Record-Breaking Early Voting in North Carolina

North Carolina -- November 1, 2024: As early voting in North Carolina heads into its final hours, the state has set new records for voter participation.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections reports that in-person early voting turnout has already broken previous records, signaling strong voter engagement ahead of Election Day on November 5.

 

 

Record In-Person Turnout: As of Friday, November 1, at 2 p.m., more than 3,798,000 voters have cast their ballots in person since early voting began on October 17. This number surpasses the previous early voting record of over 3,629,000 ballots, set in the 2020 general election.

 

Total Turnout Surpasses Four Million: Total voter turnout for the 2024 general election now exceeds four million, highlighting the momentum and commitment of North Carolina’s electorate. With final figures expected as early voting ends Saturday, this surge reflects the popularity of early voting across the state.

 

Over Half of Registered Voters Have Voted: By Friday afternoon, more than 4,009,149 ballots had been cast, representing over 51.2 percent of North Carolina's registered voters. “With early voting sites expected to be very busy today and tomorrow, this is really good news for North Carolina,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections. “For the eligible North Carolinians who haven’t voted yet, you still have time to make your voice heard.”

 

 

For those planning to vote in the final two days of early voting, here are some essential tips to streamline the experience:

Check Site Locations: Use the Early Voting Site Search tool on the State Board’s website to find convenient voting locations in your county.

 

Prepare for Wait Times: Lines may be long, especially during peak hours, so consider bringing water, a snack, and even a chair if standing for extended periods is a challenge. Disabled voters may opt for “curbside” voting if they cannot easily access the polling site.

 

Use Wait-Time Trackers: Some counties provide online wait-time tracking for voting sites, allowing voters to find the best time to visit.
Bring Your Photo ID: A valid photo ID is required for voting. Visit BringItNC.gov to review the full list of acceptable forms of ID.

 

View Your Sample Ballot: Prepare in advance by reviewing your sample ballot using the Voter Search tool to streamline the voting process.

 

 

Early voting in North Carolina continues until 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 2. For those who have not yet registered, North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period. For voters planning to cast their ballots on Election Day, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 5.