Election 2010
Election Day is November 2. Early voting begins October 14. Anyone living in Orange County for 30 days, including UNC students, can vote in Orange County elections. For general election and registration information, visit the county board of elections website. For one-stop registration and voting locations and times, click here.
This year, important county, state legislature, and federal seats are contested in Orange County. In addition, the county is asking voters to consider a 1/4 cent sales tax instead of a property tax increase. The sales tax referendum is separate from the candidate ballot. If you plan to vote straight party, you must separately vote "for" or "against" the sales tax.
The sales tax adds 25 cents to every $100 spent by residents, students and visitors. Sales taxes do not apply to foods or medicines. If it is passed, the sales tax is expected to generate over $2 million per year for the county. These funds will be used for economic development, schools, libraries and emergency services. For more on the sales tax, visit the county website.
Orange County Commissioner
This election continues the expansion and districting of the Board of County Commissioners. In 2008, the board was increased from 5 to 7 seats; after 2010, 5 of the 7 seats will be districted. Primary elections were by district. In the general election, all voters vote for all commissioner candidates -- regardless of district. All commissioners have full voting privileges.
One of the three county commissioner seats on the ballot is contested: Earl McKee (D) faces Greg Andrews (R) for the District 2 seat vacated by Mike Nelson. Alice Gordon is unopposed in District 1. Barry Jacobs won the democratic primary for commissioner at large and is unopposed in the general election.
During the primary, commissioner candidates responded to our OCV questionnaire. Click on the candidate names below to see their responses. (Adobe Reader is required to view the files; click here to get the reader.)
School Board Election
Non-partisan Orange County School Board elections were held on May 4 with a runoff June 22. Four board members were selected from eight candidates. Winners, indicated by *, were seated in early July . Click the listed name to see the candidate's completed Orange County Voice questionnaire. (Adobe Reader is required to view the files; click here to get the reader.)
Orange County Sheriff
- Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass (D) vs Buddy Parker (R)
State Legislature
All state legislature seats are up every 2 years.
- Senator Ellie Kinnaird (D) vs Ryan Hilliard (R)
- Representative Bill Faison (D) vs Rick Smith (R)
- Representatives Joe Hackney (D) vs Cathy Wright (R)
- Representative Verla Insko (D) runs unopposed
U.S. House of Representatives, District 4
- Representative David Price (D) vs William (BJ) Lawson (R)
U.S. Senate
- Senator Richard Burr (R) faces Elaine Marshall (D) and Michael Beitler (Libertarian)
|