Early voting is now underway for the second primary in the North Carolina 3rd Congressional District race. The second primary kicked off on Wednesday at the Beaufort County Board of Elections, with 76 local voters casting their ballots.

“It had a slow start, but gradually picked up throughout the day,” Beaufort County Board of Elections Deputy Director Anita Branch said in an email report of the first day’s voting totals.

The results of the primary will determine which Republican candidate will appear on the ballot in September’s special general election. Facing off in the primary are N.C. Representative Dr. Greg Murphy, of Greenville, and Dr. Joan Perry, of Kinston.

The winner of the contest will appear alongside Democrat Allen Thomas, Libertarian Tim Harris and Constitution Party Candidate Greg Holt during the general election, slated for Sept. 10.

Since there are only Republican candidates involved in the second primary, only voters registered as Republicans or unaffiliated may vote in the election.

Early voting will continue at the Beaufort County Board of Elections Monday through Friday through July 5, with the exception of a holiday closing on July 4. Hours at the BOE are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

On Election Day, July 9, all county precincts will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.