{"id":9047,"date":"2011-10-11T06:52:23","date_gmt":"2011-10-11T10:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.raleighpublicrecord.org\/?p=9047"},"modified":"2012-10-05T14:15:07","modified_gmt":"2012-10-05T18:15:07","slug":"live-blogging-the-election-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theraleighcommons.org\/raleighpublicrecord\/news\/2011\/10\/11\/live-blogging-the-election-2011\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Blogging the Election 2011!"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Record will bring you updates throughout the day and into the night as Raleigh goes to the polls to pick a new mayor, city council and school board members. Hit RELOAD in your browser to get the most up-to-date blog posts.<\/em><\/p>\n

10:04 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Final Results Update<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the mayoral race, Nancy McFarlane currently holds a huge lead with about 61 percent of the vote, Billie Redmond has about 29 percent of the vote and Randall Williams has about 9 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In the at-large race<\/strong>, Mary-Ann Baldwin and Russ Stephenson are leading. Baldwin has about 40 percent of the vote and Stephenson has about 37 percent. Paul Fitts is holding his own with about 21 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District A<\/strong>, Randy Stagner is leading with about 58 percent of the vote. Gale McKoy Wilkins has about 40 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District C<\/strong>, Eugene Weeks holds the largest percentage of votes, with about 56 percent. Racquel Williams follows with about 15 percent of the vote, Corey Branch has about12 percent. Paul Terrell and Shelia Jones each hold about 7 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

District B, D and E<\/strong> candidates are all unopposed.<\/p>\n

School Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

In District 3<\/strong>, there looks like there will be a runoff between Kevin Hill and Heather Losordo. Hill holds about 49 percent of the vote, while Losordo has about 39 percent. Neither has hit the 50 percent mark. Losordo said she is going to start campaigning tomorrow. Jennifer Mansfield holds 8 percent of the vote, and Eric Wayne Squires has about 2 percent.<\/p>\n

In District 4<\/strong>, with 16 of 19 precincts reporting, we have called it for Keith Sutton, who received about 80 percent of the vote. Venita Peyton received about 18 percent of votes.<\/p>\n

In District 5<\/strong>, Jim Martin is leading with about 67 percent of the vote. Cynthia Chiklis Matson has about 32 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District 6<\/strong>, Christine Kushner leads with about 59 percent of the vote. Donna Williams follows with about 33 percent. George Morgan and Mary Ann Weathers each have about 3 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District 8<\/strong>, Susan Evans is leading with about 52 percent. Ron Margiotta has about 47 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

For the Transportation Bond, the approval is leading with about 67 percent. About 32 percent have voted no.<\/p>\n

For the Housing Bond, the approval is leading with about 62 percent. About 37 percent voted no.<\/p>\n

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9:56p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

Keith Sutton takes his seat for District 4 with 80 percent of the vote. Sutton, who was sharing a room at the\u00a0Marriott\u00a0with his family, walked out of the room with a broad smile. “I feel great,” he said.<\/p>\n

“The biggest contribution to my success was the voters’ interest in all these races. People are becoming in tune with what’s going on and they’re concerned with the board. I think they want a change,” Sutton said.<\/div>\n

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9:44 p.m. Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

The Record spoke with mayoral\u00a0candidate\u00a0Dr. Randall Williams at the Raleigh\u00a0Police Downtown District where he learned that McFarlane would be Raleigh’s\u00a0next mayor, and he waited to start a police ride along at 9:00.<\/p>\n

Williams said, \u00a0“We conducted a campaign worthy of Raleigh and addressed the\u00a0issues that mattered.\u00a0I’m proud all three mayoral candidates conducted themselves in a tone\u00a0that enhanced Raleigh, it didn’t diminish it.”<\/p>\n

When asked about his proudest moments of the campaigning he mentioned\u00a0his appreciation for the 10 debates all three candidates engaged in\u00a0and how much that defined the issues of the race. On a personal\u00a0accomplishment he added “I’d like to think I have a contribution to\u00a0the tone that people can learn when they conduct themselves in a civil\u00a0and constructive fashion. I think that’s good for Raleigh”<\/p>\n

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Republican mayoral candidate Dr. Randall Williams offers his congratulations to Nancy McFarlane.<\/p>\n

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9:26 p.m. – William Massey<\/p>\n

Heather Losurdo said that she considers a runoff with Kevin Hill a victory and that she believe that she could pick up enough votes to win the general election. She added that someone has to raise the bar on education and she wants to be the representative for District 3. She said that she doesn’t want to represent the educational system, but her district. “I will start campaigning tomorrow,” she said.<\/p>\n

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Heather Losurdo, left, is ready for a runoff.<\/p>\n

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9:20 p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

Though Billie Redmond may have lost to Nancy McFarlane in the mayoral race, her party continued on with well over25 supporters at the CAM. When asked if she would consider running again Redmond said, “That’s sort of like asking a woman whether she wants to have another baby right after she gives birth – you have to wait till the pain subsides a bit. I don’t have any thoughts on that right now.”<\/p>\n

Redmond said her future plans are to “run my business and go back to being a public servant.”<\/div>\n

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9:16 p.m. – Chrystal Bartlett<\/p>\n

While Nancy McFarlane had committed to visit the Record at Morning Times, \u00a0she changed her plans at the last minute. But, we were able to speak with her about her mayoral win.<\/p>\n

Record:<\/strong> \u00a0What was your first\u00a0 thought when you learned you had won the election?
\nMcFarlane:<\/strong> \u00a0It was humbling…overwhelming

\nRecord:<\/strong> Did anything occur in this election that you did not expect?
\nMcFarlane:<\/strong> This was my first city-wide election as opposed\u00a0 to one in a district…there was more ground to cover, more people to meet and I saw a lot of neighborhoods that I had never seen before.<\/p>\n

Record:<\/strong> When you look back on this election, what is the thing that you are most likely to recall?
\nMcFarlane:<\/strong> The fact that is was so grassroots based, that it came from neighborhood supporting.\u00a0 That is where government comes from…the simple fact that people want to be heard, to hve their views known.<\/p>\n

Record<\/strong>: What was the most surprising thing about this election?
\nMcFarlane:<\/strong> So many people did not know me, and it is not about me…it is about the vision people have about Raleigh.\u00a0 I was surprised so many people I never met or knew would volunteer to put up signs, man phone banks and just do some much work to support the campaign<\/p>\n

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9:03 p.m. – William Massey<\/p>\n

Looks like there will be a runoff between Kevin Hill and Heather Losurdo as neither candidate has garnered more than 50 percent of the vote. Hill is leading slightly with 49 percent, while Losurdo has 39 percent. The runoff election will take place on Nov. 8 with the general election.<\/p>\n

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8:57 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

The Latest Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the mayoral race, Nancy McFarlane is leading with about 62 percent of the vote, Billie Redmond has about 28 percent of the vote and Randall Williams has about 8 percent.<\/p>\n

In the at-large race, Mary-Ann Baldwin and Russ Stephenson are leading over Paul Fitts, with about 40 percent for Baldwin and about 37 percent for Stephenson. Fitts has about 20 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District A<\/strong>, Randy Stagner is leading with about 58 percent of the vote. Gale McKoy Wilkins has about 40 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In the District C<\/strong> race, Eugene Weeks has a major lead with about 56 percent of the vote.\u00a0Racquel Williams is next with about 15 percent of the vote, followed by Corey Branch with about 13 percent. Paul Terrell and Shelia Jones each have about 7 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

District B, D\u00a0\u00a0and E<\/strong> candidates are unopposed.<\/p>\n

School Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

In District 3<\/strong>, Kevin Hill is leading with about 50 percent of the vote. Heather Losurdo has about 40 percent of the vote, followed by Jennifer Mansfield with about 7 percent and Eric Wayne Squires with about 2 percent.<\/p>\n

In District 4<\/strong>, with 16 of 19 precincts reporting, we have called it for Keith Sutton, who received about 81 percent of the vote. Venita Peyton received about 18 percent of votes.<\/p>\n

In District 5<\/strong>, Jim Martin has a landslide lead with about 70 percent of the vote. Cynthia Chiklis Matson received about 29 percent of the vote.<\/p>\n

In District 6<\/strong>, Christine Kushner is in the lead with about 59 percent of the vote. Donna Williams has about 33 percent of the vote.\u00a0\u00a0Mary Ann Weathers and George Morgan each have about 3 percent.<\/p>\n

In District 8<\/strong>, Susan Evans and Ron Margiotta are in a close race. Evans holds about 52 percent of the vote, while Margiotta has about 47 percent.<\/p>\n

Approval for the Housing and Transportation Bonds are leading. For the transportation bond, about 67 percent have voted yes, while about 32 percent have voted no. For the housing bond, about 63 percent have voted yes and about 36 percent have voted no.<\/p>\n

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8:50 p.m. – Andrew Mayo<\/p>\n

Nancy McFarlane made quite and entrance to Tir Na Nog, followed by bagpipes and blinded by camera lights. She said she is grateful, “and the support is humbling. To know that the citizens have trusted me is overwhelming and reassuring.” Her voice was a little shakey and she seemed unprepared, but quickly composed herself. She said she, “is excited to see the great things to come in the best city in America. Our number one priority is to keep our economy vibrant.” The crowd was jublient and Russ Stephenson was standing up front with an endless chorus of, “oooooh’s” and “yeaaaaaah’s.”<\/p>\n

And then they sang Happy Birthday to McFarlane’s husband.<\/p>\n

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8:40 p.m. – William Massey<\/p>\n

The mood at Wakefield for \u00a0Losurdo’s “waiting for results bash” is upbeat and positive.\u00a0No other press coverage here.<\/div>\n

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8:37 p.m. – Jessica Highsmith<\/p>\n

If elected, Donna Williams said the first thing she would address is, “communication to the families and the principles.” She went on to say that, \u00a0“I’ve seen so many things on the campaign trail and I just feel that many of these schools are under-represented.”<\/p>\n

Williams said she has, “kept busy all day, trying to meet with voters and thanking all of the volunteers.”<\/p>\n

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8:35 p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

About 20 people were at Jim Martin\u2019s party in a modest office space at 307 W Martin Street. Martin walked in right as his numbers came up to surpass Matson and the crowd applauded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy day started around 5:30am,” he said. “I was voter number one at my precinct, then went around to some stations until I had to go [to NCSU] to teach. After that I made phone calls and picked up my daughter from school.”<\/p>\n

When asked about whether he thinks he can translate his experience as a college professor to the elementary, middle, and high school levels, Martin said that, “teaching translates all over. I’ve taught many people who were K-12 teachers and we have conversations. I keep my pulse at all levels and I listen.”<\/p>\n

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8:30 p.m. – Jessica Highsmith<\/p>\n

People are still trickling in to Vincent’s and \u00a0waiting for District 6 candidate, Donna Williams \u00a0to get there.<\/p>\n

Carol Vidales, a member of the North Wake Republicans Club said, “Donna is an awesome candidate. She has a lot of energy and is a great communicator. She listens and has done her research on what the parents want for their children in these schools”<\/p>\n

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8:27 p.m. \u00a0– Andrew Mayo<\/p>\n

The scene at Tir na nog is livening up. The candidates are starting to trickle in. Mayor Charles Meeker is there in support for Nancy McFarlane. “It appears to be an outstanding victory for McFarlane,” he said. Meeker said the election was not bittersweet and that he was very pleased for “Mayor McFarlane.” He said he feels that this election will be “a smooth transition for the council.” He is confident that McFarlane will continue his work with the Dix Hill Park and regional transportation.<\/p>\n

Charles Malone who ran for state senate in the last election said he is, \u00a0“hopeful, I sense a new energy from the progressive community to really take back what we lose in the last election.” He hopes the electees will, “advance policies that create jobs and make Raleigh livable.” He voted bright and early where, “A Tea Partier took the opportunity to launch into a defense on not taxing corporations. I hadn’t had my coffee yet, so we had to agree to disagree.” He thinks that elections, “go in cycles” and “I believe we were caught napping in 2009.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

8:20 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Councilman Bonner Gaylord speaks with Yolanda in one of our first live candidate interviews earlier this evening.<\/p>\n

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8:14 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Mayoral candidate Nancy McFarlane will be here in less than 10 minutes!<\/p>\n

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8:13 p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

Billie Redmond got together with an increasing number of supporters at CAM. \u00a0She said that the strongest part of her campaign was, “An absolutely focused message, a great team that was organized and focused.”<\/p>\n

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8:06 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Laura White is on live!<\/p>\n

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8:01 p.m. – Staff.<\/p>\n

Early Bond Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

Transportation Bond is passing with about 69 percent voting yes and about 30 percent voting no. \u00a0The housing bond is also passing with about 65 percent voting yes and about 34 voting no.<\/p>\n

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8:01 p.m. – Staff.<\/p>\n

Early School Board Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

District 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin Hill is in the lead with about 53 percent of the vote followed by Heather Losurdo with 38 percent. Jennifer Mansfield has about 6 percent and Eric Wayne Squires has a little more than 1 percent.<\/p>\n

District 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keith Sutton is about to go on live. \u00a0Keith Sutton has a major lead over Venita Peyton with about 82 percent of the vote. Peyton has about 16 percent. With 16 of 19\u00a0precincts\u00a0reporting we are going to call it for Keith Sutton.<\/p>\n

District 5:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jim Martin is leading with about 67 percent of the vote. Followed by Cynthia Chiklis Matson with about 31 percent.<\/p>\n

District 6:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christine Kushner is in the lead with about 58 percent followed by Donna Williams with about 34 percent. Mary Ann Weathers and George Morgan are neck and neck with about 3 percent each.<\/p>\n

District 8:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Susan Evans is inching out over Ron Margiotta with about 53 percent of the vote. Margiotta has about 46 percent.<\/p>\n

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7:44 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Early voting results show that Nancy McFarlane has about 62 percent of the vote with 8,681 votes counted. Billie Redmond has about 28 percent and Randall Williams has about 9 percent.<\/p>\n

At Large:<\/p>\n

Mary-Ann Baldwin is in the lead with about 40 percent of the vote .\u00a0Russ Stephenson is second with about 38 percent and Paul\u00a0Fitts has about 19 percent.<\/p>\n

District A:<\/p>\n

Randy Stagner is in the lead with about 60 percent of the vote. Gail McKoy Wilkins has about 39 percent.<\/p>\n

District C:<\/p>\n

Eugene Weeks is leading with about 61 percent of the vote. Cory Branch is trailing him with about 13 percent, followed by Raquel Williams with about 11 percent, \u00a0Paul Terrell with about 7 percent and Shelia Jones with about 5 percent.<\/p>\n

Districts B, D and E are unopposed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7:38 p.m. \u00a0– Andrew Mayo<\/p>\n

Things were still quiet at the Wilmore when Andrew Mayor spoke to Nation Hahn who is represending the Wake Democratic Party. He said that the turnout was very high and he was excited to see that, especially on the Democratic side. He said that, “early voting in [Ron] Margiotta’s district [District 8] is 18 percent in favor of Democrats. Even in the rain people were ready to vote and the numbers show it.”<\/p>\n

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7:21 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

District E councilman Bonner Gaylord sits down with Yolanda. Watch live<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7: 20 p.m. – Andrew Mayo<\/p>\n

The Occupy Raleigh\u00a0campaign\u00a0are standing in the rain in Moore Square and said they are having consensus based decision making process. \u00a0As a group they decided that they don’t have a position on the local elections. But spokeswoman Tracy Barger said she has not voted yet because of, \u00a0“school, work, and just got back from DC. \u00a0Honestly right now I feel that whoever we put in office is not going to be aligned with our position. We don’t feel they are concerned about issues important to us. And those issues are corporate greed and the economy collapsing.”<\/p>\n

7:17 p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

At mayoral\u00a0candidate\u00a0Billie Redmond’s headquarters at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), Drew is reporting about 18 people as of 7 p.m., band playing folk music and some really good food.<\/p>\n

Kate Shanahan, campaign manager for Redmond said her day started at 4:3o a.m., traveled to just about every precinct and made sure there was literature. Shanahan said that Redmond’s\u00a0strengths\u00a0are, “Billie’s leadership, confidence and dedication to her message. ”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7:08 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Damon Circosta, exec. director of the NC Center for Voter Education.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

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Photo by: Hide Tereda<\/p>\n

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7:02 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Taped interview with outgoing mayor Charles Meeker playing now. We’re having trouble with the picture, but the audio sounds great. \u00a0http:\/\/www.raleighpublicrecord.org\/featured\/2011\/10\/11\/live-election-night-coverage\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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6:56 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Damon Circosta, executive director of the NC Center for Voter Education, just finished his interview with Yolanda.<\/p>\n

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6: 53 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Councilor Bonner Gaylord, District E, waits patiently upstairs at Morning Times for his interview with Yolanda McGill.<\/p>\n

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6:50 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Polls close in 40 minutes. Have you voted yet? How do the polls look by you?<\/p>\n

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6:41 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Wake County School Board John Tedesco got grilled by Yolanda McGill.<\/p>\n

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Photo By: Hide Terada<\/p>\n

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6:40 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

AND WE’RE LIVE! Check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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6:25 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Just got a Twitter shoutout from District E city councilor Bonner Gaylord, who is running unopposed.<\/p>\n

\n
@bonnergaylord<\/a>\u00a0Headed to\u00a0@<\/s>TheMorningTimes<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to talk with\u00a0@<\/s>RaleighPublicRe<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0about elections… Live blogging here:\u00a0j.mp\/o07fHN<\/a><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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6:20 p. m. – Staff<\/p>\n

We’re going live on voterradio.com<\/a>\u00a0less than 10 minutes! Tune your radio dial to 88.1FM \u00a0at 7 to hear us on WKNC. \u00a0Not near a radio? Listen to us online at\u00a0\u00a0wknc.org\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

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5:47 p.m. – Staff<\/p>\n

Wake County School Board vice chairman and district 2 incumbent John Tedesco\u00a0is sitting down for his live interview with Yolanda McGill. Yolanda, who serves on the Record’s board of directors will be our anchor for the night.<\/p>\n

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5:25 p.m.- Staff<\/p>\n

Going live in an hour! WKNC 88.1 or online at wknc.org\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0and at voterradio.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Managing editor Rose Hoban, left, checks out the tech center.<\/p>\n

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4:55 p.m. Jordan Yelverton<\/p>\n

Macedonia New Life Church on Rock Quarry Road has had 350 voters today. \u00a0District C city council candidate Racquel Williams said she, “was created to do this. \u00a0To be a righteous voice in our government.”<\/p>\n

When asked if she thought she would win, she said,\u00a0\u00a0” I believe I will win. If not, I will run again and I will start my campaign tomorrow.”<\/p>\n

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4:43 p.m. Laura White<\/p>\n

The Brooks Avenue Church of Christ in Southwest Raleigh was a ghost town at 3:30 p.m. \u00a0At that time, only 280 ballots had been submitted out of the 1,954 registered voters for that precinct, 01-01.<\/p>\n

Aside from the elections officials, there was only a mother with two small children, and David Vock, a graduate student at North Carolina State University \u00a0working toward a PhD in Statistics.<\/p>\n

Vock, sporting a Bears jacket, is originally from Chicago, Ill., but has lived in Raleigh about four years. When asked why he came out to vote, he laughed, and pointed out that for him, local elections are pivotal.<\/p>\n

“Local elections are more important than national ones,” Vock said. “Who you elect here in Raleigh means more than Washington or elsewhere.”<\/p>\n

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4:35 p.m. Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

Substitute\u00a0Chief\u00a0Judge Mark Vanderborgh \u00a0said turnout was much better than expected in\u00a0precinct\u00a01-40.\u00a0 The community gathering at the Worthdale Community Center in Southeast Raleigh, “is a wonderful group of people,” he said and expects a run off mayoral election.<\/p>\n

“This is a very beautiful community and it’s nice to see people civically engaged in the political process.\u00a0 These are the people who have every right to complain to their elected officials.” From the board of election point of view, he said this is training for the 2012 election.\u00a0 “There are no problems, people are in and out really quick”<\/p>\n

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4:32 p.m. – Jordan Yelverton<\/p>\n

When reporter Jordan Yelverton arrived at Southeast Raleigh High School there were only three voters in attendance. Voter Terri Jeffery said the school district race brought her out on this rainy Tuesday. “I don’t like how it’s being run,” she said. “The decisions they [the current board] make are not centered around the children. Jeffery, who has two children, ages 14 and 4, added that things will turn around once the right people are in charge.<\/p>\n

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4:25 p.m.- Staff<\/p>\n

We are currently setting up the monitors and cameras upstairs at the Morning Times for our live radio feed. We will be start broadcasting at about 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

If you’re in the area, join us at the Morning Times coffee shop (10 E. Hargett St.) from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.\u00a0 for our Election Night party! Join us as we interview the candidates and post the results.<\/p>\n

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3:40 p.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

The gym at the Worthdale Community Center, in precinct 1-40, \u00a0is one of the most steady\u00a0polling places I have been to. After lunch time they had cleared 320\u00a0voters, said Chief Judge Mark Vanderborgh.<\/p>\n

One of those voters was Ann Rouson, who is voting \u00a0in her\u00a0first Raleigh election since moving here from Virginia Beach, Va. Rouson said her top issue was the school board election. \u00a0“They need a shake up to get everyone on the same page,” she said.<\/p>\n

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3:20 p.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mary-Ann Baldwin campaigns at the \u00a0Southeast Raleigh Magnet School off of \u00a0Rock Quarry Road.<\/p>\n

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2:40 p.m. – Chrystal Bartlett<\/p>\n

Election official Walter Richardson said turnout has been steady and they have not really seen a lot of confusion with precinct changes.<\/p>\n

Volunteer Dan Nagle\u00a0ran for district court judge in the last cycle and lost. When asked if there had been a lot of voters with questions about the school board race, he replied, “People seem to have done their research and know who they want to vote for. Only a few voters have wanted to stop and talk.” \u00a0He\u00a0volunteered\u00a0because, “I’ve known Donna [Williams] for a few years.”<\/p>\n

\n

Voter Carla Osborne said, “For a school board election I have been pleasantly surprised at the notice that has been given and how many have participated. It is a big difference compared to the last school board elections.” \u00a0Osborne’s\u00a0daughter attends Broughton High School just like she did.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
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Dan Nagle, far right, braves the rain in support of Donna Williams at precinct 01-03.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2:13 p.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

At polling place Project Enlightenment off of Boylan Avenue in Precinct 27, I spoke with Joseph Huberman, who has only missed one election in the past 30 years. He said there are radical differences in the climate this election year.<\/p>\n

“The school board is a radical issue this year. There is a big difference between the national approach and the local level. At least on a local level the elected officials talk to each other to solve problems,” Huberman said.<\/p>\n

His advice for today’s winners is to “stay civil.”<\/p>\n

Huberman said his daughter had to apply for an absentee ballot multiple times. “She submitted a finished ballot more than a week ago and they still have it listed as not received. This is the second time this has happened.”<\/p>\n

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12:22 p.m.- Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

District C candidate Racquel Williams was at Precinct 1-22 in Southeast Raleigh a little while ago. “This is a hot district. I’ve had a warm reception here so far. They [the voters] just need to hear you. People are receptive. It is hard to hit everyone though.”<\/p>\n

In her district, William said “economic development and crime are my constituents main concerns.<\/p>\n

She said, “There’s never been a black woman to sit on city council- a lot of people are surprised to hear that. I want to see Raleigh reflect its diversity. That’d be a great city!”<\/p>\n

Mary Ann Baldwin was also at 1-22. She said, “I was in north Raleigh this morning and I’ll hit District D in a bit. I’m trying to make it all over.”<\/p>\n

“People get intimidated by everyone wanting to talk to them- but they are always happy to see a candidate standing in the rain,” Baldwin said. “This is more important than staying dry”<\/p>\n

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12:04 p.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

We caught up with Wilma Weeks, wife of District C candidate Eugene Weeks looking for an update on Precinct 22 at South East Raleigh Magnet School. She told us the vote count just hit 187 people. She said the school board election was why people in this district were voting. People were voting out of\u00a0 “community Pride and that people want things to change”<\/p>\n

Her advice to todays winners is “Just listen to your constituents. Just pay attention”<\/p>\n

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10:14 a.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

Talked with the precinct judge Lianda Taylor at the Cameron Village Library. She said turn out was what she expected. The Wake County Board of Elections anticipated a higher turn out, but they are now saying that turn out is being hurt by the rain. Taylor also said turn out is sporadic and that she does not anticipate any point voters in precinct 06 will have to wait in line and they should expect a quick turn around.<\/p>\n

Personal observation: between arriving at the library at 9:35 and leaving at 10, patrons entering the library were surprised an election
\nwas occurring.<\/p>\n

———————-<\/p>\n

10:09 a.m. – Editor<\/p>\n

Record reporters have been working for months to put today’s election in context. See it all in the Election Archive<\/a>, including just where your future elected representatives are getting their money. And check out our voter guide<\/a> for profile interviews and putting the elections in context.<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

9:56 a.m. – Drew St. Claire, at Precinct 1-1 in West Raleigh<\/p>\n

Evan Kane, a supporter of Nancy McFarlane and Democrat Christine Kushner, said he is standing outside int he rain campaigning for the two candidates because “it’s important to show support for people moving Raleigh in the right direction.”<\/p>\n

Linda Alphin is at the same polling place and said she supports Republican Donna Williams for school board because, she said, “I’d like to see us have a good, strong system. I have grandchildren in the school system and so does [Williams].<\/p>\n

—————————-<\/p>\n

9:16 a.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

We talked with Scott Davis an Oakwood\/Mordecai voter, who hit the polls at 7:00 a.m.\u00a0 He said there was an extremely short wait with the headed-to-work crowd.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0 Did you have a good idea for what you wanted to vote for today?<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0I started with the Democratic-endorsed candidates<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0 What was the main motivator to get you to vote today?<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The Mayoral Race, I think Williams has done a lot of good work, but I really wanted to support Nancy McFarlane because of her experience.\u00a0 \u00a0I don\u2019t care for Redmond at all.\u00a0 I had a good idea of everyone I wanted to vote for going in and I thought it was important to support the bond for infrastructure, Raleigh could use the money.<\/p>\n

Q:\u00a0 Would you have been discouraged in voting, if you had to have presented a photo ID this morning.<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0I think it\u2019s a terrible idea, I still would have voted.\u00a0 I\u2019m lucky enough to have an ID.<\/p>\n

Q.\u00a0 What did you vote this morning?<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s easier to go before work, and the lines are shorter.\u00a0 I think elections should be national holidays, to get more people civically involved.<\/p>\n

Q.\u00a0 Regardless of who wins, if you could give one piece of advice to our next mayor that they would heed what would it be?<\/p>\n

A. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Be true to what everybody needs rather than holding on to particular ideals.<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

9:08 a.m. – Bill Massey<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Future voters Breyah White, 9, Jayden White, 7, and Jordyn White,5, arrive for school at Lynn Road Elementary School, polling site for Wake County precinct 07-04.<\/p>\n

“We have been studying the Constitution, and I want to be the first woman President of the United States,” said Breyah.<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

8:36 – Editor<\/p>\n

Have you voted? Tell us about your experiences and send photos to editor-at-raleighpublicrecord.org.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

8:11 a.m. – Jacob Downey<\/p>\n

Another update from Precinct 23, which is not at the \u201cfamiliar\u201d Pullen Arts Center location.\u00a0 Instead it was at the Corner of O\u2019Kelly and Royal Street at the Freedom Temple Church. Two campaigners were there to drum up support for the two school board candidates.\u00a0 Debby Ward was there campaigning for Jim Martin and James Handisty was campaigning for Cynthia Matson.<\/p>\n

Debby Warren<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m out here because the School Board Education is a critical election.\u00a0 All Students deserve access to good schools.\u201d She began volunteering with the campaign \u201c3-4 weeks ago.\u201d When asked why she was out here, she responded, \u201cIt has to be done.\u201d She was disappointed that parking at the precinct was past the no campaigning zone point.\u00a0 She believes the school board election will bring more people to the polls than usual.<\/p>\n

James Handisty <\/strong><\/p>\n

Thought that the new precinct place \u201cleaves something to be desired.\u201d\u00a0 When asked about if getting people to the Royal Street polling place played a part in their get out the vote efforts.\u00a0 \u00a0He said the campaign was not made aware that the precinct would not be at Pullen Arts Center and that they we’re a young campaign and that was something they would learn from.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0He has been campaigning for Matson for 2 months because of her stance on neighborhood schools, focus that she wants to bring to vocational and technical training.\u00a0 He said that his biggest hope for the election is that \u201cas many people as possible will come out and support the democratic process.”<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

8:03 a.m. – Drew St. Claire<\/p>\n

At Precinct 1-23 Chief Precinct Judge Gary Balyntyne said this is his first time working at this location at a church on Royal Street since it was switched from the Pullen Arts Center near NC State University. He said, “Turnout is not heavy for municipal elections, but I heard early voting was three times higher from the last election.”<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

7:56 a.m. – Bill Massey<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Voters wait for the polls to open at 6:25 a.m.<\/p>\n

———————————<\/p>\n

6:58\u00a0a.m. – Bill Massey<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>“It’s supposed to rain tomorrow,” Joanne Bowie, Republican Judge for Tuesday’s Wake County elections at precinct 07-04, said as she measured and marked the 50-foot buffer zone required between polling sites and campaign activity on election days. “I hope it doesn’t drastically affect voter turn-out, which is usually low for these elections anyway,” she added.<\/div>\n
A Greensboro city council member for 16 years, and a former North Carolina legislator, Bowie expressed her concern the evening before the election that neither the candidates nor the voters are fully aware of what they are ‘getting themselves into’ when they run for public office.<\/div>\n
“When you seek public office, you are committing yourself to the people pretty much full time. You can’t simply attend the sessions of the general assembly, you have to go to a lot of gas station openings and school events as well,” she said.<\/div>\n

———————————-<\/p>\n

6:51 a.m. – Charles C. Duncan Pardo<\/p>\n

Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. Looks like it’s going to be a wet day for the Raleigh City Council and Wake County Board of Education elections, much like two years ago.<\/p>\n

Today every member of the city council and five school board seats are up for grabs. Still not sure about who to vote for? Check out our Election Guide<\/a>. And look up your polling location here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Record will be bringing you live coverage all day today and starting at 6:30 this evening we will turn on our pop-up newsroom at the Morning Times at 10 E. Hargett St. to bring you conversations with the candidates and the results live.<\/p>\n

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