Wednesday’s early vote totals showed 6,931 voters have gone to the polls so far for the Nov. 3 election.
The five polls reported 773 voters Wednesday, the second highest turnout so far during the early voting period. The Board of Elections had 393 ballots cast, Chadbourn 130, Fair Bluff 50, Ransom 107, and Tabor City 93.
Statewide, more Democrats than Republicans are taking advantage of early polls according to the state Board of Elections. Democrats have cast 856,353 votes as of today, Republicans 543,174, and other parties – including unaffiliated, which tend to lean Republican in most counties – 750,498. Significantly more women than men (1.1 million vs. 892,737) have voted early statewide.
In Columbus County, 3,035 Democrats have voted, with 1,943 Republicans and 2,108 who are unaffiliated or registered Green or Libertarian other parties. Registered Democrats total 11,478 here, with 11,927 Republicans, 13,974 Unaffiliated, 10 Green party members and 124 Libertarians. Male voters (15,581) are also outnumbered by female registered voters (18,572).
Voters must present an approved photo ID to cast a ballot. Voters without ID may get a free card at the Board of Elections through Oct. 31. Voters who do not have any form of ID will be asked to use a provisional ballot.
Voting continues through Friday from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Saturday is the only day of weekend early voting, and polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Voters who do not opt for casting an early ballot must go to their home precincts on Election Day, Nov. 3. All polls will be open 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
