2012 NC Elections: Second Primary

Based on the results of yesterday's primary election in North Carolina, it looks like there may be a second primary. Such primaries are often called "runoff" primaries. They are scheduled when no single candidate in a partisan election receives 40% or more of the vote.

The schedule depends on whether there is a federal office requiring a runoff or if there are only state offices. We will receive the official notification after next week's canvass of votes and learn whether any candidates have requested a second primary.

My guess is that there will be a second primary and that there will be one or more federal offices involved.

This year, unlike the runoff in 2010, it appears that both the Republican and Democratic parties will have a second primary, and that it will probably be scheduled for July 17, 2012. The county board of elections will notify the public as soon as we have the official word.

Two years ago, I tried the explain second primaries here. On that occasion, we also had an "instant runoff" for a judicial election. We have no advance information so far that there will be an instant runoff.

I also advocated that North Carolina dump the runoff. It is costly and pointless and few voters turn out.

Stay tuned.