Record Turnout as Early Voting Wraps Ahead of Election Day

Voters cast their ballots at an early voting location in Greensboro, North Carolina, on October 22, 2024. Source: PBS News.

Early voting in North Carolina ended this past Saturday, October 31, with record-breaking turnout. At least 2.6 million ballots were cast, up 37 percent from midterms in 2022. Democratic and unaffiliated voters collectively accounted for nearly three-quarters of early vote ballots cast, substantially outpacing registered Republicans, who accounted for just over a quarter. The surge also builds on a trend from last year's off-year elections, whose turnout rates, which typically range from approximately 14-16 percent, jumped to 19 percent in 2025. This level of engagement in North Carolina hasn’t been seen in years. 

Much of this reflects what is at stake in this year's midterm elections, which feature several closely watched races in North Carolina and across the country. These include the race for Senate that could give Democrats the push they need to gain a majority in the U.S. Senate and the race for the newly redrawn 1st Congressional District. The historically Black district had its Black voting-age population drop by almost 9 percent, potentially leaving the state with one fewer Black representative. Finally, a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court is on the ballot, which could flip the ideological balance of the court heading into 2028. Combine this with the war in Iran, rising gas prices, and a higher cost of living, and voters, regardless of party affiliation, are being pushed to the polls by the economic realities they face or their disappointment with the candidates currently in federal and state offices. 

Election Day is today, and while things look promising for Democrats, the outcome is far from decided. Top Republican officials are banking on strong Election Day turnout to offset low early voting numbers and change the tide in their favor. Republican voters have historically turned out at higher rates on the last day, making their participation tomorrow particularly worth watching.