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More than 350,000 North Carolina voters cast a ballot Thursday, the first day of the 2024 general election early voting period.

North Carolina sets record for first day of early voting

<p>HOLT WILL HAVE MUCH MORE COMING UP AT 6.30, ON NBC NIGHTLY NEWS. THANK YOU, BRIAN. EARLY VOTING HAS BEEN ONGOING IN NORTH CAROLINA FOR 10 HOURS AND PEOPLE ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF IT. THIS IS GOING TO CONTINUE UNTIL NOVEMBER. SECOND. AND REMEMBER IF YOU'RE NOT REGISTERED YET, YOU CAN DO SO AND VOTE THE SAME DAY. ITS EARLY VOTING LOCATION. &gt;&gt; AND WE'VE SEEN LONG LINES AT SEVERAL VOTING LOCATIONS IN WAKE COUNTY. &gt;&gt; THIS IS WAKE COUNTY SYSTEM HERE TRACKS THE WAIT TIMES AT VOTING SITES. WE TOOK A SCREENSHOT. THIS WAS AROUND 1 O'CLOCK TODAY AND ON SEVERAL PLACES HAD ONE TO 2 HOUR. WAIT TIMES WRAL, CAPITOL BUREAU CHIEF LAURA LESLIE JOINING US NOW LIVE TONIGHT WHERE PEOPLE WERE READY TO GET OUT AND VOTE. ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW, THE ONE THING, MAYBE THE ONLY THING THAT REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS AGREE ON RIGHT NOW IS THAT THEIR VOTERS ARE READY TO WEIGH IN ON WHAT BOTH SIDES ARE CALLING AN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ELECTION. THAT WAS EVIDENT TODAY HERE IN WAKE COUNTY WHERE LONG LINES WERE EVERYWHERE FOR THE FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING. &gt;&gt; STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN JASON SENTIMENTS CAST HIS BALLOT FIRST THING THIS MORNING IN HOLLY SPRINGS HERE. THIS EARLY VOTE LOCATION, THE LINES OUT THE DOOR ALREADY. IT'S 7.30, ENTHUSIASM IS HIGH TO MAKE SURE WE GET OUT OUR VOTE AND WE'RE ENCOURAGING EVERYBODY TO DO THAT. AND LET ME JUST ASK, IS THERE ANY ENTHUSIASM? &gt;&gt; THAT'S DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR JOSH TIME CASTING HIS VOTE IN RALEIGH. I THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE GREAT TURNOUT. I THINK THE INTEREST IN THIS ELECTION IS INCREDIBLY HIGH BECAUSE OF THE STAKES ARE SO HIGH. A LOT OF VOTERS APPARENTLY AGREED. GARY SMITH DOESN'T USUALLY VOTE ON THE FIRST DAY, BUT SAYS THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT FOR YOU LIKE HAVE BEEN ON THE INJURED AND THE OTHER ONE DURING THE REST OF THE JOHN VESSEL WAS AMONG THE FIRST VOTERS IN HOLLY SPRINGS. THIS CURRENT TIME. &gt;&gt; REALLY MATTERS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR BELIEVES. STATE ELECTIONS DIRECTOR KAREN BRINSON BELL SAID TURN OUT FOR THE FIRST DAY OF VOTING HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS STATEWIDE. &gt;&gt; EVEN AND STORM RAVAGED WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOTERS LINED UP IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER IN HAYWOOD COUNTY THIS MORNING. SHE SAID THAT'S A SIGN THAT PEOPLE TRUST THE PROCESS. DESPITE A LOT OF MISINFORMATION, THESE ARE CRITICAL ELECTIONS IN OUR STATE. &gt;&gt; WE'RE A BATTLEGROUND STATE. THERE'S A LOT OF ATTENTION TO US BECAUSE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CONTESTS, BUT WE WILL HAVE A NEW GOVERNOR, A NEW LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, A NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL, WILL HAVE MANY MEMBERS NEWLY ELECTED TO OUR LEGISLATURE. &gt;&gt; NOW, WE'VE ALSO HAS A TENANT. GOVERNOR MARK ROBINSON IS CAMPAIGN WHEN AND WHERE HE PLANS TO CAST HIS BALLOT. WE HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK FROM THEM. IN THE MEANTIME, YOU CAN FIND A LOT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EARLY VOTING AND YOU CAN SEE YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT ONLINE AT WRAL COM, LESLIE WRAL, NEWS LIVE IN RALEIGH. &gt;&gt; AND A SCHEDULING NOTE LOWER WILL BE ON MEET THE PRESS THIS WEEKEND AS A PANELIST, SHE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE AND OTHER KEY NORTH CAROLINA RACES. MEET THE</p>

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Voters set record for early voting in North Carolina

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NC superintendent candidate says she's not calling for 'armed revolution'

Michele Morrow speaks at a news conference on Oct. 18, 2024

Boat motors stolen from UNC rowing team, thief caught on camera

Bundle up for Friday night football: Expect mid-30s to low 40s 

State Fair weather, Oct. 18-20

Parking could become cheaper for employees in downtown Durham

Downtown Durham

NC Supreme Court ruling could shake up multibillion-dollar hospital industry

Duke performs NC's first hand transplant

Four teenagers captured in Rocky Mount after escape from juvenile facility

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety identified the four juveniles who escaped as Quadarius H., Jayden W., Eric M., David B. (from left to right). The department did not provide their last names. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

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WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

The Lenovo Center is advising concert-goers to allow extra time due to anticipated traffic congestion from the nearby North Carolina State Fair, running from October 17-27.


Lenovo Center urges concert-goers to leave early due to State Fair traffic

How Much Blush Is Too Much?

Fayetteville woman Hanna Lafko is creating a batch of goodie bags for students at several Western North Carolina schools who could use some sweet treats after a tough few weeks.

Fayetteville woman making 1,000+ goodie bags for western NC children hurting from Helene

Hanna Lafko creates goodie bags for Western NC students

Allowing political party leaders or other private citizens to have people removed from the list of registered voters would move North Carolina "away from a democratic form of government," a judge ruled in shooting down the Republican Party's request.

GOP officials can't purge 225,000 voters in NC, Trump-appointed judge rules

Voter turnout in Cary

Sky 5 on Friday flew over the aftermath of a large house fire in Holly Springs.


Holly Springs home badly damaged in fire

Holly Springs home baldly damaged in fire

Legal experts say it's unlikely that North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's defamation lawsuit against CNN will yield new information for voters before the Nov. 5 election. Some don't think it'll even reach a jury. Here's why. 

Robinson's CNN lawsuit has the ingredients for an explosive trial. Why lawyers don't think it'll come to that 

Election_2024_-_North_Carolina_Governor_88271

A Wendell woman arrested Tuesday faces five counts of cruelty to animals.


Wendell woman charged with animal cruelty, dogs locked in van were covered in feces

Charisma Johnston

The Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1 ACC) are looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season, a 24-14 defeat against Georgia Tech.

Duke's Diaz: 5-1 Blue Devils 'control our destiny' entering home game vs. Florida State

Duke head coach Manny Diaz

Dennis Draughon, Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Helene's recovery angels

An employee at the nursing home which was the center of a WRAL investigation last month was convicted of assaulting a resident.  

Caught on camera: Nursing home employee charged with assaulting resident

Abuse at a nursing home caught on camera: WRAL Investigates the conditions inside Durham facility

John Robert McDonald, 57, was arrested for cyberstalking more than a dozen victims, the Lee County Sheriff's Office said. He now faces a total of 15 charges following the emergence of a new victim, according to the sheriff's office.

Cyberstalking case expands: Lee County man arrested for targeting sheriff, 14 others

John Robert McDonald

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99.9 The Fan

Your favorite WRAL-TV reporters will be at the fair each day. Here is the schedule. Be sure to stop by!

Visit WRAL at this year's State Fair!

Renee and Jeff at the 2024 State Fair

NC Voter Guide 2024: Everything you need to know for Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. Who's running, how, where, when you can vote.

Early voting is underway. See your ballot and make a plan to vote.

Decision 2024

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend with our picks including the State Fair, Sabrina Carpenter and more! 

Weekend best bets: NC State Fair, Sabrina Carpenter

There are several ways to win the big prize stuffed animal at the North Carolina State Fair. Hear from winners on the best ways to do it.

Elephants, dragons and Sonic the Hedgehog: How to win the big prize stuffed animal at the North Carolina State Fair

Caleb Phillips (left), Jameson Johns (middle) and Matt Phillips (right) won a stuffed elephant on Monday at the North Carolina State Fair.

How has Hurricane Helene impacted the NC mountains ahead of North Carolina's peak fall leaf color season? Will we still be able to see fall color in the mountains this year? WRAL's Elizabeth Gardner explains.


Fall colors in NC: Helene devastates mountains. What does that mean for leaf season?

Fall colors in NC 2024

The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering something for everyone. From thrilling rides and delicious food to educational exhibits and live entertainment, there's always something to enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to the 2024 North Carolina State Fair  

NC State Fair Sky Glazer

Don't Miss It

Infant support cushions and similar products can be deadly to babies if they aren't properly used.



US adopts new rule aimed at preventing infant deaths

Gorsetle baby loungers

Instead of 50th celebration, Marion campground faces Helene cleanup

Longtime WRAL News director receives national honor

Rick Gall

Taking a ride on the new NC State Fair slide

Asheville police want to return lost photos to owner after Helene

Police hoping to return photos to owners after Helene

NC State Fair, Lenovo Center shows likely to create heavy traffic around fairgrounds

Ferris wheel at NC State Fair 2024

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | October 18

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WRAL Noon News | October 18

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | October 18

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WRAL 6pm News | October 17

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IRS issues warning on charity scams in NC following hurricane relief efforts

Local News

North Carolina Supreme Court revives town's challenge against CSX plant near water source

Health screenings take center stage in Cumberland County barber shops

Water leak partially closes Wake County Public Health Center on Sunnybrook Road

Lee County teacher missing for weeks after Helene flooding, family asks for help

US has new rule aimed at preventing infant deaths

Nation/World

US to probe Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after pedestrian killed in low visibility conditions

Middle East latest: Hezbollah says its war with Israel is entering a new phase

Harris and Trump seek Arab American votes in Michigan in effort to shore up battleground states

Teen smoking and other tobacco use drop to lowest level in 25 years, CDC reports

NC benefit concerts planned to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery

Scotty McCreery 

Foodie News: Tacos and tequila restaurant opening in Raleigh

Open sign broad hanging on wood door front of cafe.

'Outer Banks' creator has new project set in Wilmington

The Runarounds 

Inspectors check 158 food vendors before start of NC State Fair

Fair food checked for safety before you indulge

Out & About

Are foreign adversaries China and Russia amplifying hurricane misinformation? NC lawmakers seek intel

Politifact

Fact check: Did Harris stage NC photo op with supplies that weren't sent to Helene victims?

Fact check: Trump falsely claims Cooper blocked Helene aid to western NC

Fact check: Democrat's ad says Republican Ashlee Adams 'campaigned for Mark Robinson and his radical agenda'

The future of fact-checking & how people can combat misinformation

Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz, Former President Bill Clinton make campaign stop in Durham

NC Capitol

Team Trump bus tour makes stop in Raleigh

Tim Walz joins Bill Clinton for campaign event in Durham

Eager voters expected to set record for early voting in North Carolina

 McCrory hopes to educate North Carolinians about voting process with new group

NC superintendent candidate calls election 'American Revolution 2.0'

Education

Morrow makes comments about fighting after election

'Really scared': Rolesville High parents, students wait 2 hours for lockdown to end

App State student body president discusses students' return to campus after Helene devastation

Wake teacher who wore tutu for spirit week says it was a joke, mom calls it 'sexualizing'

'It's really exciting': Police department using drone technology to improve emergency response

WRAL In Depth

Road closures continue throughout western NC: Find out what routes to avoid

Comparing flu, COVID, cold and RSV: Understanding the differences and how to protect yourself

Wake County mom says her son's classroom has no permanent teacher for school year

Environmental attorney accuses NC State of neglecting cancer risk in Poe Hall

North Carolina Central men's basketball ready to return to action

WRALSportsFan

UNC soccer captain Asha Means continues Carolina legacy started by her parents

Sean Payton triumphs in return to New Orleans as the Broncos dominate the Saints, 33-10

Ohtani and Betts lead Dodgers to latest blowout of Mets for 3-1 lead in lopsided NLCS

Could damage from Hurricane Milton bring Tampa Bay Rays to Durham in 2025?

Brackets set for NCHSAA girls dual-team tennis state playoffs

HighSchoolOT

The Huddle: Biggest games of Week 9, a look at the 2025 coaching cycle & potential realignment super conferences

Week 9 JV football scores from across North Carolina

Polk County closes out regular season with rivalry win at No. 17 Brevard

Watch No. 6 Mallard Creek vs. No. 5 Hough in the HighSchoolOT Game of the Week

"This has been the worst facility that I have ever seen in North Carolina..."  A local nursing home is at the center of a WRAL investigation. Only on WRAL at 6, an employee convicted of abusing a resident --all caught on camera -- and a former manager speaks out to WRAL. 

Abuse at Durham nursing home caught on camera: WRAL Investigates the conditions inside the facility

Abuse at a nursing home caught on camera: WRAL Investigates the conditions inside the local facility

As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, utilities across North Carolina and beyond face increasing challenges to maintain reliable and affordable electric service.

NC lab tests new methods to protect the power grid

Power pole and lines

As extreme weather events intensify and become more frequent, North Carolina's utilities are grappling with unprecedented challenges in delivering reliable and affordable electric service.

As weather threats increase, NC lab tests new methods to protect the grid

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty examines the growth of downtown Raleigh.

The ups and downs of developing downtown Raleigh

Some North Carolina voters have reported receiving absentee ballots with both envelopes already sealed, likely caused by moisture and humidity from Hurricane Helene and other rain events.

Multiple NC counties see absentee ballot issues

Multiple counties see absentee ballot issues

Sticky absentee ballot issues: NC voters receive sealed envelopes due to Hurricane Helene-related moisture

WRAL Specialists

5 On Your Side: Easy way to rid your car of that funky smell

Car have a funky smell? 5 On Your Side's tips to remove odors

Colsen recalls nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits after reports of serious burn injuries

5 steps to take if you're the victim of a data breach

5 On Your Side

Feds charge 16 Fayetteville Hells Angels members in murder, attack

Bullets flying, hammers swinging in parking lot: 16 members of motorcycle gang face charges

Local police using a drone to keep streets safe

Classes to resume for colleges in UNC System in western NC

Investigations

Mike Walden: Growth corridors spread the wealth across North Carolina

Donald Thompson: Embrace neurodiversity to unlock innovation and productivity

LinkedIn's top 50 startups in America: How North Carolina can capitalize on its tech spotlight

Grace Ueng: Show her the money! Women are better bets

WRAL TechWire

Biden administration races to shell out billions for clean energy as election nears

A full economic recovery in areas ravaged by Milton and Helene may happen faster than you think

Raleigh aims to revitalize downtown with new entertainment venues, free parking

Listeria recall grows to 12 million pounds of meat and poultry, some of it sent to US schools

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Pullen Park Holiday Express ticket glitch disrupts sales

Family

NC State Fair kicks off Thursday

Tickets on sale for Marbles Kids Museum's holiday events

Go Ask Dad: A confession about going to the dentist

3 ways to calm Halloween nerves

Top Amazon deals: Fleece throws & blankets starting at $9.59, Apple Devices Charging Station only $13.29 w/coupon, Hanes Women's Fleece Sweatpants only $5.96 (67% off)

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