We can expect to see more than a few runoff elections this summer due to the high number of candidates who have filed for congressional and Council of State offices in North Carolina.
If a single candidate fails to garner 40 percent or more of the vote in the primary May 8, his or her second-closest opponent may request a runoff. According to the N.C. Board of Elections, “If a second primary is necessary, then the 2nd Primary Election Day will be June 26, 2012 (if there is no second primary needed for a US House of Representatives contest) or July 17, 2012 (if there is a second primary needed for US House of Representatives contest.)”
Seventy-five candidates have filed in the state’s 13 congressional districts. Four of the primaries, all Republican, have four or more candidates competing: the 2nd, 8th, 9th, and 11th districts. The sheer number of candidates significantly increases the likelihood that none will secure 40 percent or more of the vote.
In the primary for governor, six Republicans and six Democrats have filed. In addition, five Republicans have filed for lieutenant governor, superintendent of public instruction, and state auditor, respectively. Four Republicans have filed for secretary of state. Could we see runoffs in these races?
A little history from 2010: Six Democrats sought their party’s nomination for U.S. Senate, leading to runoff between Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham. The same year on the Republican side, the 8th, 12th, and 13th congressional districts saw runoffs as well.
