LUMBERTON  — A race that could determine control of the North Carolina Senate — and could give Democrats unified control of the legislature — grew tighter as election officials reviewed provisional ballots.

But incumbent Republican Sen. Danny Britt maintained his lead over Democrat Catina Hamm after election officials in the district’s three counties completed their review of provisional ballots. Britt now leads Hamm by 228 votes – down from 268 on Election Day. 

The district includes all of Hoke, Scotland and Robeson counties.

Democrats flipped four State senate seats in the election, giving them 24 seats in the 50-member chamber. A Hamm victory would result in a 25-25 party split with Democratic Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt having the power to break ties. A Britt victory would preserve the Republicans’ majority at 26 to 24. 

Democrats gained control of the state House on Election Day for the first time since 2010. Republicans have controlled both chambers since 2011.

When Robeson County election officials announced the final provisional ballot tally, Britt pumped his fists in the air and walked out of the room smiling and with tears in his eyes.

Britt became emotional during an interview with WRAL, repeatedly fighting back tears as he reflected on what the results meant for his family and his political future. Britt was first elected in 2016.

“I’ve spent the last decade serving the state Senate, the better part of my children’s lives, dedicated to Robeson County, dedicated to southeast North Carolina,” Britt said.

Britt acknowledged that a recount and possible election protests could still follow but said he was confident the outcome would not change.

“We’re confident that a recount changes nothing,” Britt said. “We’re confident that any challenge of any of the ballots changes nothing.”

Hamm hasn’t responded to requests from WRAL for comment.

More than 800 provisional ballots were reviewed in the three counties. All of the ballots accepted and rejected were unanimous by the bipartisan election boards in Scotland and Robeson counties Tuesday.

Provisional ballots are used when questions arise about a voter’s eligibility, including registration issues, missing photo ID, or voting at the wrong precinct. County officials determine the eligibility of those ballots before counting them.

A recount in the race is possible, but not automatic. North Carolina law allows the trailing candidate in a non-statewide race to request a recount if the final margin is 1% or less of the total votes cast. Britt’s lead is less than 1%.

Because the 24th Senate District includes multiple counties, any recount request must be submitted to the State Board of Elections by noon Nov. 17. The State Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the Senate race at its Nov. 24 canvass.

Eligible military and overseas ballots can still count if they were mailed by 12:01 a.m. on Election day and arrive at the county election office by 5 p.m. on Thursday.  There are 24 military and overseas ballots left across the three counties.

Provisional ballots

Hoke: 59 accepted, 105 rejected (Hamm netted 17 votes)

Scotland: 55 accepted, 76 rejected (Hamm netted 26 votes)

Robeson: 311 accepted, 218 rejected (Britt netted nine votes)