Early Voting in North Carolina: Enthusiastic Voters Show Up on Election Day 2024

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — More than 200,000 people voted on the first day of early in-person voting in North Carolina, according to the state’s election board.

Nearly 350,000 people voted on the first day of early voting in the 2020 election. State election officials expect the final count for the first day of 2024 to reach or exceed 350,000.

Thursday was a new experience for Terrell Halcomb.

“I haven’t lived in a state that has early voting yet, so I came out. Because every state should have early voting,” Halcomb said.

For Arely Chaviano it was the second time she cast her vote.

“Every vote counts, that’s the most important thing. That’s why we’re here,” said Chaviano, who is originally from Cuba.

Both women showed up at the Durham County Main Library and waited in line to vote at one of the 419 early voting locations now open statewide.

During most of the morning and early afternoon, lines lasted between 45 minutes and an hour, but became shorter in the afternoon. In 2020, 74% of registered voters in Durham County cast a ballot, just below the statewide rate of 75%.

“It’s wonderful. I’m so surprised that so many people came this time because in other years I haven’t seen so many. But I’m really optimistic,” said voter Linda Evans.

According to the State Board of Elections, 65% of people voted early in person in the 2020 election, and 53% did so in the 2022 midterm elections.

Both parties have invested significant resources in North Carolina, whose 16 electoral votes could ultimately swing the presidential election.

“(The Harris-Walz administration) will ensure that the American dream of buying your first home is within reach, and they will put more money in your pockets by cutting taxes for the middle class and put more money in your parents’ fund .” Through the expanded child tax credit, they will ensure that we reunite as Americans, that we lower the temperature, and that neighbors stop yelling at neighbors. They will remind us that we are all Americans “The second, third or fourth political parties will continue to fight for reproductive freedom where women can make their own health decisions,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said during an interview with ABC11 on Thursday.

Former President Donald Trump won North Carolina in 2016 and 2020, although his victory in the final race was by a narrower margin, marking his closest victory this cycle. Courtney Geels, a former congressional candidate who now serves as the North Carolina Republican Party’s 4th District chairwoman, expressed confidence that Trump would lead the Tar Heel State again.

“We want to ‘drill, drill baby,’ as President Trump says. We want to protect our environment, but we want to be dominant in the world in energy. So I’m thinking about energy independence, the economy and the border.” “Those were the three main things that President Trump talked about,” Geels said, drawing a contrast between Trump and Harris.

On Thursday, voters shared the key issues of their vote.

“Democracy. (Ensuring) that our country is safe and democratic and that women are safe and that the person running the show is honest and moral and of good character,” Halcomb said.

“Cares about seniors and housing,” Mary Parker added.

“I want a good president in the White House who will help people,” said Anna Bell.

“I come from an immigrant family, so that was definitely important to me, as were women’s rights, being a woman, and then education and health care. I work in healthcare,” explained Anabel Caceres.

“Women’s rights. Veterans Rights. Social Security,” Raymond Brown said.

According to a Gallup poll earlier this month, 90% of voters rated the economy as “extremely important” or “very important,” driving their decision, the highest-rated answer. Rounding out the top five were democracy in the United States, terrorism and national security, the type of Supreme Court justice nominees, and immigration.

Between now and Election Day, both parties will look for ways to increase voter turnout by motivating their base and winning over undecided voters. One group that could be crucial to this equation is young voters. A Tufts Tisch College of Civil Life analysis of the 2020 race found that 50% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted in the 2020 race, a significant increase from 2016. In North Carolina, 55% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted -year-olds did so, the second highest rate in the Southeast.

“The future is in their hands. I’m just here again. They’re up there. So they have to step up to the plate,” Ramona McAdams said.

It could have an even bigger impact in Durham. According to last year’s American Community Survey, the average age of a Durham resident is 35, compared to the national average of 39.4.

“They are our future, and if they don’t care about what’s going on in the world, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble,” Gale Campbell said.

“I think their voices need to be heard. They may have different opinions than the older generation, but their voices still need to be heard,” added Kurt Campbell.

Early voting runs through Saturday, November 2nd.