Reevaluating North Carolina's Primary Election Threshold Amid Voter Dissatisfaction

In the wake of the November 2024 elections, a notable 43% of North Carolina voters voiced dissatisfaction with the primary outcomes, believing the process failed to yield the most suitable candidates for the general election.

 

While 46% expressed satisfaction and 10% remained uncertain, this substantial discontent underscores potential flaws within the state's primary system.

 

North Carolina's primary structure warrants a closer examination, especially in comparison to other states, to determine if it genuinely serves its electorate.

 

Currently, North Carolina is among 38 states that allow candidates to clinch a primary victory with a mere plurality, rather than a majority, of votes.

 

In 2017, the Electoral Freedom Act reduced the winning threshold from 40% to 30% plus one vote, granting North Carolina the lowest threshold nationwide for primary victories.

 

This adjustment aimed to enhance electoral access for unaffiliated and third-party candidates.

 

However, the immediate aftermath saw primary victories with minimal support: Chuck Edwards secured 33% in the 11th Congressional District, Sandy Smith obtained 31% in the First Congressional District, and Bo Hines garnered 32% in the 13th Congressional District.

 

Edwards remains in office, while Smith and Hines were defeated in the general election.

 

Comparatively, North Carolina's 30% threshold is notably low.

 

South Dakota follows with a 35% requirement, and eight states mandate a majority (over 50%) for a primary win.

 

While higher thresholds can lead to runoff elections, increasing costs and potential voter fatigue, the current low threshold raises concerns about candidates advancing with limited party support.

 

For instance, the 2024 primary saw a turnout of 24%, a decline from 31% in 2020, indicating potential voter disengagement.

 

Reinstating a 40% threshold could strike a balance, ensuring candidates have a broader base of support while minimizing the need for runoffs.

 

Such a change would encourage candidates to engage more comprehensively with the electorate, fostering clearer policy positions and stronger coalitions.

 

Encouragingly, despite concerns about the primary process, voter optimism in North Carolina is rising.

 

In the same post-election poll, 70% of voters believed the 2024 elections were "free and fair," and 50% felt the state is on the right track—a significant increase from 33% in August.

 

Implementing a 40% threshold is a straightforward reform that builds on existing electoral processes, avoiding the complexity and potential voter confusion associated with ranked-choice voting.

 

Unlike ranked-choice systems, which require significant education efforts and can lead to delayed results, the 40% threshold ensures clarity and simplicity while fostering greater voter confidence.

 

Additionally, a 40% threshold incentivizes candidates to appeal to a broader base of voters without requiring costly changes to election infrastructure or procedures.

 

Reforming North Carolina's primary system to return to a 40% threshold is not about favoring a particular party or ideology.

 

It is about strengthening the electoral process to better serve the people of North Carolina.