Charlotte chooses a new mayor Tuesday; here’s what you need to know

It’s Election Day across the Charlotte region, with voters picking a new Charlotte mayor and three members of the school board, among other local races.

Precincts opened at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Voters in Charlotte are deciding between Democrat Jennifer Roberts, former county commissioners’ chairwoman, and Republican Edwin Peacock, a former council member, for mayor. They’ll also vote for City Council members.

Across Mecklenburg County, residents will vote for at-large school board members and on a referendum that would increase the commissioners’ terms from two to four years.

North Carolina voters won’t need to bring photo identification to the polls this year. That change goes into effect for the 2016 elections.

Voting day: Charlotte polls opened at 6:30 a.m and close at 7:30 p.m.

Forecast: Expect a few morning showers and a cloudy day.

Early voting: A total of 18,005 people voted early, 23 percent fewer than early voted in 2013.

Problems: Call the Mecklenburg County elections board at 704-336-2133.

Voters guide: Learn more about the candidates at charlotteobserver.com/election. Visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections site at www.meckboe.org.

Jim Morrill

This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Charlotte chooses a new mayor Tuesday; here’s what you need to know."