Several campaign visits in NC this week as push to promote early voting continues

People coming into the Durham County Main Library to vote early have little to no wait.

ABC11 talked with Gia Abramson who says the process was quick, easy and efficient here in Durham. She was in good spirits after she voted.

"I think it's important for us to cast our votes," she said. "There's a lot going on. A lot of people don't seem to be concerned about a lot of things that are going on that we probably should pay a lot more attention to. So I've been encouraging especially some of our younger people to come out and vote. It's their right and just to take advantage of the opportunity to do something for themselves."

The push to promote early voting continues in the battleground state with several big appearances scheduled this week, including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Barack Obama.

Monday marks the fifth day of in-person early voting.

As of yesterday evening, over one million voters had cast their ballots, representing a statewide turnout of about 13% of North Carolina's nearly 7.8 million registered voters. Some election officials including in Durham County did expect to see a large turnout.

The push to promote early voting continues, including this past weekend's events where former President Bill Clinton was in Raleigh.

"I'm just telling you, stay with this," he told the crowd Sunday. "Do not quit. Do not quit."

ABC11 also spoke with attendees at the event.

"I just want to be around people -- like-minded people -- who recognize what going back really means," Toni Patterson of Durham said.

"Anytime we can reach one, touch one and let them know what the truth is," Daniel Patteson of Durham said. "I think that's motivating enough right there."

A couple more visits are expected in the battleground state this week:

• Former President Donald Trump will make several stops in NC Monday

• Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will be in RTP Tuesday

• Former President Barack Obama is also expected in Charlotte Friday

More than one million voters cast their ballots across North Carolina in the 2024 general election, according to the State Board of Elections.

The board said preliminary data showed that 1, 008,123 ballots were cast statewide during the first four days of in-person early voting.

"My sincerest thanks goes out to the county boards of elections and the thousands of election workers around the state who are making this happen," said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board. "It has been an incredibly busy few days. Please thank those in your community who are making sure your vote counts."

Saturday, nearly 863,000 voters had cast ballots during the first three days of the early voting period. A 2.4% increase over 2020, when more voters voted absentee ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former President Bill Clinton was in eastern North Carolina Saturday campaigning for VP Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.

Over 100 people gathered at the Pitt County Democratic Headquarters to hear Clinton speak. He discussed some policies, including Harris' healthcare and economy stances.

Pitt County resident Franklin Ward said it's important for people his age to show support and vote.

Over 100 people gathered at the Pitt County Democratic Headquarters to hear the former President speak.

"This is our future," Ward said. "At the end of the day, we will be inheriting the future of our country. This is why I think everybody my age should get involved with the cause...to not only understand who you're voting for, why you're voting for them, but what they stand for."

Sunday, Clinton will be in Raleigh to lead an early vote block party with the North Carolina Democratic Party.