Unaffiliated voters on the rise

• Early voting turnout large.

By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

When it comes to choosing a political party, a growing number of Columbus County voters aren’t.

The number of unaffiliated voters in the county has doubled since last year. About 2,000 unaffiliated voters in 2007 were registered to vote versus 5,799 today, according to local Board of Elections data.

That figure represents nearly 16 percent of the county’s total of 36,947 registered voters and nearly ties with the number of Republican voters at 5,842.

The number of Democrats registered to vote (25,306) outnumbers the number of Republican and unaffiliated voters combined.

The primary election is May 6 but many voters have already cast their ballots at One Stop voting that begin at the Board of Elections office in Whiteville Thursday.

Board of Elections Director Carla Strickland said the voter turnout was large compared with past years.

As of Friday afternoon, 131 voters had cast ballots for the primary. Eleven of those voters took advantage of a new policy that allows voters statewide who missed registration deadlines to register and vote at One Stop sites.

To register and vote at the One Stop sites, residents must provide proof of residency (a utility bill or check stub) and identification (drivers license or social security card).
One Stop voting continues at the Board of Elections office in Whiteville through Saturday, May 3.

Alternative One Stop voting sites for the primary election open April 23 through April 30 and May 1 and 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Bolton Town Hall, Chadbourn Municipal Annex, Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue, Tabor City Courthouse, and East Columbus Senior Center in Riegelwood.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 6. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Several state and local races are on the ballot along with the presidential race.