By james art WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Early voting is bringing out millions of people here in North Carolina, and officials on both sides of the political spectrum are urging their supporters to keep this work going.
There are only eight days left until Election Day. That is why now is the time for both parties to get their supporters to the polls.
“The race is very, very tight. All over the country,” said Winston-Salem Mayor Pro Tem DD Adams.
On Monday, Adams and state Sen. Paul Lowe did just that.
“We’re hoping, the senator and I, that people will see us and say ‘hey, they’re out voting, maybe I should go vote. No, I have to go vote,” Adams said.
Adams and Lowe are longtime Democrats. Lowe told ABC45 his goal is to encourage his party to follow suit.
“This is one of the most important elections of our time right now,” Lowe stressed. “And there’s a lot riding on this election, and that’s why I’m supporting Harris for president.”
It comes as more Republicans vote early this year.
“Statewide, I think as of yesterday, about 25,000 to 30,000 more Republicans voted than Democrats,” said Chris Meadows, chairman of the Guilford County Republican Party.
He told ABC45 it was a result of the party’s increased efforts to get voters out and get them out earlier.
“Republican turnout was not what it should have been,” Meadows said. “And we’ve put a lot of resources into getting out the vote and making sure that people who didn’t vote — maybe registered Republicans, but didn’t vote — are going to get out and vote this time.”
As well as an expectation that voters are ready to see something new.
“I think people are fed up with what they see out there and they want a big change in all areas,” Meadows said.
Democrats like Lowe and Adams said there is still time for their party to emerge and their voices heard.
“Hurry up and get to the polls and vote,” Lowe said. “There’s nothing else to say”
“You’ll know if you’ve done all you can. I know I’m doing my best. The senator is doing his best. There are so many others here doing everything they can,” Adams said. “But if you’re not doing anything — you’ve got to go do something and get one or two or three people and get them to the polls.”
Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will visit North Carolina this week to rally support as we approach Election Day on November 5.
Harris will be in Raleigh on Wednesday. Her running mate, Gov. Tim Waltz, will also be in the tar state. He is scheduled to visit Greensboro, Charlotte and Asheville on the same day.
Former President Donald Trump will also host a rally in Rocky Mount on Wednesday.