North Carolina witnessed a remarkable turnout on the first day of early voting, setting a new record with over 350,000 ballots cast. Despite ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, voters across the state, particularly in areas like Asheville and Wilmington, showed great enthusiasm, leading to long lines at polling sites. Election officials noted that the turnout exceeded numbers from the 2020 election, showcasing the state’s determination to participate in the electoral process. In various regions, including Charlotte and Guilford County, residents braved lengthy waits to ensure their votes were counted. The early voting period is crucial as many citizens, especially in disaster-affected zones, expressed their commitment to vote regardless of recent hardships.