By Nicole and Miles Layton

Voters across northeastern North Carolina chose sheriffs, county commissioners, school board members and other local officials Tuesday, Nov. 3, while deciding local referendums and three proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution.

All precincts had reported in the Albemarle Observer’s coverage area by late Tuesday night, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The results remained unofficial pending canvassing.

Among the notable outcomes, incumbent sheriffs Edward “Scooter” Basnight of Chowan County and Carl “Guire” Cahoon Jr. of Hyde County won reelection, while unaffiliated candidates Major Shively and Drew Robinson won sheriff’s races in Tyrrell and Martin counties.

Democrat Melinda Porter won Washington County’s at-large commissioner race, while Republican Francisco Salmeron prevailed in Camden County’s three-way commissioner contest.

Voters in Perquimans County approved two alcohol-related ballot questions. Currituck County voters approved changes to county government election structures but rejected a proposed sales tax. Dare County voters also rejected a local sales tax proposal.

At the federal level, Democrat Roy Cooper held a substantial lead in the U.S. Senate election, while Democratic incumbent Don Davis led Republican Laurie Buckhout in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

Voter turnout varied considerably across the region, with Tyrrell, Hyde and Dare counties reporting turnout above 58%. State Board figures showed substantially lower percentages in Pasquotank and Hertford counties.

Voter turnout

All precincts had reported in the 13 counties, although results remained unofficial.

County	Ballots cast	Registered voters	Turnout
Tyrrell	1,385	2,367	58.51%
Hyde	1,776	3,037	58.48%
Dare	19,252	33,038	58.27%
Chowan	5,983	10,348	57.82%
Washington	4,564	8,228	55.47%
Martin	9,242	16,744	55.20%
Bertie	6,721	12,836	52.36%
Camden	4,563	8,753	52.13%
Perquimans	5,630	10,814	52.06%
Gates	4,212	8,310	50.69%
Currituck	12,756	25,208	50.60%
Hertford	2,463	13,723	17.95%
Pasquotank	5,135	31,730	16.18%

Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections, unofficial county results, Nov. 3, 2026. Figures reflect the latest available county reports and may be updated during canvassing.

Federal elections

U.S. Senate

Democrat Roy Cooper held a substantial lead over Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race Tuesday night, with 2,556 of the state’s 2,626 precincts reporting.

Cooper received 2,425,551 votes, or 58.63%, compared with Whatley’s 1,620,824 votes, or 39.18%.

Libertarian Shannon W. Bray received 54,753 votes, or 1.32%, while Green Party candidate Michael Dublin received 35,724 votes, or 0.86%.

Following the election, Cooper expressed optimism about the work ahead.

“It won’t be easy and it won’t be simple. But I know that to whom much is given, much is required,” Cooper said.

“I am still a prisoner of hope. I truly believe that our best days lie ahead, that we can make the course correction that our great country so badly needs.”

1st Congressional District

Democratic incumbent Don Davis led Republican Laurie Buckhout by 6,376 votes in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, with all 290 precincts reporting.

Davis received 148,327 votes, or 49.46%, compared with Buckhout’s 141,951 votes, or 47.33%.

“Tonight, we proved that it truly is the People’s House. Districts may change, lines may be redrawn, but at the end of the day, the people have the final say,” Davis said in a Facebook post on Nov. 3. “And tonight, the people of eastern North Carolina have spoken loud and clear. Our resilience shows the greatness of our state and nation.”

With the win, Davis will have to move from his current residence in Snow Hill to somewhere within the Congressional District.

Libertarian Tom Bailey received 9,625 votes, or 3.21%.

“Tonight the voters of eastern North Carolina made their choice, and I respect it. I called Congressman Davis to congratulate him, and I wish him well, because when he succeeds for this district, we all do. But we will hold him accountable,” Buckhout said. “To my family, our volunteers, and everyone who knocked a door, planted a sign, or said a prayer for this campaign: thank you. You gave everything, and I will never forget it.

“I am so proud of the campaign we ran and prouder still of the people I ran it for. The farms, the families, and the way of life we fought for are worth fighting for still, and I will always fight to make this nation a more perfect union.

“It was the honor of my life to stand with you. God bless eastern North Carolina, and God bless the United States of America.”

Although all precincts had reported, the results remained unofficial pending canvassing.

North Carolina Senate

District 1

Republican state Sen. Jerry Tillett led Democrat Melissa Zehner in Senate District 1, receiving 36,854 votes, or 55.19%, compared with Zehner’s 29,919 votes, or 44.81%.

The districtwide report available to the Observer at press time showed 88 of 96 precincts reporting.

Tillett thanked voters, family members and campaign supporters in a statement following the election.

“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming results of this election and deeply grateful for the trust and faith you have placed in me,” Tillett said.

He said his priorities would include economic development and addressing challenges facing eastern North Carolina.

“I will continue to promote conservative policies that strengthen our local economy and offer practical common sense solutions for the challenges facing our district and state,” Tillett said.

“My goal is to ensure Eastern North Carolina has a strong voice for effective representation.”

Tillett said he was honored by the opportunity to serve and looked forward to the work ahead.

District 2

Republican incumbent Norman Sanderson led Democrat Roy Surrett in Senate District 2, which includes Hyde County and other parts of northeastern North Carolina.

With 84 of 91 precincts reporting in the earlier districtwide figures, Sanderson received 46,070 votes, or 53.72%, compared with Surrett’s 39,696 votes, or 46.28%.

In Hyde County’s later report, Sanderson received 1,077 votes to Surrett’s 824.

NC House

In House District 1, Republican Edward C. Goodwin led Democrat Miriam Rollin, 22,388 votes to 14,866, with 42 of 43 precincts reporting. Goodwin received 60.10% of the vote.

In House District 5, Republican Bill Ward defeated Democrat Sam Davis III, receiving 9,391 votes, or 57.38%, compared with Davis’ 6,974 votes, or 42.62%. All 31 precincts had reported.

In House District 23, Democrat Patricia Smith led Republican Brent Roberson, receiving 20,597 votes, or 62.12%, compared with Roberson’s 12,558 votes, or 37.88%. The earlier report showed 40 of 42 precincts reporting.

In House District 79, Republican Darren Armstrong ran unopposed. The earlier districtwide report showed Armstrong with 24,318 votes and 32 of 44 precincts reporting.

The later Hyde County report showed Armstrong receiving 1,303 votes in that county.

Judicial elections

North Carolina Supreme Court

Democratic incumbent Anita Earls led Republican Sarah Stevens in the contest for Associate Justice Seat 1.

Earls received 2,414,878 votes, or 58.79%, compared with Stevens’ 1,693,020 votes, or 41.21%.

The statewide report showed 2,556 of 2,626 precincts reporting.

North Carolina Court of Appeals

Democratic candidates led all three contested Court of Appeals races.

In Seat 1, John S. Arrowood received 2,321,630 votes, or 56.69%, compared with Republican Michael C. Byrne’s 1,773,685 votes, or 43.31%.

In Seat 2, Tobias “Toby” Hampson received 2,319,795 votes, or 56.70%, compared with Republican George Cooper Bell’s 1,771,481 votes, or 43.30%.

In Seat 3, Christine Marie Walczyk received 2,331,506 votes, or 57.04%, compared with Republican Craig Collins’ 1,756,278 votes, or 42.96%.

The statewide judicial figures remained incomplete.

Superior Court

In Superior Court District 1, Seat 2, Republican Robert Trivette defeated Democrat Eula Reid, receiving 34,088 votes, or 60.25%, compared with Reid’s 22,489 votes, or 39.75%.

In Superior Court District 2, Seat 1, Democrat Regina Rodgers Parker defeated Republican Jerauld Brian Pafford, receiving 20,383 votes, or 55.75%, compared with Pafford’s 16,178 votes, or 44.25%.

All precincts had reported in both districts.

District Court

In District Court District 1, Republicans Kris John Felthousen, Jeffrey Moreland and Meader Harriss ran unopposed for Seats 1, 2 and 3.

Felthousen received 39,105 votes, Moreland received 38,552, and Harriss received 38,724.

In the contested election for the unexpired Seat 4 term, Republican Kyle Jones defeated Democrat Jennifer “Jenny” Wells, receiving 33,032 votes, or 58.65%, compared with Wells’ 23,287 votes, or 41.35%.

In District Court District 2, Democrat Darrell B. Cayton Jr. ran unopposed for Seat 1, receiving 24,171 votes.

Republican Lloyd Williams defeated Democrat D. Cole Phelps in Seat 2, receiving 19,453 votes, or 53.22%, compared with Phelps’ 17,098 votes, or 46.78%.

All precincts had reported in both districts.

District attorneys

Three district attorney races serving the region were uncontested.

Republican Jeff Cruden received 38,491 votes in District 1.

Republican Tom Anglim received 24,052 votes in District 2.

Democrat Kim Gourrier Scott received 26,438 votes in District 7.

State constitutional amendments

North Carolina voters favored all three proposed constitutional amendments in incomplete statewide returns.

The proposal to require photo identification for voting received 2,355,552 votes for, or 59.54%, compared with 1,600,922 votes against.

The proposed amendment setting the maximum income tax rate at 3.5% received 2,447,073 votes for, or 61.84%, compared with 1,510,320 against.

The proposed property tax levy limit received 2,383,808 votes for, or 60.36%, compared with 1,565,413 against.

These statewide amendment totals reflect an earlier election-night report showing 2,414 of 2,626 precincts reporting as of press deadline.

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County-by-county election results

Bertie County

Bertie County voters returned three Democratic county commissioners to office in uncontested races and chose Rickey Freeman, Christine Dudley and Vernetta Henderson in contested Board of Education elections.

All 12 precincts reported, with 6,721 of the county’s 12,836 registered voters casting ballots, a turnout of 52.36%.

School board

In the District 2 school board race, Freeman received 2,992 votes, or 52.22%, to Latrica Hines-Miller’s 2,713 votes, or 47.35%, a margin of 279 votes. There were 25 write-in votes.

In District 3, Dudley received 3,540 votes, or 61.86%, to David C. Conner’s 2,173 votes, or 37.97%. There were 10 write-in votes.

In District 4, Henderson received 3,460 votes, or 60.82%, to David Ray’s 2,218 votes, or 38.99%. There were 11 write-in votes.

County commissioners

Democrat Miles Davis ran unopposed in Commissioner District 2, receiving 4,930 votes.

Davis thanked residents for their support and called for cooperation.

“I want to thank the citizens of Bertie County for having placed their confidence in me,” Davis said.

“Now is the time for all of us to work together to make a better Bertie County.”

Davis invited residents to share ideas and concerns by emailing Miles4bertie@gmail.com.

Democrat Corey Ballance Sr. was unopposed in Commissioner District 3, receiving 4,815 votes.

Democrat Ronald “Ron” Roberson was unopposed in District 5, receiving 4,780 votes.

Other Bertie races

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Angela “Angie” Todd received 5,277 votes without opposition.

Democratic Sheriff Tyrone M. Ruffin received 5,509 votes without opposition.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Blount Knowles received 3,575 votes. Miscellaneous write-ins totaled 1,185 in the contest allowing voters to select two candidates. The report did not identify individual write-in candidates.

Bertie voters supported the photo ID amendment, 3,892 votes to 2,636.

The maximum income tax rate amendment received 3,875 votes for and 2,625 against.

The property tax levy limit received 3,518 votes for and 2,976 against.

Camden County

Republican Francisco Salmeron won the at-large seat on the Camden County Board of Commissioners in a three-way contest.

Salmeron received 1,725 votes, or 42.29%, defeating unaffiliated candidate Matt Davis, who received 1,555 votes, and unaffiliated candidate David Chick, who received 799 votes.

Republican Troy Leary was unopposed in the Shiloh District commissioner contest, receiving 3,520 votes.

Following the election, Chick thanked residents who supported his campaign and said he did not regret entering the race.

“While tonight’s results may not be what I had hoped for, I have absolutely no regrets about stepping up and putting my name on the ballot,” Chick said.

“I may not have won an election, but I don’t believe that means the conversations, concerns, and ideas we’ve shared along the way should stop,” he added.

School board

Voters selected three members of the Camden County Board of Education.

Chris Purcell received 2,037 votes, Leslie White received 2,002, and Eleanora Doane-Butts received 1,758, winning the available seats.

G. Wayne White received 1,640 votes, and Magen O’Neal received 1,552. Write-ins totaled 55.

Other Camden races

Republican Clerk of Superior Court Jennifer Gray was unopposed, receiving 3,581 votes.

Republican Sheriff J. Kevin Jones was unopposed, receiving 3,708 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Brian Lannon received 2,627 votes and Abner Wayne Staples received 2,619, with 35 write-in votes.

Camden voters supported the photo ID amendment, with 3,639 votes for; the maximum income tax rate amendment, with 3,597 for; and the property tax levy limit, with 3,302 for.

Chowan County

Chowan County voters reelected Sheriff Edward “Scooter” Basnight, returned Larry McLaughlin to the Board of Commissioners and selected candidates in three contested Board of Education races.

Sheriff

Republican Basnight defeated Democrat Kristy L. LaLonde, receiving 3,743 votes, or 63.61%, compared with LaLonde’s 2,141 votes, or 36.39%.

“I’m excited. I’m humbled and truly honored by the turnout today, and just thankful that I get to do this another four years,” Basnight said.

Basnight said he would return his attention to his responsibilities as sheriff.

“I get to focus on the task at hand, which is serving the county,” he said.

LaLonde congratulated Basnight and thanked those who supported her campaign.

“Although the election results were not what we had hoped for, I am incredibly grateful for the 2,141 people who placed their trust and confidence in me,” LaLonde said.

She said her campaign had been about more than winning an election.

“My mission was always bigger than winning an election,” LaLonde said. “The election may be over, but the mission is not.”

Commissioner

Republican Larry McLaughlin won another term representing Commissioner District 2, defeating Democrat Kathleen Miglorie.

McLaughlin received 1,512 votes, or 64.67%, compared with Miglorie’s 826 votes, or 35.33%.

“I am honored and humbled to serve another four years,” McLaughlin said.

“I will continue to work with the Board of Education, the Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Edenton and everyone who loves this place to make Chowan County the best place to live in NC.”

Miglorie congratulated McLaughlin and reflected on her experience as a candidate.

“Congratulations, Larry! This was a great experience and I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet so many awesome people and learn so much,” Miglorie said. “Wishing all the commissioners wisdom as they grapple with the challenges ahead.”

Republican Lisa Perry ran unopposed in Commissioner District 1, receiving 1,470 votes. She will replace Bob Kirby on the board.

Democrat Ellis Lawrence was unopposed in District 3, receiving 1,226 votes.

School board

George Lewis defeated Darin C. Miglorie in the at-large Board of Education contest, receiving 3,154 votes to Miglorie’s 1,498.

“I am incredibly honored by the trust our community has placed in me again,” Lewis said.

Lewis said his priorities include supporting students, educators and school leadership, encouraging parental choices and considering the long-term needs of the school system.

“I entered this race because I believe our children deserve an education system that puts students first, supports our teachers and staff, values our superintendent, encourages parental choices, and makes decisions for the long-term success of our schools,” he said.

Florence B. Winslow defeated DeAnna Daniel in Board of Education District 1, receiving 1,126 votes to Daniel’s 456.

Daniel, a former teacher and coach at Chowan Middle School, congratulated Winslow and thanked those who supported her campaign.

“As a former teacher and coach at Chowan Middle School, I care deeply about our students and the people who show up for them every day,” Daniel said.

“A healthy democracy depends on people being willing to step forward, hear different points of view, and cast their votes,” she added.

Incumbent Ricky Browder defeated Ollie Inglis in Board of Education District 2, receiving 1,300 votes to Inglis’ 695.

Browder thanked voters for allowing him to serve another four years.

“I don’t think I could be any more proud to be a Chowan County resident as I am tonight,” Browder said.

“Today friends and families came together and united behind an effort to make sure the way of life in this county was preserved.”

Sherronne Battle ran unopposed in Board of Education District 3, receiving 1,044 votes.

Other Chowan races

Unaffiliated Clerk of Superior Court Dwayne Goodwin was unopposed, receiving 4,470 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district election, John T. Layton received 3,334 votes and Matt Floyd received 2,567.

Chowan voters supported the photo ID amendment with 4,359 votes for, the maximum income tax rate amendment with 4,317 votes for, and the property tax levy limit with 4,082 votes for.

Currituck County

Republicans Matt Beickert and Steve Hedrick won contested county commissioner races, while voters approved two local government election changes and rejected a proposed sales tax.

County commissioners

Beickert defeated Democrat Reggie Saunders in the at-large commissioner contest, receiving 8,680 votes, or 68.94%, compared with Saunders’ 3,911 votes, or 31.06%.

Hedrick defeated Democrat JeKeith Cowell Sr. in District 5, receiving 8,586 votes, or 68.63%, compared with Cowell’s 3,925 votes, or 31.37%.

Republican Mike Payment was unopposed in District 3, receiving 9,671 votes.

School board

Jason Banks received 8,700 votes in the uncontested at-large Board of Education contest, with 205 write-in votes.

Melissa Harrison defeated Stephanie Forloines in Crawford Township, receiving 6,397 votes to Forloines’ 2,774. Write-ins totaled 95.

Dana Parker defeated William “Bill” Dobney in Poplar Branch Township, receiving 5,275 votes to Dobney’s 4,876. Write-ins totaled 65.

Three local referendums

Currituck voters approved a change to the method of electing the Board of Education, with 6,369 votes for and 5,291 against. The change will include party affiliation.

A proposed county sales and use tax was rejected, with 7,897 votes against and 4,174 for.

Voters also approved a proposed change to the county commissioners’ structure, with 8,543 yes votes and 3,149 no votes.

Other Currituck races

Republican Clerk of Superior Court Ray Matusko was unopposed, receiving 9,995 votes.

Republican Sheriff Jeffrey Walker was unopposed, receiving 9,962 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district election, William L. Powell received 4,242 votes and Joseph “Joe” Hobbs received 3,801, winning the two available seats.

Harvey Roberts received 2,873 votes, John Mack Duncan received 2,604, and write-ins totaled 141.

Currituck voters favored all three proposed constitutional amendments, with 10,280 votes for the photo ID measure, 10,321 for the maximum income tax rate amendment and 10,032 for the property tax levy limit.

Dare County

Republican Ervin Bateman won the Dare County Board of Commissioners at-large race, while Republican Stephen Nichols prevailed in the contested District 1 Board of Education election.

All 16 precincts reported, with 19,252 of Dare County’s 33,038 registered voters casting ballots, a turnout of 58.27%.

Bateman received 10,676 votes, or 56.46%, to Democrat Aida Havel’s 8,232 votes, or 43.54%.

Republican commissioners David Twiddy of District 1 and Rob Ross of District 2 were unopposed. Twiddy received 11,830 votes, while Ross received 11,386.

School board

In the District 1 school board race, Nichols received 10,028 votes, or 53.45%, to Democrat Kelleta Govan’s 8,735 votes, or 46.55%.

Republican Ron Payne was unopposed in District 2, receiving 11,314 votes.

In District 3, Republican Rich Shope received 10,798 votes, or 78.41%, while miscellaneous write-ins accounted for 2,973 votes, or 21.59%.

Voters reject sales tax referendum

Dare County voters rejected a proposed local sales and use tax, with 11,273 votes against, or 61.71%, and 6,994 in favor, or 38.29%.

Other Dare races

Other uncontested races included Sheriff Rodney Rawls, who received 12,892 votes; Clerk of Superior Court Dean Martin Tolson, with 11,904; and Register of Deeds Cheryl House, with 11,575. All three are Republicans.

In the soil and water conservation district supervisor election, Clarence Wood Beasley received 9,501 votes and Matthew J. Paulson received 8,453. There were 403 miscellaneous write-in votes.

Dare County voters supported all three proposed constitutional amendments.

The photo identification amendment received 12,662 votes in favor and 5,960 against.

The proposed maximum state income tax rate of 3.5% received 13,072 votes in favor and 5,527 against.

The property tax levy limit amendment received 12,622 votes in favor and 6,097 against.

Gates County

Two contested county commissioner races produced victories for Republican Jay Peay and unaffiliated candidate Joshua “Josh” Miller.

Peay defeated unaffiliated candidate Larry “Scooter” Williams in the Eure District, receiving 2,038 votes, or 53.03%, compared with Williams’ 1,805 votes, or 46.97%.

Miller defeated Democrat Brian Keith Rountree in the Gates District, receiving 2,116 votes, or 52.26%, compared with Rountree’s 1,933 votes, or 47.74%.

“I want to thank everyone that supported me during this election process and the real work has just begun,” Miller said. “Thank you all, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone.”

Unaffiliated candidate Emily Truman was unopposed in the Gatesville District commissioner contest, receiving 2,890 votes.

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Monica Horton-Wiggins was unopposed, receiving 3,167 votes.

Republican Sheriff Ray Campbell was unopposed, receiving 3,064 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Robert “Ed” Miller received 2,562 votes and Richard “Rick” Morgan received 2,387. Write-ins totaled 70.

Gates voters favored the photo ID amendment, 3,155 votes to 878; the maximum income tax rate amendment, 3,127 to 889; and the property tax levy limit, 2,943 to 1,067.

Hertford County

Hertford County voters selected three Board of Education members while several county officials ran without opposition.

School board

Casey B. Peele, Shelia J. Porter and Brunet V. Parker won the three available Board of Education seats.

Peele received 1,303 votes, Porter received 1,016 and Parker received 781.

LaGina Hanson received 669 votes, and write-ins totaled 149.

County offices

Democrat Leroy Douglas II was unopposed in Commissioner District 1, receiving 1,444 votes.

Democrat Andre M. Lassiter was unopposed in Commissioner District 2, receiving 1,491 votes.

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Shirley Gatling Johnson was unopposed, receiving 1,560 votes.

Democratic Sheriff Dexter A. Hayes was unopposed, receiving 1,730 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, David Simons received 1,331 votes and C. Gray Pierce received 1,142. Write-ins totaled eight.

Hertford voters supported all three proposed constitutional amendments, with 1,667 votes for the photo ID amendment, 1,603 for the maximum income tax rate amendment and 1,477 for the property tax levy limit.

Hyde County

Democratic incumbent Carl “Guire” Cahoon Jr. won another term as Hyde County sheriff, defeating unaffiliated challenger Odell Williams.

With all seven precincts reporting, Cahoon received 1,126 votes, or 58.13%, compared with Williams’ 811 votes, or 41.87%.

County commissioners

Republican Jan Moore was unopposed in the Swan Quarter Township commissioner contest, receiving 1,273 votes.

In Currituck Township, the State Board of Elections reported 555 miscellaneous write-in votes, with no named candidate listed.

School board

For the two at-large Board of Education seats, Democrat Phillip “Andy” Holloway received 1,047 votes and Republican Dustin Nails received 963.

Democrat Rachael Chestnut was unopposed in the Ocracoke District, receiving 1,336 votes.

Other Hyde races

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Brandy Cahoon Pugh was unopposed, receiving 1,618 votes.

Democratic Register of Deeds E. Merita Lewis-Spencer was unopposed, receiving 1,594 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, JW Spencer received 1,393 votes and Manley “Trey” Palmer received 733. Write-ins totaled 45.

In the Engelhard Sanitary District, Charles Gibbs Jr. received 81 votes, with 27 miscellaneous write-ins.

In the Ocracoke Sanitary District, Bobby O’Neal received 411 votes, Flavia Burton received 393 and William Caswell received 378.

In the Swan Quarter Sanitary District, Jeffrey Stotesberry received 127 votes, JC Williams III received 101 and Seldon Taylor received 86, with three write-in votes.

Hyde voters favored all three proposed constitutional amendments.

The photo ID amendment received 1,350 votes for and 557 against.

The maximum income tax rate amendment received 1,289 votes for and 609 against.

The property tax levy limit received 1,119 votes for and 752 against.

Martin County

Unaffiliated candidate Drew Robinson won the Martin County sheriff’s race, while Republican Joe R. Ayers won a three-way contest for the Western District seat on the Board of Commissioners.

Robinson defeated Democrat Marvin Hilliard, receiving 5,564 votes, or 61.24%, compared with Hilliard’s 3,522 votes, or 38.76%.

Ayers received 4,464 votes, or 48.98%, defeating Democrat Ronnie Smith, who received 3,542 votes, and unaffiliated candidate J.C. Edwards Jr., who received 1,107 votes.

School board

Four candidates ran without listed opponents in their respective Board of Education districts.

Abby Mason received 808 votes in District 1, with 66 write-ins.

Pat C. Nelson received 952 votes in District 2, with 24 write-ins.

Gene Scott received 875 votes in District 4, with 64 write-ins.

Doug Baker received 1,247 votes in District 6, with 33 write-ins.

Other Martin races

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Amanda G. Bramble was unopposed, receiving 7,026 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Hallet S. Davis Jr. received 4,098 votes and Chad Hardison received 3,262, winning the two available seats.

Jean C. Brownfield received 2,756 votes and Rupert W. Hasty Jr. received 2,585. Write-ins totaled 77.

Martin voters supported all three proposed constitutional amendments, with 5,826 votes for the photo ID measure, 5,826 for the maximum income tax rate amendment and 5,514 for the property tax levy limit.

Pasquotank County

Republican Carl Witten and Democrat Timothy C. Stallings Jr. won the two available at-large seats on the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners.

Witten received 2,372 votes, or 34.75%, while Stallings received 2,001 votes, or 29.31%.

Unaffiliated candidate Ernest “Bootie” Cartwright Jr. received 1,482 votes, and Democrat Charles Jordan received 971 votes.

Republican Sean Lavin was unopposed in the Northern Outside commissioner district, receiving 1,178 votes.

Democrat Clifford Shaw was unopposed in the Southern Inside district, receiving 672 votes.

School board

In the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Board of Education Inside District contest, Angela Spear Cobb received 3,133 votes and Rodney Walton received 2,458. Write-ins totaled 319.

In the Outside District, Sharon J. Warden received 2,914 votes and Anthony “Tony” Sawyer received 2,800. Write-ins totaled 154.

Katie Canning, an unaffiliated write-in candidate for the Board of Education, said her campaign was motivated by concerns about school accountability, communication and services for students with disabilities.

“I didn’t run because I thought I had all the answers,” Canning said. “I ran because I had questions that I felt deserved answers, and because I’ve met too many parents and teachers who feel like they aren’t being heard.”

Canning said she believes accountability should extend beyond classroom teachers.

“I believe accountability should extend beyond teachers. Administrators, support staff, parents, and students all have responsibilities,” she said.

Canning pledged to remain involved in education issues regardless of the election outcome.

“Winning an election would give me a seat at the table, but losing one won’t take away my voice,” she said.

The State Board’s published results combine miscellaneous write-in votes and do not identify Canning’s individual vote total.

Other Pasquotank races

Republican Clerk of Superior Court Jennifer S. Thompson was unopposed, receiving 3,574 votes.

Republican Sheriff Tommy Wooten was unopposed, receiving 3,591 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Steve Harris received 3,073 votes and Maurice K. Berry Jr. received 2,792. Write-ins totaled 60.

Pasquotank voters favored all three proposed constitutional amendments, with 4,018 votes for the photo ID amendment, 4,099 for the maximum income tax rate amendment and 3,782 for the property tax levy limit.

Perquimans County

Republican Tim Corprew won a three-way contest for the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners, while voters approved two local alcohol-related ballot questions.

Corprew received 2,326 votes, or 52.25%, defeating Republicans Wallace Nelson, who received 1,104 votes, and James Williams Ward, who received 1,022 votes.

ABC store and mixed beverage elections

Voters approved the county’s ABC store election, with 4,250 votes for and 1,200 against.

They also approved the mixed beverage election, with 4,091 votes for and 1,367 against.

Other Perquimans races

Republican Clerk of Superior Court Todd Tilley was unopposed, receiving 4,547 votes.

Republican Sheriff Shelton “Shelby” White was unopposed, receiving 4,557 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Richard Saunders received 4,002 votes and Thomas Roach received 3,927. Write-ins totaled 78.

In the Minzies Creek Sanitary District commissioner contest, Daniel L. Flores received 16 votes and Jason Baker Sr. received 15, with one write-in vote.

Perquimans voters supported all three proposed constitutional amendments, with 4,529 votes for the photo ID measure, 4,374 for the maximum income tax rate amendment and 4,200 for the property tax levy limit.

Tyrrell County

Unaffiliated candidate Major Shively won the Tyrrell County sheriff’s race, defeating Republican Joey Elliott.

Shively received 854 votes, or 63.49%, compared with Elliott’s 491 votes, or 36.51%.

“I am humbled and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your next Sheriff. To everyone who took the time to vote, encouraged me, prayed for me and supported me, Thank You!” Shively said. “Most importantly, I give the glory to God for leading me through this journey. Thank You for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to serve as your next sheriff.”
Republican Jordan R. Davis won the county commissioner contest, receiving 766 votes, or 56.53%.

Democrat Nina Basnight Griswell received 345 votes, while Democrat Mark Mixon received 244 votes.

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Angie Etheridge Sexton was unopposed, receiving 1,118 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Danielle Davis Carawan received 895 votes and Carl Jones received 845. Write-ins totaled 20.

Tyrrell voters supported all three proposed constitutional amendments.

The photo ID amendment received 1,067 votes for and 260 against.

The maximum income tax rate amendment received 1,003 votes for and 316 against.

The property tax levy limit received 921 votes for and 394 against.

Washington County

Democrat Melinda Porter won the at-large seat on the Washington County Board of Commissioners, defeating Republican Jonathan B. Sawyer IV.

Porter received 2,809 votes, or 62.34%, compared with Sawyer’s 1,697 votes, or 37.66%.

Porter expressed appreciation for the support she received from county residents.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for the confidence the citizens of Washington County have placed in me by electing me to serve as their County Commissioner At-Large,” Porter said.

Sawyer acknowledged the outcome and thanked residents who supported his candidacy.

“The voters of Washington County have made their decision and I respect it,” Sawyer said.

“I’m grateful to everyone who voted for me and to everyone who gave their time to this campaign, and to the people across this county who let me into their homes this year and told me honestly what they’re facing.”

Sawyer said he would remain active in the community through the fire department, his church and the Chamber of Commerce.

“The challenges we discussed throughout this campaign have not gone away. I intend to stay engaged with them, as I was before I ever filed to run,” he said.

“Washington County is home. That was true before this election and it’s true tonight.”

Democrat Julius Walker Jr. was unopposed in Commissioner District 2, receiving 970 votes.

Democrat Tracey A. Johnson was unopposed in District 3, receiving 937 votes.

Board of Education

Three Democrats ran unopposed for seats on the Washington County Board of Education.

Carlos Riddick received 3,339 votes for the at-large seat.

Sherri Blount Gilliam received 3,342 votes in District 1.

Lois Clark received 3,304 votes in District 2.

Other races

Democratic Sheriff Arlo Norman was unopposed, receiving 3,756 votes.

“Thank God for this journey and the lessons that came with it. A BIG THANK YOU to all of the Washington County citizens that put their trust in me to be their Sheriff!!” Norman said. “I will continue to do my very best and stay true to my promises of accountability, fairness and transparency to all.”

Democratic Clerk of Superior Court Brian Keith Phelps was unopposed, receiving 3,808 votes.

In the soil and water conservation district contest, Colby Davenport received 2,646 votes and Gerda Rhodes received 2,613. Write-ins totaled 49.

Constitutional amendments

Washington County voters favored two proposed constitutional amendments but opposed the third.

The photo ID amendment received 2,462 votes for and 1,941 against.

The maximum income tax rate amendment received 2,339 votes for and 2,062 against.

The proposed property tax levy limit was rejected in the county, with 2,286 votes against and 2,109 for.

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What happens next

Although all precincts had reported in the Albemarle Observer’s coverage area by late Tuesday night, election results remained unofficial pending canvassing.

Additional statewide and districtwide returns could change reported vote margins, and the official canvass will determine the certified results.

The Albemarle Observer will continue monitoring the results and report significant changes as additional verified information becomes available.