More Hispanic voters cast early ballots in Mecklenburg than in 2022 midterms

More than 16,000 Hispanic voters in Mecklenburg County cast ballots during the early voting period for the 2026 midterm elections, exceeding the total Hispanic turnout in the entire 2022 midterm election, WFAE reported. This early voting figure represents about 5.4% of the nearly 299,003 ballots cast during the period ending October 31.

Women made up the majority of Hispanic voters, accounting for approximately 60% of the ballots. Younger voters also turned out in significant numbers, with over 9,000 Hispanic voters aged 18 to 40 participating. This group included 4,323 voters aged 18 to 25 and 4,722 voters aged 26 to 40.

Regarding party affiliation, registered Democrats comprised the largest share of Hispanic voters with 8,407 ballots cast. Unaffiliated voters accounted for 6,404 ballots, while registered Republicans made up 1,249 ballots. Democrats are hopeful that strong Hispanic turnout will help them regain voters who shifted toward Republicans in the 2024 presidential election.

Statewide, early voting turnout in North Carolina reached a record 2.8 million voters, a 30% increase over the 2022 midterms, WFAE also reported. Democrats are optimistic about their chances in key races, including the U.S. Senate and state Supreme Court, with unaffiliated voters playing a pivotal role in the election outcome.