Early voting up nearly 40% in New Hanover County as state sees record-breaking turnout

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – More people voted early in North Carolina this election than in any other previous midterm election, according to early voting data, and New Hanover County has been one of the busiest counties in the state.

More than 67,000 people voted early in New Hanover County, according to board of elections data. That’s the 7th-most of any county in North Carolina, and a roughly 37% increase from the 2022 midterms. The Northeast Library and Pine Valley Library were the busiest polling locations.

In New Hanover County, roughly 4,000 more registered Democrats voted early compared to Republicans. Unaffiliated voters recorded the most early votes in the county, according to the data. State data shows registered Democrats outvoted Republicans during early voting by roughly 14 points. The data doesn’t show which candidates received votes, but it reflects national trends. Republicans do tend to outvote Democrats on Election Day.

“This is a very purple county, it’s really weird in terms of elections,” said Jill Hopman, the chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party. “It’s really going to depend on who shows up tomorrow, how independents break, and just who stays home and who gets off their couch.”

Hopman and John Hinnant, the chair of the New Hanover County Republican Party, said they’re both energized by the early voter turnout, but are focused on maximizing Election Day turnout.

Hinnant said maintaining majorities on the county commission and school board is a priority for the GOP, while Hopman said they’re focused on flipping those majorities.

“MAGA’s not on the ballot, Trump’s not on the ballot, but what is on the ballot are local issues like our schools, like our public safety. So that’s what’s on the agenda for us,” Hinnant said.

Both party chairs said they’re confident in the county board of elections, which is on its third elections director in roughly a year. On election night in 2024, the board of elections missed a deadline—outlined in state statute—that said absentee ballots received before 7:30 p.m. on Election Day should be counted that night.

Polls are open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters who are in line at 7:30 p.m. are able to vote.

Reminders for voting on Election Day:

• A valid ID is required to cast a ballot in North Carolina. If you do not have an ID you will have fill out a photo ID exemption form
• Election Day is November 3, 2026, with voters required to go to their assigned precinct locations on that day to cast a ballot
• Anyone who wants to see if they’re registered to vote can do so by clicking here
• Check your sample ballot for the upcoming election by clicking here