Early voting in Durham ends Saturday. Here's what you need to know

Voting is underway in Durham to decide who will be the city's next mayor. Six different candidates decided to throw their hat in the ring. Whichever candidate ends up getting the most votes will advance to the general election.

Posted 10:01 p.m. Oct 1, 2021 — Updated 10:07 p.m. Oct 1, 2021

Sarah Krueger

, WRAL Durham reporter

DURHAM, N.C. — Voting is underway in Durham to decide who will be the city's next mayor. Six different candidates decided to throw their hat in the ring. Two candidates who end up getting the most votes will advance to the general election.

Early voting ends on Saturday after 3 p.m. The last chance to vote in the municipal election will be on Tuesday, Primary Election Day.

Even though seven names will appear on the ballot, only six of those are candidates. Charlita Burrus told WRAL News she dropped out of the race.

The other candidates are:

Rebecca Barnes
Javiera Caballero
Bree Davis
Jahnmaud Lane
Elaine O’Neal
Daryl Quick.

WRAL News asked each candidate about their plans to tackle crime.

Deadly shootings in Durham rose by 50% last year, and are up 22% from the year before that. Already this year, more than 200 people have been injured by gunfire in the city.

Javiera Caballero, who currently serves on City Council, says she supports pay raises for police officers, to address the high vacancy rate. A key part of her plan is tackling root causes of violence, including working with the newly-formed Community Safety Department, that will send mental health professionals to some 911 calls.

"It’s very frustrating to community members and myself because that is slower work," she said. "Because when we’re dealing with preventative measures, as we know, that takes an effort and real thoughtful, strategic thinking around how do we do this work in a way that is really going to make an impact."

Elaine O’Neal, a former long-time judge in Durham, says her plan includes supporting officers with by offering them a pay raise and emotional support. Like Caballero, she supports the Community Safety Department and centering community voices.

"These issues cannot be solved outside the community. It’s boots-on-the-ground work," she said. "Your community has to be able to trust you. And I know that Durham has elected me for 24 years, so I do feel like I have gained their trust."

Rebecca Barnes says her approach would focus on public health. She wants to invest in education and use resources to further train officers — like giving more money to the Crisis Intervention Team.

Bree Davis says her plan is to work closely with the Durham Police Chief and and focus on poverty reduction strategies by ensuring opportunities for the most vulnerable.

Jahnmaud Lane told WRAL News if elected, he would plan to immediately stop and frisk and start a curfew for people 18 and under.

Daryl Quick says if elected as Mayor, he would work with police push to charge anyone who commits a drive-by shooting as a terrorist. He also hopes to be able to use abandoned buildings as transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness.

You can cast your vote at: