smith said Biden has his vote due to his "competence, experience, values, wisdom, and integrity."

Foreign policy, with specific regards to NATO and Russia, are most important to Smith in this election. Additionally, Smith said Stein will be getting his vote for governor.

When asked his general thoughts about the election, Smith said he feels "dismay and horror," adding that "the downsides of a Trump victory (would be) so catastrophic it makes (him) contemplate citizenship in New Zealand."

-- Molly Wilhelm

When to expect election results for the NC Primary

Voters and candidates will wait a bit longer to see results from today’s primary.

In previous years, many counties reported early voting results as soon as the polls closed at 7:30 p.m. But changes made in Session Law 2023-140 now state that county boards must wait until 7:30 p.m. on election night to begin counting ballots cast during early voting.

Today’s primary will be the first election held under the new law, so election officials do not know exactly how long the reporting of results will be delayed. However, the release states that state board staff will monitor the situation and assist county boards if needed.

More: When to expect primary election results in North Carolina on Super Tuesday

Unlike early voting results, absentee-by-mail results may be tabulated before polls close. Those will likely be the first to appear publicly for counties and will include all absentee ballots returned to the county board of elections before the primary. Under the new law, all absentee ballots must be returned to the county board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Finally, it is important to remember that all results reported today are considered unofficial until canvass, which is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 15.

-- Renee Spencer

These voters are supporting Donald Trump. Here's why.

David Smith of Ogden arrived around 9:45 a.m. to cast his ballot at Coastal Community Baptist Church.

“I hope Trump wins,” Smith said. “He has a right to be on the ballot. I’m glad the Supreme Court (did) what they did.”

Smith said issues with illegal immigration and the economy are predominantly driving his voting decisions.

For North Carolina governor, Smith will be voting for Mark Robinson.

“I love his views on what he’s going to do for this state and the gun laws,” Smith said.

Another resident of Ogden, Mindy Nemargut, 37, said she will be voting for Trump as well.

“He aligns more with my values as a Christian,” Nemargut said about Trump, adding that issues with the border, abortion, COVID, and inflation have influenced her voting decisions.

“I feel like it’s an important election, there’s a lot that’s been going on with the country that’s not very good,” Nemargut said. “I feel like there has been a lot of turmoil.”

-- Molly Wilhelm

Why these Wilmington residents are voting for Nikki Haley

Lynn Goldman, 78, and Beth Herritage, 78, arrived together just before 9 a.m. at Porters Neck Elementary School to cast their ballots this Tuesday. Both women said Nikki Haley will be receiving their vote in the presidential primary.

Goldman and Herritage said immigration is the issue that matters to them most in this election cycle.

“Well that affects the economy and safety and everything,” Herritage said.

“It’s what drives everything right now,” Goldman added, agreeing with Herritage.

Both Goldman and Herritage, who previously volunteered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, are voting for Dale Folwell for North Carolina governor.

“I’m a little sad about it,” Herritage said, sharing her general thoughts about the 2024 election. “I just want a happy country with no divisiveness,” she added, acknowledging the idealistic nature of the sentiment.

-- Molly Wilhelm

Who’s on the ballot in the Wilmington area?

In New Hanover County, the biggest race is that of the school board where three Democrats and five Republicans are vying for three open seats on the board, and four Republicans have filed for the open NC Superior Court Judge District 06C seat. Learn more about the New Hanover County races and candidates here.

In Brunswick County, there will be Republican primary races for the District 3 and District 5 commissioner seats, and the District 1, 2 and 4 school board seats. (David Robinson, the incumbent in the District 2 seat, had filed for re-election but died on Feb. 26.) Two republicans have also filed for Brunswick County Register of Deeds. Voters in Bald Head Island will also weigh in on a beach improvement bond referendum. Learn more about the Brunswick County races and candidates here.

In Pender County, three Republicans have filed for the District 4 seat on the board of commissioners, and two Republicans each have filed for the District 5 and District 1 commissioner seats. Two republicans have also filed for the District 5 seat on the Pender County Board of Education. Learn more about the Pender County races and candidates here.

-- Renee Spencer

What are the NC primary voting hours?

Polls in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote.

To find your assigned polling place, enter your address into the North Carolina State Board of Elections polling place search tool, or use their voter search tool.

Voters should also be prepared to present identification when they head to the polls. Acceptable forms of identification can be found on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.

-- Renee Spencer

Who can vote in the NC primary?

Voters will choose candidates for national, state, and local races. In cases where only one candidate has filed to represent a party in a particular race, there may not be a primary contest, and that candidate automatically advances to the November ballot.

In North Carolina, voters affiliated with a political party may only cast a ballot for the candidates for their party. For example, registered Democrats will receive a ballot containing Democratic primary races, and registered Republicans will receive a ballot with the Republican primary races. Some recognized political parties in North Carolina may not have primary ballots.

Unaffiliated voters may choose to vote any one political party’s ballot or a nonpartisan ballot, if available. A voter may not vote in more than one party’s primary.

-- Renee Spencer

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: North Carolina primary results for Wilmington, NC