2023 elections Coverage

Editorial: Trump diminishes M.L. King Jr.'s legacy at Mar-a-Lago event

Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 -- Former President Donald Trump made a mockery of the life, sacrifices and achievements of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., in his misdirected statement about N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

LESLIE BONEY: 9-inch nails, 5-inch heels and healing

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 -- Even with everything Dolly Parton would bring as a presidential candidate, she wouldn't work out in the end. For one thing, she isn't interested. Second, admiring someone doesn't always mean we would vote for them. Third, experience really does matter. And fourth, the stakes seem too high - democracy vs. autocracy - to take the chance in 2024.

Some Wake County elections still too close to call

Wake County's pre-canvass count of provisional and absentee-by-mail ballots made two close local elections even closer. One is likely headed for a recount.

Provisional, absentee ballots narrow margins in already-tight Wake races

Wake County's pre-canvass count of provisional and absentee-by-mail ballots made two close local elections even closer. One is likely headed for a recount.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

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

NC rides national wave of Democratic victories

National Democrats are celebrating wins in high-profile races in other states like Ohio and Virginia. Even in North Carolina, with only local races on the ballot, Democrats say it was a better night than they expected.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Close races in Wake County could hinge on absentee, provisional ballots

Several races in Wake County were unofficially decided Tuesday night by very thin margins. Absentee and provisional ballots that haven't been counted yet could still change those outcomes, though that's pretty rare.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Leo Williams elected as next Durham mayor, defeating Mike Woodard

Leonardo Williams is set to replace outgoing Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal. Williams defeated challenger Mike Woodard on Tuesday.

Leo Williams elected as new mayor of Durham, defeating challenger Mike Woodard

Leonardo Williams is set to replace outgoing Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal. Williams defeated challenger Mike Woodard on Tuesday.

Jess Anderson elected as next Chapel Hill mayor

Jess Anderson is set to replace Pam Hemminger as Chapel Hill mayor. Anderson defeated challenger Adam Searing on Tuesday.

Incumbent Mitch Colvin secures fourth term as Fayetteville mayor

Incumbent Mitch Colvin secured his fourth term as Fayetteville mayor defeating challenger Freddie de la Cruz.

Durham voters elect new Mayor Leonardo Williams

Leonardo Williams is set to replace outgoing Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal. Williams defeated challenger Mike Woodard on Tuesday.

Jess Anderson to become next Chapel Hill mayor, defeats Adam Searing

Jess Anderson is set to replace Pam Hemminger as Chapel Hill mayor.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Fayetteville mayor race: Incumbent Mitch Colvin secures fourth term, defeats Freddie de la Cruz

Incumbent Mitch Colvin secured his fourth term as Fayetteville mayor. Freddie de la Cruz ran against Colvin for the second time.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

'There's going to be a new culture': Leo Williams elected as new mayor of Durham

Leonardo Williams is set to replace outgoing Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal. Williams defeated challenger Mike Woodard on Tuesday.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

First big election under NC's new voter ID law

For many voters casting ballots in North Carolina's 2023 municipal elections, it's the first time they've had to show photo identification at the polls. And even people who lack ID will still be allowed to vote, under most circumstances.

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.

Few problems reported as 2023 elections offer first test of new voter ID rules in North Carolina

For many voters casting ballots in North Carolina's 2023 municipal elections, it's the first time they've had to show photo identification at the polls. And even people who lack ID will still be allowed to vote, under most circumstances.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

What you need to know about Tuesday's local elections

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.

Big races on ballots nationwide

Abortion and marijuana are issues driving people to the polls. Kentucky and Mississippi will elect governors.

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.

West Cary runoff election: Bansal in the lead for town council seat

Western Cary Town Council candidates Sarika Bansal and Rachel Jordan are vying for the seat in a runoff election on Tuesday.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Fayetteville mayoral candidates to debate Tuesday night

Incumbent Mitch Colvin is going up against Freddie de la Cruz in the race for Fayetteville mayor.

Fayetteville mayoral candidates square off in debate at Fayetteville State University

Incumbent Mitch Colvin is going up against Freddie de la Cruz in the race for Fayetteville mayor.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter