Let’s talk about grit, folks. Despite being battered by Hurricane Helene, voters in western North Carolina showed the nation what resilience really looks like. With their homes and communities devastated by one of the worst storms in recent memory, it would’ve been understandable if these folks had stayed home and focused on rebuilding their lives. But that’s not the story here. Instead, residents of these storm-ravaged, heavily Republican counties turned out in force for early voting, even outpacing the state’s overall turnout. So much for the hurricane holding them back.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, early voting turnout this year broke records, with over 4.2 million people casting their ballots at in-person locations before Election Day. That’s right, over 4.2 million. And in the 25 counties that took the brunt of Helene’s destruction, early voting turnout was a staggering 58.9%, edging out the statewide average of about 57%. For those who thought a little wind and water would keep this part of the state down, think again.
Standing Tall: North Carolina’s Election Workers and Voters
The people making this happen deserve a shoutout, too. Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, didn’t hold back her praise for the dedication of election workers and voters alike. “I am proud of all of our 100 county boards of elections and the thousands of election workers who are making this happen in their communities,” she said. But she saved her highest praise for those in western North Carolina, saying, “I am especially proud of the workers and voters of Western North Carolina. You are an inspiration to us all.”
In a year where election integrity and voting access are hot topics, this story is a testament to the American spirit. North Carolinians are showing that no amount of destruction is enough to keep them from the polls.
The Numbers Game: Republicans Lead Early, But Democrats and Independents Close In
The latest early voting numbers reveal some interesting trends. By Sunday morning, with absentee votes added in, nearly 4.5 million early votes had been received in North Carolina. Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. As of last Thursday, Republicans held a slight lead in the total number of early votes cast, a fact that could be pivotal in this swing state. But by the time early voting wrapped up, unaffiliated voters had surpassed registered Republicans, while Republicans still held a 40,000-vote edge over registered Democrats. Not a huge margin, but in a race this close, every vote counts.
Michael Pruser from DecisionDeskHQ noted that while these early voting numbers aren’t necessarily a crystal ball prediction, they’re a solid indicator of Republican momentum in North Carolina. Sure, Democrats might see a bump in absentee ballots trickling in over the next few days, but here’s the kicker: Pruser predicts that Election Day will bring a slightly whiter, more male, and, yes, more Republican turnout.
So, while both sides can claim a bit of victory in these early numbers, the GOP has reasons to feel optimistic about their chances in the Tar Heel State. Republicans have been putting in the work, and as of now, it seems to be paying off.
High Stakes in a Dead-Heat Race: Trump vs. Harris
North Carolina has been a battleground state for years, and 2024 is no different. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have been campaigning hard across the state, with polls showing an incredibly tight race. Trump carried North Carolina in both 2016 and 2020, but with Harris now on the ticket, Democrats are banking on flipping this key state.
And while the Democrats might have hoped that Hurricane Helene would keep Republican turnout low, voters in the hardest-hit areas have shown up in full force. As these western North Carolina counties demonstrated, there’s no keeping them down.
What’s Next? The Final Countdown
Election officials are now working around the clock to ensure everything goes smoothly on Election Day. Karen Brinson Bell has said she’s optimistic that all final results will be reported by midnight on Election Day. That’s a bold prediction, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s North Carolina’s election workers who have already gone above and beyond this election season.
And let’s be clear: as much as this record-breaking early turnout is a good sign for Republicans, the real battle is yet to come. Early votes provide a snapshot, but it’s the Election Day numbers that will seal the deal. With Trump and Harris locked in a dead heat, and both campaigns laser-focused on North Carolina, this is shaping up to be a nail-biter.
In the end, one thing is clear. Voters in North Carolina, particularly those hit hardest by Hurricane Helene, have proven they’re not backing down. They’ve shown up, and they’ve shown up big. Now, as we approach Election Day, all eyes will be on the Tar Heel State to see which way the winds of change blow—or if they blow at all. For now, though, let’s give credit where credit is due. Through destruction and despair, North Carolinians are standing tall, setting an example for the entire country.
