More than 500,000 early and absentee ballots had been cast by the state's primary day Initial results show North Carolina has approved a constitutional amendment effectively banning same-sex marriage or civil unions.
The issue raised voter turnout on an otherwise uncontested primary day.With 74% of precincts reporting, more than 60% had voted to strengthen the gay marriage ban, with just under 40% opposing it.
Recent polling had suggested the ban would pass, defining marriage as only between a man and a woman.
North Carolina law already bans gay marriage but the vote enshrines this in the constitution.
Recent comments in favour of gay marriage by US Vice-President Joe Biden had reignited debate over the issue.
President Barack Obama has not taken a position on gay marriage, with his views described as "evolving".
Days before the primary, high-profile supporters on both sides attempted to make their views heard.
Former President Bill Clinton recorded phone messages urging voters to reject the amendment.
Meanwhile, a statement in support of the ban by the Reverend Billy Graham appeared in 14 North Carolina newspapers over the weekend.
Early ballots Voting in North Carolina ended at 19:30 EST (23:30 GMT) on Tuesday, and the state had already received over 500,000 early votes and absentee ballots.
Joe Easterling, who described himself as a devout Christian, told the Associated Press he voted for the amendment.
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President Barack Obama's contention that his position on gay marriage is evolving looks at best lame and at worst dishonest - as though he is a mere spectator neutrally watching his own position develop of its own accord”
"I think it is important that the state of North Carolina's laws are compatible with the laws of nature but, more importantly, with the laws of God," Mr Easterling said.
Another supporter told the Charlotte Observer: "Our church has taken a stand on this."Linda Toanone, an opponent of the amendment, argued that "everybody should have the same rights as everyone else. If you're gay, lesbian, straight - whatever".
With the passage of the amendment, North Carolina becomes the 29th state to use its state constitution to explicitly ban gay unions.
While including a ban in the constitution would make it more difficult to overturn than the existing law, one state legislator said changing times would eventually undermine the measure.
"It's a generational issue," State House Speaker Thom Tillis told a student group at North Carolina State University in March. "If it passes, I think it will be repealed within 20 years."
Eight states and the District of Columbia allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Same-sex marriage laws have passed this year in New Jersey, Maryland and Washington state.
New Jersey governor Chris Christie vetoed his state's law, while opponents have promised challenges to Maryland and Washington's laws.The North Carolina vote came shortly after Mr Biden said he was "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex married couples having the same rights as other married couples.
On Monday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan also spoke of his unequivocal support for same-sex marriage.
Mr Obama has previously backed gay rights and civil unions but has stopped short of supporting marriage.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said on Tuesday that Mr Obama's positions were "consistent with his belief that it is wrong to take actions that would deny rights to LGBT citizens or rescind rights already provided".
The president faces increasing pressure from advocacy groups and from donors to his re-election campaign, many of whom see gay rights as a key issue.
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