CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Early voting turnout in Mecklenburg County is surging, with nearly 50 percent more voters casting ballots compared to the last municipal election two years ago, according to the county’s Board of Elections.

Officials say the spike is driven by high interest in local races for mayor, school board, and a countywide tax referendum.

“You’re not going to get numbers like we do in the presidential or midterm elections. We understand that,” said Michael Dickerson, director of elections for Mecklenburg County. “But these are still good numbers for municipal elections.”

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In 2021, about 40,000 voters participated in early voting. This year, Dickerson estimates turnout could reach between 65,000

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