Data show NC unaffiliated voting surged in 2014

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Voting by citizens registered with no party surged in North Carolina during the midterm election and helped contribute to an overall increase in turnout compared to four years ago.

Detailed voter data from the State Board of Elections showed the number of unaffiliated voters accounting for nearly two-thirds of the more than 250,000 additional voters this fall compared with 2010.

Bob Hall with the election reform group Democracy North Carolina said Monday unaffiliated voters played a key role in helping Republican Thom Tillis defeat Democratic US Sen. Kay Hagan by about 46,000 votes.

Overall turnout was 44 percent of the registered voters compared to 43 percent in 2010. Conservatives argue the increase is proof new election laws did not harm voter participation. The issue is part of pending litigation.

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