Increased Early Voting in NC Battleground State

By Mildred Robertson

We say this, it seems, every election cycle, but this primary election vote may be the most consequential ballot that a voter casts in his or her lifetime. Almost 250,000 North Carolinians appear to think so too, as they cast their ballots in the NC Primary Early Voting which ended Saturday, May 14 at 3 p.m. Primary voters will decide who will vie for the open Senate seat vacated by Republican Senator Thom Tillis on Election Day, May 17.

A number of local races across the state will also be decided, along with some mayoral and city council seats in Charlotte and Greensboro which were delayed last year due to redistricting.  Tillis’ departure casts North Carolina among the nation’s mid-term battleground states and provides an opportunity for Democrats to take the seat.

In 2020 Tillis only defeated challenger Cal Cunningham (D) by 1.8 percentage points. The most recent presidential election was decided by less than 1.3 percentage points solidifying North Carolina’s status as a purple state. The balance of power in Washington D.C. may well depend on who North Carolinians choose to represent them in November.

While the election features several contentious races that have drawn national interest, a recent Spectrum News/IPSOS poll found the top issues for North Carolina voters are inflation and rising costs for housing. Nevertheless, media has focused on the more controversial aspects of the race with national characters weighing in. Former President Donald Trump (R) endorsed Ted Budd who is seen as the Republican front-runner for the open Senate seat, closely followed by former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCory. Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley is the presumptive Democratic nominee, leaving most of the action on the GOP side. Also competing for the GOP nomination are former Rep. Mark Walker and U.S. Army combat veteran Marjorie Eastman.

Other controversial primaries include that of Madison Cawthon (R) in North Carolina’s 11^th Congressional District, whom Trump has endorsed. Cawthorn is facing stiff competition from the GOP establishment and the America First wing of the party.

On the Democratic side, in the 4th Congressional District, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam is up against state Sen. Valerie Foushee and former American Idol star Clay Aiken. Allam, who is endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I), represents the Progressive wing of the party while Foushee is seen as a more establishment candidate. The 4th District includes Alamance, Orange, Durham, Person and Granville counties. The seat, vacated by Rep David Price (D), is considered a blue district, and the winner of the Democratic primary will likely win in the November General Election.

While the early voting numbers may at first glance appear anemic, they outstrip 2018 by close to 20,000 votes. Democratic ballots cast thus far slightly outstrip Republicans 124,000 to 122,000. More Democrats have mailed in ballots as well, according to the elections board.  

In each of these high-profile primaries, if no candidate gets more than 30% of the vote the races would go to runoff elections on July 26.

This is a lot of information to take in. But America faces unprecedented challenges. It is important that we be informed and that we participate despite shallow media coverage.

Elections matter. Whether your concern is inflation, housing costs, women’s rights, affirmative action, or the balance on the Supreme Court, your voice needs to be heard. If you did not vote in this year’s primary election, you still have a chance to speak up.

Here in North Carolina, your vote may change the nation’s trajectory. Prepare yourself. Ask questions. Get informed, and then cast your ballot on November 8, 2022.