NC Breaks Early Voting Record Despite Hurricane Recovery \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ North Carolina voters turned out in record numbers on the first day of early voting in 2024, with 353,166 ballots cast, surpassing the 2020 figure despite the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As the state continues to recover, voter enthusiasm remains high, with a slight decrease in turnout percentage due to an increased number of registered voters.
Record North Carolina Early Voting Turnout Quick Looks:
- Historic turnout: 353,166 voters participated on the first day of early voting in 2024, surpassing 2020’s 348,599 total.
- Growing electorate: Despite a record number of ballots cast, the percentage of voters was slightly lower than in 2020 due to population growth and more registered voters.
- Impact of Hurricane Helene: Though Hurricane Helene caused severe damage to western North Carolina, most early voting sites in the affected areas remained open.
- High voter engagement: Voters showed strong enthusiasm, with clear weather contributing to the high turnout and no significant issues reported.
- Key election races: North Carolinians are voting in important races, including for president, governor, attorney general, and U.S. House and General Assembly seats.
Deep Look:
In an impressive display of civic engagement, North Carolina broke its first-day early voting record for the 2024 general election, with 353,166 residents casting their ballots on Thursday. This number surpassed the turnout seen in 2020, when 348,599 voters showed up at the polls. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, which struck the state just three weeks prior, residents turned out in strong numbers, demonstrating their determination to participate in the democratic process.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections released preliminary data showing that while the total number of voters was higher, the percentage of registered voters who participated in early voting on the first day was slightly lower than in 2020. On Thursday, 4.54% of the state’s 7.78 million registered voters cast ballots, compared to 4.78% of 7.29 million voters during the first day of early voting four years ago. The growth in both population and voter registration since 2020 accounts for this slight difference in percentage, though the total number of ballots cast continues to rise as more data is uploaded by county election boards, according to board spokesperson Pat Gannon.
Challenges from Hurricane Helene:
This record-breaking turnout is particularly remarkable given the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which made landfall just weeks before early voting began, was the deadliest to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With winds exceeding 150 miles per hour, Helene tore through western North Carolina, devastating communities in the Appalachian region. It caused catastrophic flooding, destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, and left more than 246 people dead, with more than half of those fatalities occurring in North Carolina alone.
Helene also knocked out power and water systems, leaving tens of thousands of residents without access to clean running water in the weeks that followed. Despite the extensive damage and ongoing recovery efforts, only four of the 80 early voting sites planned for the 25 hardest-hit western counties were unable to open on time. Most voting sites managed to function despite the logistical difficulties brought on by the storm.
In these storm-ravaged areas, voter turnout remained strong. Residents in western North Carolina showed remarkable resilience, lining up at polling stations and filling parking lots despite the challenges they continue to face in rebuilding their communities. Bill Whalen, a 75-year-old voter from Asheville, commented on the determination of local residents: “Obviously, any time you have something this cataclysmic, it’s going to disrupt people’s lives,” Whalen said. “But at least in my neighborhood, there’s a widespread understanding of the importance of this election and how important it is to vote.”
Voter Enthusiasm Across the State:
Statewide, voters were equally energized. Thursday’s sunny, clear weather likely encouraged higher turnout, particularly in highly populated counties in the Piedmont region, where lines at voting sites were long and parking lots were often full. Election officials reported no significant issues or disruptions, a testament to both the organization of the election boards and the determination of voters.
Karen Brinson Bell, the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections, emphasized the importance of Thursday’s turnout as a sign of the public’s trust in the election process. “It’s 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 in a press release.
Early Voting’s Popularity in North Carolina:
Early voting has long been a popular option in North Carolina, and this year is no exception. The 2020 general election saw over 3.6 million ballots cast during the early voting period, representing 65% of the total votes cast in the state. This year, the early voting period extends through November 2, providing voters with a 17-day window to both register and vote on the same day. Early voting sites are spread across all 100 counties in the state, making voting more accessible to residents.
Meanwhile, traditional absentee balloting began in the state just before Hurricane Helene made landfall. By Thursday, more than 75,000 absentee ballots had already been submitted by in-state, military, and overseas voters. Absentee voting is also expected to remain a popular option for voters, particularly those affected by the hurricane who may face difficulties getting to polling sites.
Key Races on the Ballot:
This year’s North Carolina ballot is packed with critical races, including those for the U.S. presidency, governor, attorney general, and several other statewide offices. All U.S. House of Representatives seats and North Carolina General Assembly seats are also up for election, further driving voter interest and engagement. Given the high stakes of these races, voters have been eager to cast their ballots early to ensure their voices are heard.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts:
As North Carolina continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, the challenges facing the western region remain significant. Although power has been restored to much of the affected area, tens of thousands of residents still lack access to clean drinking water. Remote mountain communities are grappling with the destruction of homes and infrastructure, as floodwaters swept away roads, bridges, and buildings. Local governments and aid organizations are working around the clock to restore essential services and provide relief to those who have been displaced by the storm.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of civic duty among North Carolinians has not wavered. The record turnout on the first day of early voting underscores the resilience of the state’s voters and their commitment to participating in the democratic process, even in the face of natural disasters. Election officials expect the strong turnout to continue throughout the early voting period, with many more voters likely to cast their ballots before the November 2 deadline.
Conclusion:
North Carolina’s record-breaking early voting turnout in 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement, even amid challenging circumstances. With significant races on the ballot and the recovery from Hurricane Helene still underway, voters have shown remarkable resilience and determination to participate in this year’s election. As the early voting period continues, North Carolina will likely see even more voters come out to make their voices heard.
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