With the 2024 general election approaching, the North Carolina State Board of Elections is working to clarify the vote counting and reporting process to combat misinformation. "We strongly encourage the news media to inform their audiences about vote counting and post-election processes in North Carolina," said executive director Karen Brinson Bell. The Board has outlined key facts for voters and reporters to be aware of, as detailed in a release from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Polls will close at 7:30 p.m. on November 5, but voters in line at that time can still cast their ballots. The State Board can extend voting hours at locations facing disruptions. If extensions happen, results from those counties will be withheld until voting is complete. Unofficial results will begin to appear on the State Board's Election Results Dashboard as soon as polls close, updating throughout the night. However, these initial tallies are not final; a thorough canvass process will follow to ensure all eligible votes are counted, as stated by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
On election night, nearly all ballots—about 98% according to the State Board—will be counted. This includes early votes, absentee ballots received before Election Day, and all ballots cast across more than 2,600 precincts. However, not all votes will be included in the unofficial results immediately. Absentee ballots, including those from military and overseas voters, as well as provisional ballots, will be counted during the post-election canvass. Ballots affected by Hurricane Helene will also be considered under Session Law 2024-51 and added during this period
Election night results will be reported at a set pace. In-person early voting results may be available between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., but counting these ballots cannot start until 7:30 p.m., which could delay reporting. Absentee ballot results can be available sooner since they can be counted before polls close. Each step, from the closing of polls to the last precinct report, follows a structured timeline that prioritizes accuracy over speed, according to the State Board's guidelines. Importantly, election officials do not "call" elections; that responsibility belongs to the media and candidates based on provisional results and exit polls. The official canvass process continues even when contests appear decided, ensuring every vote is counted before the final result is certified, as mentioned by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
