The top two candidates in the races for mayor and three city council seats will advance to the general election next month.
In an off-year election, the parking lot was mostly empty to start the last day of early voting before Durham's election on Tuesday.
But for those canvassing at the polls, they said those who have shown up are often the ones paying the most attention.
"And so, I think it's important that, you know, we embrace the growth that the city is having. But, you know, as a lifelong term resident myself, you know, I want to, you know, keep Durham, you know, what makes it special," said Thomas Adams, a canvasser.
Durham has races for mayor and city council, with the top two candidates going on to the general election.
Some who did show up said that with everything happening at the federal level, every election matters.
"With all the turmoil going on right now in the United States, I thought it was imperative that we come out and, you know, do our due diligence, basically," said Sonnie Harris, a Durham voter. "Yeah, because, I mean, you know, a lot of times people, you know, people see what's going on nationally. Maybe they just turn out for the big ones like president and governor. But all elections are important, they really are. This is definitely an important one. And hopefully my vote will count."
And with a low turnout election, those who did show up will definitely see their votes count.
Some said all politics is local - and the future of the Bull City is at stake.
"Here in Durham, we have a lot of issues with a lack of affordable housing," said voter Nora Weston. "And so, a lot of the candidates this primary are running on what they're going to do about that issue. And so, I really care about that. I also care about how we're policing our community, how we are protecting immigrants in our community."
Voters can still vote in person Tuesday on Election Day.
SEE ALSO: Meet candidates for Durham mayor, city council
All City of Durham registered voters are eligible to vote in the primary election.
To determine whether you live in the city, you can click here to check your registration record.
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