Polls close as voters chose between Hagan, Tillis

Voting across the state ended at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, although Robeson County extended voting by 45 minutes because one of its precincts ran out of ballots.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan was engaged in a heated battle with Republican state House Speaker Thom Tillis to retain her seat. It's been estimated that the two candidates spent a record amount to sway voters. The outcome will help determine whether Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate.

The mid-term election also featured congressional races as well as elections for judicial offices and local offices. Voters were also asked to consider a constitutional amendment that gives criminal defendants another option besides a trial by jury.