Primary Election Day in Charlotte is Tuesday: Here’s what you need to know

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte’s municipal primary is happening on Tuesday, September 9. Whether you’re choosing the next mayor or helping shape the future of the Charlotte City Council, this is your chance to have a say.

Here are the basics of what you need to know.

• Primary Election Day: Tuesday, September 9
• Voting Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Races: Mayor, At-Large City Council, Districts 1-6
• Your vote decides who makes it to November or wins the seat outright

Mayor’s Race: Vi Lyles wants a fifth term

The current Charlotte mayor, Vi Lyles, is running again. This would be her fifth term. She’s facing several challengers in the Democratic primary.

Whoever wins will go on to the general election to compete against:

• Terrie Donovan, Republican
• Rob Yates, Libertarian

At-Large City Council: 4 seats, several candidates

In this race, you can vote for four candidates, regardless of where in Charlotte you live.

Democrats have the numbers, about 39% of voters citywide, so the Democratic primary is key. The top four Democrats will move on to the general election to face:

• Edwin Peacock, Republican
• Misun Kim, Republican

City Council Districts

Each district has its own race, and what happens in the primaries can either decide the whole race or set the stage for November. Here’s a quick snapshot of each:

District 1: Uptown, Plaza Midwood, NoDa

• Strong Democratic district, reports 45% Democrat
• No Republican is running, so the primary winner wins the seat

District 3: West Charlotte, Airport, Steele Creek

• Majority-minority district, 42% of voters are Black
• Democrat-heavy, reporting at 47%
• Primary winner will face Republican James Bowers in November

District 4: UNC Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte

• Another diverse district, 49% Black voters
• 49% Democrat, only 11% Republican
• No Republican challenger, so whoever wins Tuesday wins the seat

District 5: East Charlotte, near Mint Hill

• 48% Democrat, 13% Republican, 42% Black voters
• No Republican running
• Primary winner takes the seat

District 6: South Charlotte, SouthPark

• One of the most Republican-leaning areas
• About 25,000 registered Republicans here
• This race will be competitive both now and in November
• Primary winner will face Democrat Kimberly Owens

Here’s what you should do before you vote

1. Know where to vote: You must vote at your assigned polling place on Tuesday. Find your polling place here.
2. Check your sample ballot: Want to see who’s on your ballot? Use the N.C. Voter Search Tool to preview your sample ballot.
3. Bring your photo ID: Most people will just use their driver’s license, but other IDs are accepted, too. No ID? You can still vote with a provisional ballot.

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