March 5. By Dave Vieser. Today is Super Tuesday, when Republicans and Democrats have nominating contests in 15 states.
Locally, there are at least two races which carry enhanced interest for voters: The Democratic Party primary in House District 98, which encompasses all of Cornelius, and the Republican Primary in the 8th Congressional District , which covers a portion of Mecklenburg County but not Cornelius. 
NC House 98
Incumbent Republican John Bradford is not running for re-election, which means there will be a new House Representative starting next year. GOP candidate Melinda Bales is running unopposed while there is an active primary between Democrats Lisa Jewell and Beth Helfrich.
By around 11 pm this evening, Bales, currently mayor of Huntersville, should know who her opponent will be.
Local voters may also cast primary ballots for certain races on the County Board of Commissioners.
US Congress District 8
Meanwhile, Bradford is one of six candidates involved in a heated GOP primary race for the 8th US Congressional District. He has been criticized by the right wing of the GOP for running in a race where he cannot vote.
John Bradford
With so many candidates in the race there is a possibility that a runoff may be needed in May. Per state election law, primary candidates must win more than 30 percent of votes in their race to secure their party’s nomination for the general election. (That means 30 percent of the total vote count plus one.)
If no candidate receives more than 30 percent, the second-place candidate may request a runoff. Only the first- and second-place candidates advance to that runoff which would be held on Tuesday May 14 if it is so requested by the second-place finisher..
The ultimate winner will run against Democrat Justin Dues who ran unopposed for the position. However, the 8th CD is considered to be a strong Republican district, and whomever wins the GOP slot would be heavily favored.
Veteran GOP political advisors believe Bradford has moved up to be the front runner, but not necessarily a guaranteed winner due to the size of the candidates field.
Where to vote
Primary voting will take place today up until 7:30 pm this evening at regular polling places. In Cornelius, those locations Community in Christ Lutheran Church, Jetton Park, Bethel Presbyterian Church and Cornelius Town Hall.
