NC-9: Special Election Scheduled

​NC-9:  Special Election Scheduled:  We now know that North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District will remain vacant for exactly one year.  On November 6th, Republican Mark Harris was not certified as the election winner because of voter fraud accusations in one particular county.  Thus, the NC State Elections Board refused to codify his election.  On Monday, the Board, after last week ordering a brand new election, released the special election schedule.
 
Not following Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) lead for the calendar he announced to fill the vacant 3rd District due to the passing of 13-term Rep. Walter Jones (R-Farmville), the State Board indicated they want more time to ensure that the Bladen County fraud situation is completely resolved.
 
Therefore, the candidate filing deadline with be March 15th for the special primary now scheduled for May 14th.  If a run-off is required – meaning no candidate received 30% of the party primary vote – such election will be conducted on September 10th.  The special general election will occur November 5th.  If no party requires a run-off, the general will move to September 10th.  But, considering that Mr. Harris won’t run and the GOP side is wide open, it is highly likely that a run-off will occur.
 
Gov. Cooper’s 3rd District schedule calls for filing to end March 8th, with the special primary on April 30th, the run-off July 9th, and the special general on September 10th.  As in the case of a run-off being unnecessary, the general would move to July 9th.  In this open seat, with no clear candidate in line for either nomination, a run-off here is even more likely than in NC-9.