North Carolina records 2.8 million early votes as unaffiliated turnout surges

North Carolina voters cast 2,816,821 ballots during the 17-day early voting period that concluded on October 31, 2026. This total represents a record high for the state, accounting for 35.7% of all registered voters. The figure marks a substantial increase from the 2022 midterm election, when early turnout was recorded at 29.0%.

State election data indicates that in-person voting drove the record, with over 2.7 million ballots cast at polling sites. Mail-in turnout declined compared to the previous cycle. The final chance for voters to cast a ballot is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. statewide.

Unaffiliated voters emerged as the fastest-growing segment of the electorate. They contributed 35% of early ballots, a five-point jump from their 30% share in 2022. Registered Democrats maintained a consistent presence, casting 38% of the total. Registered Republicans comprised 26% of early votes, down from 31% four years ago. Together, Democrats and unaffiliated voters accounted for nearly three-quarters of the early vote.

Geographically, early turnout exceeded 2022 levels in 97 of the state's 100 counties. Wake County recorded the highest volume with more than 300,000 ballots. Mecklenburg County followed with 275,954 early voters. This broad momentum spanned urban and rural areas alike, ensuring a wide distribution of participation across the state.

Demographic data reveals sharp increases among minority voters. Asian voter turnout nearly doubled compared to 2022. The North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation reported that voters identified as 'all other races' cast ballots at 2.3 times their 2022 rate. Black voter participation also rose sharply, reaching nearly 600,000 ballots, which is 1.5 times the pace of the previous midterm cycle.

Younger generations showed strong engagement, though older voters remained the majority of the electorate. Ballots from voters aged 18 to 25 nearly doubled, surpassing 200,000. The 26 to 40 age group saw a 50% increase, totaling more than 417,000 ballots. Conversely, voters aged 41 to 65 cast 1.12 million ballots, and those 66 and older cast 1.07 million. These two older groups combined for more than three-quarters of all early votes.

Women continued to lead in early voting participation, casting nearly 1.5 million ballots, or 53% of the total. Male voters accounted for 1.15 million ballots, or 41%. The state election board did not release data on third-party voter turnout as of the latest reporting. Voters will now head to their assigned polling places on Election Day to finalize their choices.