Though it may have escaped the notice of all but the most politically active citizens, North Carolina will hold a run-off primary election on Tuesday, July 17. The polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm.
In Moore County, all of the run-offs are for statewide offices. Republican voters will be able to cast votes in four races -- including one that includes former Speaker of the NC House Richard Morgan, of Eagle Springs. Download sample ballots at the Moore County Board of Elections website.
Democrats have only one race in which to cast votes on Tuesday, deciding whether former NC Commissioner of Labor John C. Brooks or newcomer Marlowe Foster will run against incumbent Republican Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry in November.
On the Republican ballot, voters will find Morgan up against Mike Causey in the race for Commissioner of Insurance. Morgan pulled 37 percent of the vote in May, to Causey's 35 percent. James McCall pulled in 28 percent -- not enough to stay in the running, but enough to deny either of his competitors the clear victory.
At the top of the GOP ballot is the GOP runoff for Lt. Governor featuring the two top vote-getters from a five-way race in May. Dan Forest won 33 percent of the vote in the primary; Tony Gurley, 25 percent.
Ed Goodwin and Kenn Gardner face off for the GOP nod for NC Secretary of State. Goodwin took 36 percent of the vote in May, while Gardner won 30 percent.
Finally, John Tedesco, who pulled in 28 percent of the vote of NC Superintendent of Public Instruction, will compete with Richard Alexander, who took 24 percent, for the GOP nomination for that post.
Unaffiliated voters who want to vote in Tuesday's runoff must vote in the same party primary they selected in May.
Voters who would like to familiarize themselves with the candidates can consult UNC-TV's website at ncvoterguide.org to find basic background information, as well as links to campaign websites. Or visit votesmart.org, enter your zip code, and look for "statewide offices."
