News

Check out live election results in the right-hand column

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 3, 2026

The Hendersonville Lightning is one of the small independent news outlets the Associated Press Fund for Journalism chose to receive the AP's highly advanced, fast and accurate election results on Election Day and other election coverage and photos through the mid-term election and after.

Check out the scrolling graphic on the right for rapidly updated election results once the polls close and elections boards begin releasing numbers.

The AP Fund for Journalism was created by the Associated Press to ensure that local news outlets "have the support and content they need to deliver nonpartisan reporting that engages communities and advances civic life."

The Lightning will sustain its coverage as usual of local races reported by our local staff. We'll rely on the AP for coverage of statewide races, national trends and pivotal Election Day developments. (The AP graphics service pulls the statewide and legislative races and congressional contests but not local races. Look for those results in this left-hand column.)

Election results could be delayed

Newspapers in Eastern NC reported around 3 p.m. today that the state Board of Elections, in an emergency meeting, had voted to extend voting hours at precincts in four Eastern North Carolina counties — Columbus County, Lenior, Wilson and Hertford — that had experienced minor delays because of technical issues. The board decided against extending voting at precincts in Gates, Watauga and Wilkes counties, the Raleigh News & Observer reported.

It was possible that the extensions in those few precincts could delay the release of election results; it was unclear whether the state would order all counties to hold off on releasing numbers until all polls were closed.