On Super Tuesday, millions of voters in 17 states and territories will choose the presidential nominees for both parties in North Carolina.
One of the most significant states to monitor is North Carolina, where early voting has already begun.
North Carolina wields significant power in the presidential campaign, with 110 delegates for the Democrats and 71 for the Republicans up for grabs. It also has several other tough elections for statewide and congressional seats, some of which may necessitate a runoff if no candidate receives more than 30% of the vote.
Republican side is more peppery than Democratic
The Democratic presidential primary is not particularly intriguing, considering current US President Joe Biden is the sole candidate on the ballot. However, “uncommitted” voters might express dissatisfaction with his government by selecting “No preference” as an option.
Biden easily carried the state in 2020, but he may encounter opposition from voters who previously supported U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders or other contenders. Biden needs a dominant showing in North Carolina to maintain his lead and earn his candidacy by March 19 (he will not be able to do so by March 5).
But the Republican side is coated with mustard sauce, as former President Donald Trump will confront former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (who secured Washington DC), attempting to prevent him from serving a second term.
Trump is unquestionably the frontrunner, with the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is also running for governor.
The former president won the state by a close margin in 2016, but he may encounter opposition from independent voters who are upset over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.
An anonymous voter attempted to have Trump removed off the ballot, but the elections board dismissed the request. Trump is likely to earn his nomination by March 12, unless Haley pulls off a major upset.
The governor’s race is likewise a fierce competition
Current Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is unable to compete for re-election owing to term constraints. On the Democratic side, State Attorney General Josh Stein is the leader, with Cooper’s support. He is competing against three other candidates, including Mike Morgan, a former state Supreme Court Justice.
Robinson is the leading Republican candidate, having received Trump’s endorsement. He will fight state Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham, who have more experience in state government.
Other contests to watch include the primaries for lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, secretary of state, U.S. House, state Senate, and state House.
The polls will shut at 7:30 p.m. ET on Super Tuesday, but the results may take some time to get in, since a new law prohibits counting early votes until after the polls close.