CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Polls are officially open in North Carolina for Super Tuesday, the biggest day on the primary calendar.
Millions of Americans are set to cast their votes in primary elections across the country as we get ready to find out who will officially be on the ballot in November's general election. Let's connect the dots.
What is Super Tuesday?
Voters in 15 states, including North Carolina, will cast their ballots on Super Tuesday. With more than 1,000 delegates up for grabs, Super Tuesday is the biggest primary day of the election season. A strong showing on Super Tuesday can be enough to catapult a candidate to their party's nomination, while disappointing results can all but end their hopes of running for office.
The history of Super Tuesday
Most historians agree that Super Tuesday started in 1988. That's when a group of Democrats in the South decided to put several primaries on the same day. They hoped this move would influence their party's pick and make sure their nominee could succeed in the South.
This year, Donald Trump and Joe Biden are all but guaranteed to have a rematch from 2020 but both still want a strong showing on Super Tuesday. A good performance could build momentum and create the perception that voters across the country are putting their support behind a particular candidate.
Down ballot races matter
The race for the White House has nationwide attention but Super Tuesday isn't just about the top of the ticket. Here in North Carolina, the most important down ballot race is the gubernatorial primary. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has been hitting the campaign trail and has backing from Donald Trump. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Josh Stein is the frontrunner with strong support from incumbent Roy Cooper, who will leave the governor's mansion after two terms in Raleigh.
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