Thousands Cast Ballots In Tuesday N.C. Primary Election

Tuesday, North Carolina will not only help decide the state’s next governor, but the country’s next president as well.

The Tar Heel state joins Indiana in holding its primary today. Both states could determine the Democratic nominee for president.

Analysts said the presidential race could play a big role in the race for North Carolina’s governor.

Many independents said they plan to vote in the Democratic primary, meaning they won’t be able to vote in any of the Republican races.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is one of four Republican candidates for governor. Some political experts said losing independent voters could hurt McCrory’s chances of winning the nomination.

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and State Treasurer Richard Moore are also running for North Carolina governor.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his wife Michelle will be in Raleigh Tuesday at North Carolina State University for their election night party. It is invitation only for the public.

Supporters for Hillary Clinton will be at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grille on East Morehead Street in Charlotte. Former President Bill Clinton will be in Huntersville Tuesday morning to greet voters at Bradley Middle School on Beatties Ford Road.

VIDEO: Good Voter Turnout So Far For N.C. Primary Tuesday

Presumed Republican presidential candidate John McCain is scheduled to be at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.

Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. Election officials said they expect a record turnout. Michael Dickerson, director of Mecklenburg County’s board of elections, told Eyewitness News voter turnout could quadruple the typical 10-15 percent turnout, reaching up to 40 percent turnout.

Dickerson said there was an 11 percent voter turnout four years ago, and 12 percent eight years ago.

He said that voting lines tend to be smaller at 10 or 11 a.m. and at 2 to 3 p.m., unless the voting precinct is at a school.

Dickerson said long lines usually occur when polls open at 6:30 a.m., at lunch time, and also when people are driving home from work.

Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton both sat down and spoke with Eyewitness News Daybreak anchors Erica Bryant and Scott Wickersham Tuesday via satellite on Tuesday.

INTERVIEW: Watch Barack Obama On Eyewitness News Daybreak INTERVIEW: Senator Hillary Clinton Sits Down With Eyewitness News