North Carolina State Board of Elections officials are attempting to calm a jittery public ahead of Election Day. At a press briefing Monday, they spoke of adapting and being ready for the hurdles that lie ahead.
Board Chair Damon Circosta reported that close cooperation between political parties, state and local election officials, and tens of thousands of newly trained poll workers have allowed North Carolinians to vote in record numbers. He added that while he expects the last day of voting to be busy, orderly, safe and secure, some hiccups will be unavoidable.
"Printers will jam, voters may have to wait a little while in some locations, and unofficial results might take some time to be uploaded," said Circosta. "We are prepared, and if you are one of the almost 3 million registered voters who have yet to cast your ballot, it is your day."
On election night unofficial results will be reported for all in-person, one-stop early voting ballots, all by mail absentee votes received by 5 p.m. Monday, and all those cast on Election Day — excluding provisional ballots. According to Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell, that total should account for at least 97% of all ballots cast.