Who can vote in a run-off election?

In a primary election, to become a party's nominee, the candidate must receive at least 30% of the votes cast plus one.

If no candidate gets over 30% of the vote, the second-highest vote-getter can request a run-off election.

For the May 17 primary, that request must come by noon on Thursday, May 26.

This year, that run-off election would be held on July 26.

However, if there is a run-off, not everyone can vote.

Only voters registered with the party going into a run-off election and unaffiliated voters are eligible to cast ballots. For example, in the Wake County sheriff's race, only Democrats and unaffiliated voters who did not vote in the Republican primary can vote in a Democratic run-off.

Those who aren't registered to vote can still do so before the run-off election.

In order to vote in the July 26 run-off, residents must register to vote by July 1.