Early voting in the state of North Carolina, United States (US), surged to a record high ahead of the presidential election on November 5. More than 4.2 million local residents have voted in person as of Sunday (3/11).
North Carolina, one of the key states that could determine the outcome of the election, recorded particularly high turnout in its western counties that were recently impacted by Hurricane Helene.
As many as 57% of registered voters across the state have cast ballots at the polls.
According to official data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the number of early in-person voters has now surpassed the record set during the 2020 presidential election. There were 3.63 million voters casting ballots early.
Local officials also said it was possible that voter turnout could actually be higher than reported if there were no delays in data processing.
The University of Florida Election Laboratory reported that more than 75 million votes had been cast nationwide before the election. In detail, more than 40 million votes were cast in person and around 34 million by mail. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Short Interview with Local News Expert, Jane Williams**
*Interviewer:* Welcome, Jane! Thank you for joining us today. To start, how important is it for you to stay updated with local news in your community?
*Jane Williams:* It’s extremely important to me. I try to keep up with local news on a daily basis because it helps me understand what’s happening in my neighborhood, from community events to local government decisions. Being informed allows me to participate actively in civic discussions.
*Interviewer:* That’s a proactive approach! How do you typically get your local news?
*Jane Williams:* I primarily rely on a mix of sources. I subscribe to a few local newspapers and also follow community-focused social media pages. Additionally, I listen to local radio stations during my commute; it’s a great way to catch up on news while multitasking.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like you have a well-rounded media diet. With the increasing spread of misinformation, how do you ensure the news you consume is reliable?
*Jane Williams:* Great question! I always cross-check information with multiple credible sources. I look for news outlets that I know have a good reputation for accuracy. Additionally, I pay attention to the sourcing of articles and prefer news that cites official statements or reports.
*Interviewer:* That’s a smart approach. Lastly, in your opinion, how can local news organizations engage more effectively with their communities?
*Jane Williams:* Local news organizations should prioritize interactive content and community involvement. Hosting town hall meetings or community forums can help bridge the gap. Engaging with readers through social media and encouraging them to share stories can also foster a stronger connection.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Jane! Your insights on local news are invaluable, especially in this digital age.
*Jane Williams:* Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep the conversation going about local news and its importance in our communities.
