We could be headed for a run-off in at least one highly contested local election. Tracy Reams, Director of the Orange County Board of Elections, breaks down the possible scenarios if the election results are narrow following the May 6 primary.

Under the current state statute, a run-off, or a second primary, is not required if a candidate gets a “substantial” plurality–which Reams says is defined as 40 percent plus one vote.

“To eliminate the possibility of a run-off, a candidate would need to get 40 percent plus one. If a candidate does not reach that then the second place candidate would then have the right to ask for a run-off in writing,” Reams says.

The Democratic primary race for Orange County Sheriff is looking to be one of the closest contests with six candidates vying for the position.

If just a local election requires a run-off, Reams says it will be held on June 24, seven weeks after the first primary per state law.

If the congressional senate contest requires a run-off, all second primaries will be held on July 15, ten weeks after the first primary.

“There is not a possibility of having a June primary and then a July primary. It would all be held in one second primary.”

The North Carolina Republican primary in the race for the United States Senate appeared to be headed for a run-off, but a recent poll revealed that state House Speaker Thom Tillis has managed to widen his lead.

Reams says that if a second primary is required, there is one important rule unaffiliated voters should keep in mind.

“If an unaffiliated voter votes in the first primary, they would be required to vote the same party in the second primary.”

The last run-off election held in Orange County was on July 17, 2012, for several state offices: the Democratic race for Commissioner of Labor and the Republican race for Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Insurance, Secretary of State, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Click here to view the full candidate list for the May 6 primary.

Related Stories
‹
2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primary for Orange County Sheriff
After running unopposed in 2022, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood faces competition in the Democratic primary from the Durham County Sheriff's Office's Director of Planning and Development David LaBarre.
Orange County Sheriff Primary Heats Up as Blackwood Seeks Fourth Term, LaBarre Joins Race
After an unopposed election for Orange County Sheriff in 2022, the 2026 Democratic primary will see a race for the position. 
Blackwood Wins Runoff For Orange County Sheriff
After a tight primary, Charles Blackwood won Tuesday’s runoff in the Orange County Sheriff’s race by a comfortable margin.
Sheriff Candidates Weigh In On Reported Sign Thefts
Though supporters have complained about missing campaign signs, the two men running for Orange County Sheriff say its par for the course in election season.
Blackwood: "Tremendous Sense of Urgency" In Sheriff Runoff Race
Orange County Sheriff candidate Charles Blackwood says low voter turnout is his biggest concern as the July 15 runoff election approaches
In Forum, Sheriff Candidates Find Common Ground
With the runoff election near, sheriff candidates Charles Blackwood and David Caldwell met at WCHL studios.
OC Sheriff Voting For Blackwood As Replacement
Early voting for Orange County’s new sheriff starts Thursday, and current Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass says he is casting his vote for candidate Charles Blackwood.
WCHL To Host OC Sheriff Forum Wednesday
The two men vying to be Orange County’s next sheriff will face each other on Wednesday for one final forum before the July 15th runoff election.
'Caravan to the Polls' Launched For OC Sheriff Run-off
Early voting for the Second Primary election starts Thursday, and Orange County officials are making sure there are no excuses for voters to make it to the polls.
Possible Run-Off Election Dates, If Necessary
Under the current statute, a run-off, or a second primary, is not required if a candidate gets a "substantial" plurality–which Reams says is defined as 40 per cent of the vote plus one vote.
›