Last Updated on November 3, 2026 5:56 pm

The North Carolina State Board of Elections on Tuesday declined to extend voting hours at an App State precinct in Boone after a disruptive voter briefly halted voting there.

Watauga County officials told the board during a 3:30 p.m. meeting that the disruption caused a roughly 15-minute interruption at the Plemmons Student Union polling place. Watauga County Board of Elections Director Matt Snyder said all voters were moved to the opposite side of the room, away from the person, and voting was paused for about 15 minutes.

Officials said the person had objected to waiting in line and to being told to get back in line. Snyder said the person was escorted out by police. Board members said they hoped charges would be filed, and board staff said during the meeting they are looking into the incident for any potential charges. No charges had been announced as of this report.

Snyder told the board that the precinct’s chief judge did not believe any voters left, either from the outside line or from inside the precinct. The board saw no reason to extend voting at the site. With no extension granted, the polling place closes at the regular time, 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line at 7:30 p.m. may still vote.

The board did grant extensions for polling sites in Columbus, Hertford, Lenoir and Wilson counties.

Polls across North Carolina remain open until 7:30 p.m. Voters should go to their assigned precinct and bring photo ID.