A full ballot awaits voters in Columbus County when early voting opens tomorrow for the November election.
Early voting starts Thursday in Columbus County. Photo ID is required to cast a ballot. Free voter ID cards are available at the board of elections until Nov. 2. The state board of elections said that 62 percent of voters cast an early ballot in 2016, and 65 percent in 2020.
Early voting locations are the county board of elections office; Chadbourn municipal annex; Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue; Ransom Center; and Tabor City courthouse. Any registered voter may cast an early ballot at any location during this period. On Election Day, voters may only cast ballots in their home precincts.
In addition to the president, U.S. Congress, State Senate and House of Representatives, Governor and state cabinet positions, Columbus County voters have multiple races to consider.
Two County Commissioners – Chris Smith in District Two, and Lavern Coleman in District Four – are unopposed. In District Three, longtime incumbent Giles “Buddy” Byrd is facing a challenge from Republican nominee Salhudin Majeed. Both candidates are from Hallsboro.
District Five Commissioner Brent Watts, the Republican incumbent, is facing Democrat challenger Joseph “Joe” Small.
Republican Kandance Bullock is unopposed in her bid for another term as Register of Deeds.
The county Board of Education Race has two contested races.
Emily Grice and Charles Jacobs Jr. are vying for the District One seat being vacated by Randy Coleman, who did not seek reelection.
The County District Five races has three hopefuls – Steve Long, Cathy Rouse and Cameron “Cam” Byrd.
In Whiteville, Ernest Gaskins and Jackie Ray-Pierce are running for the District Three seat.
Incumbent Greg Merritt and Edward squires are on the ballot for District Four in the city schools.
The Riegelwood Sanitary Board has two candidates in the running: James Edwin Horrell Hammond, and Joshua Simmons.
Two candidates are on the ballot for Soil and Water Conservation: Gary Simmons and Walter Strickland.
Also on the ballot is a constitutional amendment that would allow only U.S. citizens to vote in North Carolina elections. (See related story).
