Mecklenburg County Early Voting Jumps 50 Percent Over 2021 Municpal Election

Voters in Mecklenburg County turned out in record numbers this week. The count swelled to 70,000 - a stark 50 percent rise from 2021's municipal election totals.

The county's election chief, Michael Dickerson, points to intense public focus on three key items: the race for mayor, school board positions, and a tax vote affecting all county residents. These numbers mark a sharp climb from the previous total of 40,000.

"You're not going to get numbers like we do in the presidential or midterm elections. We understand that," said Dickerson, according to Queen City News. "But these are still good numbers for municipal elections."

At the polls, Chris Smith stressed the weight of local choices. "I just want to get ahead of the crowds. Make sure I cast my vote helping to make an informed decision about the people who are going to represent me for the next term, but also the referendum is important for the city right now," Smith told Queen City News.

Speaking from the front lines of education, teacher Zak Wernecke called for more focus on schools. "I feel like education is a topic that's just so important and it just kind of keeps getting pushed back. It's important to know what's going on in your community," Wernecke said.

Isabel Ros stood firm on voting rights. "Freedom in this country is the most important thing for me. No gerrymandering, none of that stuff. We gotta be straight and make sure that we get our voices heard," Ros said, as per Queen City News.

Five districts saw the biggest rush of voters. "Turnout has been highest in Cornelius, Matthews, University City, SouthPark, and South County," Dickerson noted.

Voters can cast ballots at 21 sites until Saturday at 3 p.m. Sites stay open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Friday. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website lists all voting spots and times.