North Carolina voters made a strong statement on the first day of in-person early voting, with turnout levels setting a new record, according to preliminary data from the State Board of Elections.
- On Thursday, a total of 353,166 ballots were accepted at early voting sites statewide. This number surpasses the previous first-day record of 348,559 set during the 2020 election by 1.3%.
- The report noted that the weather was favorable across the state, encouraging many voters to take advantage of the early voting period.
Breaking It Down: While previous years’ data did not separate in-person early voting from absentee ballots, making direct comparisons challenging, this year’s numbers suggest a high level of engagement.
- NHC: In New Hanover County, 8,386 ballots were cast, with 6,172 through in-person early voting and 2,214 by mail. For comparison, 16,253 people voted on the first day in 2020, though that figure combined both early in-person and absentee voting.
- BRUNCO: In Brunswick County, 8,776 voters turned out on the first day—6,627 in person and 2,149 by mail. This is slightly down from the 11,824 voters who cast ballots on the first day of 2020.
- PENDER: Meanwhile, Pender County saw 2,691 ballots cast on Thursday, including 2,540 in-person votes and 151 by mail, a notable increase from the 2,314 ballots cast at the same point in 2020.
What They’re Saying: Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, praised the high turnout, emphasizing the resilience and commitment of North Carolina voters. “Yesterday’s turnout is a clear sign that voters are energized about this election, that they trust the elections process, and that a hurricane will not stop North Carolinians from exercising their right to vote,” Bell said. “Let’s keep it rolling, North Carolina.”
Bottom Line: As early voting continues, the numbers suggest strong voter engagement, setting the stage for a potentially high overall turnout this election season. With enthusiasm building, all eyes will be on how the state’s voters shape the outcome in the weeks to come.
