CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Primary election day in Charlotte was Sept. 12. Voters selected the Democratic nominees for mayor, four city council districts, and four at-large seats.
Vi Lyles garnered 85.37% of the votes in her bid for a fourth term at Charlotte Mayor. Lyles was challenged by anti-violence advocate Lucille Puckett.
West Charlotte's District 3 race was the only without an incumbent, as current District 3 Representative Victoria Watlington is seeking an at-large council seat. Tiawana Deling Brown defeated Melinda Lilly and former City Councilman Warren Turner with 60.1% of the vote.
Democratic incumbents Malcolm Graham (District 2), Renee Perkins Johnson (District 4) and Marjorie Molina (District 5) all faced primary challengers Tuesday. Graham defeated Gary Young II, 74% to 26%, while Johnson and Molina each led a field of three with 52.3% and 53.3%, respectively.
Incumbents Dimple Ajmera, LaWana Slack-Mayfield, and James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr., as well as Watlington received the most votes for at-large seats.
According to Mecklenburg County Board of Elections officials, fewer than 24,000 people turned in ballots for the primary, which is only about 5% of registered voters in the city of Charlotte.
They say it's likely because there's no contested races between GOP candidates, so Republicans are staying home.
“This is just a Democratic primary, so remember, you’re helping the Democrats decide who they’re going to put forward on the November ballot,” Kristin Mavromatis with Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, said.
Charlotte voters showed up at the polls for several different causes on Tuesday.
“Transportation is so important because were in such a growing city and it’s so difficult to find a place to park," Sara Hodges, a Charlotte voter, said.
“Inclusion and diversity is a huge topic and that goes for everything from city programs to housing, to economic opportunities," Tim Bogert, a Charlotte voter, said.
The Democratic winners will be on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 7.
Voters were asked to bring an acceptable form of ID like a driver’s license, college ID or veteran ID. This is now a requirement for all elections in North Carolina. According to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, if you don't have one when you show up, you can still vote with a provisional ballot and the board will decide the fate of your ballot.
Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. and closed at 7:30 p.m. Voters were able to search for their assigned polling place by entering their address on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.
The NC State Board of Elections suggested avoiding long lines by voting at off-peak times. Polls are typically busy early in the morning and just before closing. However, those in line at 7:30 p.m. at a polling place are still be able to vote.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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