Record Early Voting Turnout in North Carolina Midterms
In an unprecedented show of civic engagement, over 2.8 million residents in North Carolina participated in early voting for the upcoming Tuesday elections. This turnout marks the highest for any midterm election in the state’s history.
This surge in early voting represents a 30% increase from the 2022 midterms, a year when the Republican Party saw significant gains. Compared to the 2018 midterms, where Democrats performed well, early voting numbers rose by 25% in 2026.
However, a notable shift was observed among party lines. Registered Republicans appeared less motivated to vote early, a trend possibly influenced by President Trump’s declining approval ratings. This year, Republicans constituted 26% of early voters, a decrease from 31% four years prior.
The Democratic Party is optimistic about their chances on Tuesday. Democrat Roy Cooper is anticipated to secure a victory over Republican Michael Whatley for the U.S. Senate seat.
The outcome of the elections could hinge on unaffiliated voters, who made up 35% of the early voting demographic this year, an increase from 30% in 2022.
Democrats are not only aiming to clinch the Senate race but are also focused on winning a state Supreme Court position. Additionally, they are targeting potential victories in the state House and are hopeful for upsets in two Congressional districts: the 11th in the mountainous region and the 1st in the rural northeast and coastal areas.
