What happens to your vote if you cast a ballot for a candidate who has died?

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As the primary election gains momentum in North Carolina, more than 8,000 ballots have already been cast in Brunswick County during early voting.

Despite the finalization of ballots, not all candidates remain in their respective races. Incumbent David Robinson of the Brunswick County Board of Education passed away unexpectedly during the early voting period.

Sara LaVere, the Elections Director in Brunswick County, clarified that any votes cast for Robinson will not be counted.

“There is no chance he could win. Unfortunately, people can’t change their vote if they’ve already cast their ballot. Once you cast a ballot that is it you really can’t go back,” said LaVere.

With two other candidates on the Republican ballot for the school board, LaVere explained that the candidate receiving the most votes among the two will advance to the November ballot. Regarding Robinson’s seat, given its partisan nature, the County’s Republican Party will make a recommendation for its temporary replacement until December.

On a broader scale, former Republican presidential candidates such as Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy linger on the ballot despite exiting the race. This circumstance arises from their withdrawal occurring after North Carolina’s deadline to alter ballots.

LaVere says this is a common occurrence in primary elections.

“If somebody voted absentee early or if by chance one of those had gotten the most votes, we in Brunswick County would still certify that that was the winner of the election for Brunswick County,” said LaVere.

The early voting period lasts until Saturday, March 2 at 3 pm.

Super Tuesday is Tuesday, March 5.