LELAND, N.C. – Voters in Brunswick County who did not vote during the early voting period will go to the polls on Tuesday to make a number of important choices.

For the first time in a number of years, North Carolina’s fifteen electoral votes are up for grabs.  Recent polls have shown Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama in a close race in North Carolina.

In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic challenger Kay Hagan is facing off against incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole.  The Senate race has been marked by negative ads funded by outside groups on both sides.  Recent polls have shown Hagan leading Dole. 

Because Governor Mike Easley is barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term, North Carolinians will elect a new governor on Tuesday.  Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue, a Craven County Democrat faces seven-term Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, a Republican, and Libertarian Mike Munger.  If recent polls are accurate, this race is a dead heat between Perdue and McCrory.

Two State Senators from western North Carolina, Democrat Walter Dalton of Rutherford County and Republican Robert Pittenger of Charlotte, are facing off in the race for Lt. Governor. 

In other statewide races, incumbent Attorney General Roy Cooper, a Rocky Mount Democrat, faces a challenge from Asheboro attorney Bob Crumley.  Cooper is seeking a third term. 

Incumbent State Auditor Leslie Merritt, a first-term Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Beth Wood. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Richard Morgan.  Morgan served as co-speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives under a power-sharing arrangement with disgraced former N.C. Housee Speaker Jim Black. 

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, a Republican serving his first term, faces a challenge from Raleigh attorney Ronnie Ansley.  Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Mary Fant Donnan. 

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, a Democrat, faces Republican challenger Jack Sawyer, a Burlington attorney.

For Insurance Commissioner, Democrat Wayne Goodwin faces Republican John Odom.

A number of statewide judicial races are also on the ballot. 

Locally, longtime State Senator R.C. Soles, a Tabor City Democrat, faces a strong challenge from Republican Bettie Fennell.  Some political observers have pegged this race as a possible upset.

In the State House, incumbent Republican Bonner Stiller faces a challenge from Democrat Vernon Ward.

Several seats on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners are also up for grabs.  In District 2, Commissioner Marty Cooke, a Republican, faces Democrat Marion Davis.  In District 3, incumbent Democrat May Moore faces Republican Charles Warren.  In District 4, incumbent Democrat Tom Rabon faces Republican Scott Edwards Phillips.  In District 5, which includes the Leland area, incumbent Republican Bill Sue faces Democrat Randall Rhodes. 

Three seats on the Brunswick County Board of Education are on this year’s ballot.  In District 1, Democrat John T. Jones faces Republican Olaf (Bud) Thorsen and Libertarian Ray Gilbert.  Gilbert, the incumbent, was defeated in the Republican Primary.  In District 2, Democrat J. Christy Judah faces Republican Catherine Cooke.  In District 4, Democrat Tom Simmons is challenging incumbent Republican Shirley Babson. 

Longtime Register of Deeds Robert J. Robinson, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Brenda Mercer Clemmons. 

Click here for more information on the candidates.