RALEIGH, N.C. — More North Carolinians voted early and within fewer days than in any prior midterm election. This was the first general election held under a compacted 10-day one-stop early voting schedule.
“Counties offered more early voting site options than in any other midterm election,” said Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach of the State Board of Elections. “We are encouraged so many communities within our state took advantage of early voting.”
African American participation increased by nearly +45%, while Unaffiliated voters participation rose +43% compared to 2010, the last midterm election cycle. Overall participation increased by +20%.
Registered Democrats formed 48% of all early voters. Republicans made up 32% with Unaffiliated voters coming in at at 20%.
Polls will open tomorrow at 6:30AM and close 7:30PM, and those in line at closing time will be permitted to vote.
Voters must vote in their proper precinct, a new requirement in North Carolina. The State Board of Elections has provided an online tool to locate the proper precinct location. Sample ballots are available online, along with the 2014 Judicial Voter Guide.
“We hope all eligible voters get out to the polls and vote in their proper precinct,” said Director Strach.
Photo identification is not required to participate in this election, though election officials will inform voters that photo identification will be required beginning in January 2016.
Voters who present at polling locations will be shown an illustration of acceptable forms of identification. Those who indicate that they do not possess an appropriate form of identification will be provided written information on how to obtain a no-cost identification card from the Division of Motor Vehicles and asked to sign an acknowledgement.
Results will begin posting after polls close on the State Board’s election night returns site.
[Graphs are available for download.]