Black early voting turnout in North Carolina lags behind previous elections

In North Carolina, early voting data shows black voter turnout at 38.21%, lower than the 18.7% recorded in the 2020 election. This has raised concerns among Democrats as they aim to increase participation before Election Day. Historically, black voter turnout was crucial for Democrats, especially in 2008 when it reached 73%. However, turnout has fluctuated in subsequent elections, with significant drops in 2016 and 2020, impacting Democratic chances in the state. While in-person early voting has increased, overall early voting is down due to fewer absentee ballots. Key areas like Mecklenburg County are seeing lower turnout compared to 2020, which could affect Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign in this battleground state.