North Carolina Certifies 2025 Municipal Election Results, Harrellsville Races Under Review

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has officially certified the results of the 2025 municipal elections, with the exception of two races in Harrellsville that remain under review. The board reached this unanimous decision on November 7, following a thorough examination of the voting process and outcomes across the state.

Turnout figures from the elections indicate varying levels of voter engagement. On September 9, approximately 42,000 voters participated in municipal partisan primaries across three counties, resulting in an 8% turnout from an eligible population of 530,000. Subsequent elections on October 7 saw about 78,000 voters cast their ballots in 18 counties, reflecting a turnout of around 12% from a potential 650,000 voters. The most significant activity occurred on November 4, when municipal elections took place in 447 municipalities across 88 counties, generating over 701,258 ballots and achieving a turnout of nearly 19.8% from roughly 3.5 million eligible voters.

Following the initial certification by county boards of elections, the State Board conducted its statewide verification. This process was bolstered by a series of post-election audits aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the machine-tabulated results. According to Sam Hayes, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections, “These municipal elections were carried out smoothly and successfully across North Carolina.” He praised the collaborative efforts of county boards, election officials, and State Board staff in delivering a secure voting experience.

The audits not only confirm election outcomes but also serve to identify any potential irregularities that could affect results. Hayes emphasized the importance of these audits, stating, “The results of these audits reaffirm what we see year after year: North Carolina’s certified voting systems count ballots with a high level of accuracy.” He reassured voters that the voting machines operated effectively and that the certified results accurately reflect the electorate’s will.

While the certification of the majority of election results represents a significant step toward concluding the municipal elections, the investigation into the Harrellsville mayoral and town council races continues. The Hertford County Board of Elections has been asked to provide additional information regarding their findings before these specific contests can be certified.

The ongoing review highlights the commitment to maintaining electoral integrity, ensuring that every vote is accounted for, and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. As the State Board continues its work, North Carolinians await the final resolutions of the contested races.