Early voting begins Wednesday in controversial District 9 race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Early in-person voting began at 8 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Hal Marshall building in uptown Charlotte for a special election in the state's District 9 congressional race.

[Seven people charged in District 9 ballot fraud investigation face judge]

Democratic candidate Dan McCready, Republican Dan Bishop, Libertarian Jeff Scott and Green Party candidate Loran Allen Smith are running for the position.

The election takes place on Sept. 10.

The race gained national attention after Channel 9 began an investigation into election fraud.

Channel 9 was there as McCready showed up to cast his vote.

This was the second time he's voted for himself in less than a year after the State Board of Elections ordered a new race due to election fraud.

"I'm ready for this election to be done. I am thrilled people have a fair shot and a fair chance for their voices to count," McCready said.

The Wake County district attorney eventually charged seven people connected to that investigation.

The case is still under investigation.

[MORE INFO: Meck County Board of Elections]

Local primary races are also on the ballot.

One of the first people in line was Mayor Vi Lyles, and she brought family members along with her to cast her vote.

She said they are a big part for why she is able to keep running.

Lyles is facing four primary challengers, however they are all significantly behind her in fundraising.

Additional voting locations are scheduled to open Thursday across Mecklenburg County.

Early voting runs through Sept. 6 for the Mecklenburg County General Election and City of Charlotte Primary.

The following additional early voting locations will open Thursday at 10 a.m. All early voting locations will close at 7 p.m.

• West: Beatties Ford Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.
• Ballantyne: Elon Park Rec Center, 11401 Ardrey Kell Rd.
• East: Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Dr.
• Uptown: Main Library (Downtown), 310 N. Tryon St.
• Matthews Library: 230 Matthews Station St.
• Mint Hill Library: 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd.
• SouthPark: Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd.
• Smith Family Center: 1600 Tyvola Rd.

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