VOTE 2026: Polls open across the Carolinas for high-stakes midterms

CHARLOTTE — Voters across the Carolinas are heading to the polls Tuesday as the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections come to a close.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina. In South Carolina, voters have until 7 p.m. to cast their ballots.

The results of several key House and Senate races could determine the balance of power in Congress.

The Eyewitness News Morning Team brought you live team coverage to keep you informed of the major races on the ballot, including the race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. In South Carolina, Republican Sen. Darline Graham is facing off against Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Roy Cooper brings campaign to Concord ahead of Election Day
• Michael Whatley visits Concord ahead of Election Day
• President Trump rallies in South Carolina ahead of midterms
• South Carolina Senate race heats up over campaign advertisement disputes
• Annie Andrews gains support from former rival governors in US Senate race

Both states have already seen record early voting turnout since the last midterms. According to recent data, more than 2.8 million ballots were cast in North Carolina. More than a million people voted early in South Carolina, which is over 80% higher than 2022.

Races to watch

Aside from the contentious Senate races, Channel 9 is also watching the faceoff between Incumbent Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham and Democrat Ken McCool in North Carolina House District 105. The district stretches from Mint Hill to South Charlotte.

Rep. Cotham successfully pushed for Iryna’s Law after Iryna Zarutska was stabbed and killed on Charlotte’s light rail. The law cracks down on repeat offenders and adds prosecutors in the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office.

Cotham says the law is her top achievement over the past two years.

McCool says he is in favor of anything that keeps people safe and wants to explore more judicial options in southern Mecklenburg County.

North Carolina voters will also decide on three proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. Click here to learn more about them.

And in the race for South Carolina governor, Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) is battling Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D). Wilson has held the AG title for 16 years, while Johnson has served in the State House since 2020. He says one of his priorities is building stronger schools. Wilson says he is focusing on affordability.

Channel 9 is your home for Election Day coverage

Channel 9 has a complete list of the races, polling locations and the candidates in your area. Voters can search by county for everything they need to know in our Political Beat Candidate Guide.

Join us on Channel 9 for election results throughout the evening. Our team will be with the candidates across the Carolinas. ABC’s election coverage starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, followed by WSOC Tonight at 11 p.m. We will also stream the election results and every speech on wsoctv.com.

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