In the closely watched 24th Senate District that spans Robeson, Hoke and Scotland counties, Republican State Senator Danny Britt currently holds a 268‑vote advantage over Democrat Catina Hamm, according to unofficial tallies released after Election Day. Britt has 27,860 votes (50.24%) while Hamm trails with 27,592 votes (49.76%).
Provisional ballots could change the math
Election officials are still reviewing more than 800 provisional ballots – 533 from Robeson County, 162 from Hoke County and 131 from Scotland County – that were cast by voters who lacked acceptable photo identification or who voted at the wrong precinct. If these ballots break in the same pattern as in‑person and absentee votes, Britt’s lead would narrow substantially and could trigger a recount.
What a recount would mean
North Carolina law permits a trailing candidate in a non‑statewide race to request a recount when the final margin is 1% or less of total votes cast. The current 0.48‑percentage‑point gap meets that threshold. Should Hamm request a recount, the request must be filed with the State Board of Elections by noon on Nov. 17, and the board is slated to certify the race at its Nov. 24 canvass.
Implications for Senate control
If Britt secures the seat, Republicans will retain a 26‑seat majority in the 50‑member Senate. A Hamm victory would split the chamber 25‑25, handing Democratic Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt the tie‑breaking vote. That outcome would give Democrats the ability to advance legislation with the support of Democratic Governor Josh Stein.
New election rules under scrutiny
The provisional ballots are being examined under stricter election rules approved by the Republican‑controlled State Board of Elections in July. The changes make it easier for county election board appointees – all currently Republican – to reject ballots for missing photo ID or minor technical errors, such as using the wrong envelope for mail‑in ballots. Democrats argue the rules could disenfranchise eligible voters, while Republicans contend they protect election integrity.
Officials’ outlook
Jessica Davis, director of the Robeson County Board of Elections, said her office is focused on determining voter eligibility for the remaining provisional ballots. She does not expect major discrepancies and noted that mandatory sample hand‑count audits will be conducted to verify machine‑tabulated results.
Timeline for final results
County election boards must finish counting eligible provisional and corrected absentee ballots by Nov. 10, with military and overseas ballots accepted through Nov. 12. A final canvass of all results is scheduled for Nov. 13, after which the State Board of Elections will certify the outcome.
The race remains a focal point for both parties as the balance of power in North Carolina’s government hangs in the balance.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
