Updated as of Oct. 7, 2021 at 3:24 p.m. to include video.

Correction: A correction has been made to the name of a candidate running for the Burlington City Council. Elon News Network regrets this error.

Voters in Burlington headed to the polls today to cast their ballots in the Burlington primary. Nine municipalities, including Burlington, are holding October primaries, according to the North Carolina Board of Elections. The primary determined the top four council candidates and the top two mayoral candidates that will move onto the general election on Nov. 2. 

Polling locations, including community centers, schools and churches, were open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Outside of the polling locations stood candidates and individuals who handed out municipal election materials to prospective voters. Eligible voters, including residents of the Burlington municipality who are registered to vote, were able to participate in the primary by voting early, by mail and in-person.



10:10 P.M.  —

Burlington City Council 

With 18 out of 18 precincts reported, Ronnie Wall led the race with 23.77% of all reported votes. Following Wall, Dejuana Bigelow held 21.43% of the votes. Harold Owen held 21.14% of all votes reported and was in third.  

Bob Byrd held 20.78% of all reported votes, Wendy Jordan held 8.03% of the votes and Charlie Beasley held 4.84% of all votes.

Wall, Bigelow, Owen and Byrd are the four candidates projected to move on to the general election. 

While all precincts are in, only 3,999 out of 33,884 ballots were cast.

Mayor of Burlington

With 18 out of 18 precincts reported, Ian Baltutis and Jim Butler were neck and neck, however, Baltutis led with 39.46% to Butler’s 39.10% of the total votes cast. 

Donna Vanhook held 9.69% of the votes, Walter Boyd with 6.64% of the votes and Caleb Massey with 5.11% of the total votes cast. 

Baltutis and Butler are the two candidates projected to move on to the general election.

While all precincts are in, only 3,999 out of 33,884 ballots were cast. 


8:50 P.M.  —

Burlington City Council

Six candidates are campaigning for two seats on the Burlington City Council. Only four candidates will move on to the general election in November. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections dashboard, Ronnie Wall currently leads the race with 23.10% of the total votes. 

Following Wall, Dejuana Bigelow holds 22.79% of all votes. Bob Byrd holds 22.15% of all votes, Harold Owen has 19.92% of all votes currently reported, Wendy Jordan has 8.32% of the votes and Charlie Beasley has 3.73% of all total votes currently being reported. 

The votes currently being reported include absentee ballots, provisional votes and ballots cast on election day. Currently, only 5 out of 18 precincts have completely reported how many votes are in.

Mayor of Burlington

Five candidates are campaigning to become the next mayor of Burlington. Only two will move on to the general election in November. According to the North Carolina State Board of elections dashboard, Ian Baltutis leads with 42% of all total votes. 

Then Jim Butler with 36% of all votes. Donna Vanhook holds 7.9% of all votes, Walter Boyd with 7.4% and Caleb Massey with 5% of the votes currently reported. 

The votes currently being reported include absentee ballots, provisional votes and ballots cast on election day. Currently, only 5 out of 18 precincts have completely reported how many votes are in.