The outcome of the governor's race hinges on more than 44,000 absentee and provisional ballots. 

 

Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper held a lead of 4,980 over Republican Gov. Pat McCrory  not counting provisional and absentee ballots. Both men have hired attorneys who specialize in election law according to the Raleigh News and Observer. 

 

Provisional ballots are held until the questions can be resolved and reported to the county elections board. ,County boards are scheduled to certify the results on Nov. 18.

 

The runner-up in a statewide race can ask for a recount if the final count separates the two candidates by fewer than 10,000 votes.