CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The first day of early voting in North Carolina set a new record with state officials reporting over 350,00 ballots were accepted on Thursday, shattering the record set in 2020.
Throughout the day Thursday, the State Board of Elections received reports of long lines at early voting sites all over North Carolina. Despite the turnout, no significant issues or problems were reported.
“Yesterday’s turnout is 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,” Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said. “Let’s keep it rolling, North Carolina.”
In Mecklenburg County alone, nearly 30,000 people voted on the first day of early voting.
“I think this is one of the most important elections that we are facing right now,” south Charlotte resident Allison Semmel said.
“I think we are at a crossroads; the country is either going one way or another,” one voter said. "I think it is important for everyone to vote for who they think is the best person to run our country. For our kids and for our future."
On top of voting for candidates, Charlotte voters will also weigh in on $400 million worth of bond referendums on the ballot.
“The city is growing quickly and there’s a lot of work that needs to be done to keep up with the growing population and a lot of those bonds will go a long way to do that,” voter Todd Burbank said.
Among those issues is a $238.3 million transportation bond for bridge and road repairs, as well as sidewalk improvements. The bond also includes funding for the Vision Zero program, an initiative to reduce traffic deaths.
Then there's the $100 million housing bonds to create and preserve affordable housing in Mecklenburg County. And finally, a $61.7 million neighborhood bond would invest in neighborhood improvement projects such as sidewalks, bike path renovations, landscaping, lighting and traffic control.
Bonds allow the city to pay for projects over a longer period but they must be approved by voters.
“At the end of the day this stuff is going to come down to our tax dollars and knowing where your tax money is going and how it is going to affect the city is super important,” Semmel said.
“We have to vote, that is what this is all about," Guy Bocco said. "If you are not casting a ballot, there is not much point in any of this. And this year is probably more important than any."
Early voting runs through Nov. 2. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.