New details on count of additional ballots in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — We’re learning new details about the approval and counting of an estimated 3,400 ballots in New Hanover County. 

The additional ballots—which include an estimated 1,500 absentee ballots and 1,900 provisional ballots—could change the current outcome of the county commission and school board race. 

Newly obtained emails reveal that County Manager Chris Coudriet and other county staff have been in close contact with the state board of elections, hoping to conduct a meeting between state and county staff about the counting process. 

Coudriet also expressed concern that none of the candidates in county races were notified about the additional ballots. New Hanover County Board of Elections Director Rae Hunter-Havens clarified in a statement that the director of elections does not contact candidates directly. 

In a response to Coudriet’s request, NC Board of Elections Public Information Officer Patrick Gannon reaffirmed that counting absentee and provisional ballots after election day is normal. 

A meeting between state and county staff is scheduled for November 26 to answer any questions the county has for the state board.