Burke County primary draws nearly 17% turnout as voters pick judicial, commissioner nominees

Burke County voters turned out in stronger numbers than expected Tuesday for the March 3 primary election, casting 10,177 ballots, or 16.99% of the county’s 59,916 registered voters, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Local election officials said turnout was driven largely by interest in several contested judicial and prosecutorial races on the ballot.

Burke County Board of Elections Director Kenny Rhyne said voter participation in the 2026 primary was slightly higher than typical for an election year without major local offices such as sheriff or clerk of court on the ballot. Tuesday’s turnout exceeded his projections by several percentage points, he said.

“Unless you have something big locally, a lot of people don't really get involved,” Rhyne said. “They show up for the presidential, sheriff, and clerk of court votes. Those really pull them in.”

Interest in the races for District Attorney and Superior Court judge was an important driver for voters, Rhyne said.

He also noted that while a few polling locations experienced minor printer issues during the day, voting proceeded smoothly overall across the county.

Rhyne said election officials also continue to see confusion among voters about how primary ballots work, particularly which party ballot unaffiliated voters may request.

SENATE RACES

Burke County Democrats overwhelmingly backed former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Cooper received 3,020 votes (92.92%), defeating five challengers.

On the Republican side, Burke County voters favored Michael Whatley, who received 4,394 votes (67.39%) in a seven-candidate field.

CONGRESSIONAL RACES

In the Republican primary for U.S. House District 14, Burke County voters strongly supported Tim Moore, longtime speaker of the North Carolina House.

Moore received 5,732 votes (85.46%), defeating Kate Barr, who received 975 votes (14.54%).

On the Democratic side, Brent Caldwell carried Burke County with 1,757 votes (55.39%).

Court of Appeals races

JUDICIAL RACES

In the Republican primary for N.C. Court of Appeals Seat 01, Burke County voters chose Matt Smith with 3,410 votes (55.10%)

In the Democratic primary for Court of Appeals Seat 03, voters selected Christine Marie Walczyk, who received 1,984 votes (63.06%)

Several contested local races appeared on the ballot.

In the Superior Court Judge District 36 Seat 01 Republican primary, Tim Rooks defeated Dale Hamby with 4,968 Burke County votes (74.63%) to 1,689 votes (25.37%). Across the district, Rooks collected 7,887 (56.2%) votes to secure his victory.

The race for District Court Judge District 36 Seat 05 was closer. Greg Hayes received 3,399 Burke County votes (52.83%), defeating Amber Eades Crouch, who received 3,035 votes (47.17%). District 36 totals gave Hayes the victory with 14,712 (51.1%) votes.

In the Republican primary for District Attorney District 36, Mitch Walker defeated Taylor A. Rockett with his 3,868 Burke County votes (58.82%). Throughout District 36, Walker collected 8,591 (62.6%) votes to secure his victory.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RACE

Republican voters selected Randy Burns and Phil Smith as the top two vote-getters in the primary for two seats on the Burke County Board of Commissioners.

Results were:

• Randy Burns — 4,323 votes (36.04%)
• Phil Smith — 3,526 votes (29.39%)
• Shawn Freeman — 2,804 votes (23.37%)
• Tony Padgett — 1,343 votes (11.20%)

Burns and Smith advance as the Republican nominees.

All election night results remain unofficial until the county canvass on March 13, when provisional and absentee ballots are reviewed and totals are certified.