RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – A computer outage at a Columbus County polling place prompted the North Carolina State Board of Elections to extend voting there by 45 minutes Tuesday.
The South Williams precinct in Tabor City will remain open until 8:15 p.m., the board said.
The Columbus County elections director told WECT that the computer system at the Tabor City Courthouse went down temporarily. Election workers activated an emergency backup system, and no voters were turned away, the director said.
The extended voting hours mean results will be delayed across the state. No counties may release vote totals until all precincts are closed statewide.
State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes said officials also reported minor delays in Hertford, Gates, Wilson and Lenoir counties. He described the issues as “technical glitches,” including a printer jam and confusion involving electronic pollbooks.
Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. may cast a regular ballot. Those who arrive after 7:30 p.m. must cast a provisional ballot, officials said.
The NCSBE is planning a news conference at 4:00 p.m. to brief reporters on plans and any other precinct problems.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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