More Than 3.2 Million Have Cast Ballots In North Carolina Early Voting

With just over a week before the 2020 election, more than 3.2 million people have already cast their ballots in North Carolina. According to the State Board of Elections, nearly 25% of that figure did not vote in 2016.

"As a millennial, as somebody who's kind of grown up with lots of people being disenchanted with the whole voting experience, I'm excited to see the high numbers," said Rachel McConnell. She recently moved from Texas and is voting in her first North Carolina election. "I feel like all generations are turning out. I think people are tired of seeing all of the division and all of the anger. I think people really want to see a change in our nation."

Almost 50% of North Carolina's registered voters have already voted either by mail or in person. Many are new to the area and are casting their very first ballots in the Tar Heel state. These new voters are one reason why North Carolina has surpassed 2016's early voting period.

"We may be moving towards record turnout, which, you know, that's what we're in this for," said State Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell. "We want to ensure that every voter has the ability to cast their vote, and if they're turning out this year, that's the best thing we could have happen."

Early voting in North Carolina ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

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