Early voting surges in Wake County and across North Carolina

Three days into the early voting period for the 2026 midterm elections, North Carolina has seen a significant rise in ballots cast compared to the 2022 midterms, WRAL reported.

By the end of Friday, a total of 398,581 early votes had been cast statewide, with mail-in ballots bringing the total to 437,217, representing an increase of nearly 48% from the same point in 2022.

Wake County is leading the state in early voting participation, with 50,694 ballots cast combining early votes and mail-in ballots. The county is also providing voters with 18 early voting sites, the highest number ever for a general midterm election in Wake County.

Voters at the Cary Senior Center cited various issues motivating them to vote, including economic concerns, social rights, and regulation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The early voting period continues, allowing more residents in the Raleigh area and across North Carolina to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.