North Carolinans have turned out in record numbers for early voting, in spite of the terrible devastation wrought on their state by Hurricane Helene.
More than 353,000 North Carolina voters cast their ballots on Thursday, according to preliminary data from the State Board of Elections.
That’s an increase of 1.3% on the previous record for early voting, which was set in 2020.
As of Friday morning, the number stands at just shy of 430,000, including 75,000 absentee ballots.
“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,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, in a statement on Friday.
The State Board of Elections passed emergency measures last week that make it easier to cast ballots in the counties that bore the brunt of the hurricane. Measures include allowing county election boards to modify early voting days, hours and locations and to open new polling places.
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