Voting Coverage

In win for Cooper and Democrats, NC judges block GOP-backed elections law ahead of 2024

The new law, which would strip North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's power over the State Board of Elections and instead give that power to the legislature, is similar to one that was struck down as unconstitutional as recently as 2018.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Challenge to NC felon voting rules, argued in federal court Tuesday, could affect 2024 elections

Voting rights advocates have cited the racist history of felon voting bans, as well as large racial disparities in who gets convicted of felonies in North Carolina's justice system.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Fuquay-Varina voters reject $60 million parks bond

The proposal would have paid to build ball fields, pickleball courts and parking at Hilltop-Needmore Park and Preserve. Upgrades to the community center and a new park, indoor sports complex and greenway were also part of the bond.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Be ready to show photo ID at the polls Tuesday

As voters head to the polls Tuesday to vote for mayors and town council members in dozens of cities all across North Carolina, many will be faced with an unfamiliar new requirement: Voter ID.

Election day is Tuesday, don't forget to bring your photo ID

Today is election day! People will be heading to the polls Tuesday morning to cast their votes.

Who is running, how to vote in local elections on Tuesday

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, is an election day in North Carolina, with elections for mayor in Durham and Fayetteville, and a town council runoff election in Cary, among others. Polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CINDY ELMORE: The hard and important work of informing voters electing local officials

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 -- In an era when plenty of people talk about national politics, few people vote in local elections like the one underway now. Few people vote because few people know anything about local candidates.

Editorial: Don't prohibit convicts who've served their time from voting

Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 -- North Carolina laws and policies should work to encourage convicts after they've served their time behind bars to fully and effectively reintegrate into society - to understand and engage in the obligations to their community.

Faith leaders join forces to promote voting

"Soul to the Polls" took place in Durham on Sunday. Faith leaders in the city said this year feels more important in the wake of new congressional maps being approved.

From the pews to the polls: Durham church hosts 'Souls to the Polls'

St. Joseph AME Church hosted "Souls to the Polls" Sunday in Durham. The church holds the event to promote voter engagement and consists of multiple church organizations and faith leaders from across the city.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL Durham reporter

Changes NC voters can expect to see in newly approved maps

District 13 now hooks around the edges of Wake County, all the way up to the Virginia line. It now leans Republican by an 18-point margin.

Using cheese and pepperoni pizza to explain the changes to NC's voting maps

District 13 now hooks around the edges of Wake County, all the way up to the Virginia line. It now leans Republican by an 18-point margin.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Voters in Wake County towns consider tax rate hikes for parks

Three Wake County towns are voting on parks and recreation bonds in November, which would pay for new parks, greenways and community centers.

Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs and Wendell voters to consider tax increase for parks and rec upgrades

Three Wake County towns are voting on parks and recreation bonds in November, which would pay for new parks, greenways and community centers.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

New NC political districts now officially law

Over protests from anti-gerrymandering activists, Republican legislators approved new political districts that could strengthen GOP power in the state and in Congress. Opponents' claims foreshadowed likely arguments in expected lawsuits challenging the maps.

New NC political districts -- now law, despite protests -- could cement GOP power for years

Over protests from anti-gerrymandering activists, Republican legislators approved new political districts that could strengthen GOP power in the state and in Congress. Opponents' claims foreshadowed likely arguments in expected lawsuits challenging the maps.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Can you spot the fake? WRAL breaks down the use of AI-generated images to influence NC voters

Campaign ads often share misleading information. But new technology enables bad actors to show viewers a false reality. WRAL breaks down the use of AI-generated images, video and audio to influence NC voters.

No Labels, no primary vote. NC's election rules will shut voters out of the March primaries if they're not careful

Only people registered with a particular political party, or as unaffiliated, can vote in that party's primary in North Carolina, and voters with the state's newest political party won't have a primary.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporters

Cooper sues over new GOP-backed election rules he says will 'undermine fair elections' in NC

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper sued Republican legislative leaders Tuesday, saying recent changes in elections law are unconstitutional. It's the latest in a string of lawsuits over the new rules, including another filed Tuesday by voter rights groups.

Travis Fain and Will Doran, WRAL state government reporters

Final day to register to vote for next month's elections across NC

If you plan on voting in next month's elections, Friday is your last day to register. Municipal elections are scheduled for Nov. 7.

Durham voters to choose from eight candidates for mayor

On Nov. 10, Durham residents will walk through the doors of polling places like this one and cast their ballots for the next leader of the city. Two of the eight candidates will move on to the general election.

College freshman inspired to register, vote after hearing VP Harris speak

Vice President Kamala Harris visited North Carolina A&T University as part of her "Fight for Our Freedoms" college tour to inspire young leaders.

By Jahnay Coleman, WRAL contributor

Oct. 10 Election Day: What to know in the Triangle

Tuesday, Oct. 10 is an election day in North Carolina, with municipal elections taking place in Cary, Durham and Fayetteville.

Controversial NC elections overhaul hits a snag at legislature, amid GOP disagreements

A controversial bill to overhaul North Carolina's election rules ahead of the 2024 presidential race failed to pass the state Senate Wednesday, a surprise result for a Republican-backed bill in the Republican-led legislature.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

'Problems in our elections'? NC Republicans say bill will fix them. Democrats aren't convinced

House Bill 770 would make people's ballots a public record, and Senate Bill 749 would overhaul the makeup of the state and county election boards. Both passed the state House and are heading to a final vote in the Senate.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter