I, too, voted yesterday, here in Charlotte. The early voting turnout has been brisk, for an off-year election. Our current mayor has been in office for 14 years, and is not running again
this time, so we will have a new mayor, either R or D.
There is a lot of interest in the school board election, this time. As has been said, "all politics are local". Your school board can effectively impact your neighborhood school, with their decisions.
As far as trying to oust incumbents, I believe that you have to be an informed voter first.
You shouldn't pull the lever for the "other guy", just because he/she isn't an incumbent. I
choose to believe that there are still well motivated, caring people in office. Educate yourself and then vote.
Mike