Early voting numbers for Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties

Early voting began in North Carolina a little more than a week ago. New Hanover County has already exceeded the total number of early voters from the entire 2004 election, and surrounding counties have also been busy.

Newschannel 3 caught up with some early voters Thursday night.

“It was perfect, it was very easy, in and out, no lines,” said Peg Wagner.

Yvonne Jacobs said, “It was easy. Like one, two, three.”

They are not Board of Elections spokespeople, they are satisfied voters. It was smooth sailing for most at North Brunswick High School Thursday evening.

“It makes a lot of sense. Instead of being in that long line to go and get it over with because I already made up my mind up of who I’m going to be voting for,” said Leroy Brown.

Brunswick County has already seen more than 13,000 early voters, which is 18 percent of the county’s registered voters. Of the people who have cast ballots, 34 percent are registered Republicans and 44 percent are registered Democrats.

In Pender County, more than 6,600 people have voted early, which is 20 percent of the county’s registered voters. Of the early voters, 33 percent are registered Republicans and 49 percent are registered Democrats.

There have been nearly 21,000 early voters in New Hanover County so far, 14 percent of the county’s registered voters. Of the people who have cast ballots, 29 percent are registered Republicans and 50 percent are registered Democrats.

Ashley Eldridge, an early voter, said, “Why not come out early when it’s a lot easier and you don’t have to deal with some of the distractions and some of the drama that goes on during Election Day?”

Early voting ends November 1st. Election Day is November 4th.