http://66.225.205.104/JR20101025b.mp3
With eight days until Election Day, nearly 350,000 North Carolina voters have already cast their ballots. In Mecklenburg County, more than 26,500 people have taken advantage of early voting. By the time Election Day arrives, county elections director Michael Dickerson expects well over 30,000 people will already have cast their ballots. But that's still far short of the 2008 presidential election when more than 200,000 people voted early in Mecklenburg County. Voter Jonathan Batchelor definitely noticed the contrast when he arrived at the University City Library polling location this afternoon. "The last time they had it (in 2008) I came out here and the line was down the street, so I said 'Forget it. I'm just doing it to save time,'" says Batchelor. "Today, I thought I'd drive by and see if there's a line or not cause it's my day off. Since there's no line I walked right in." The convenience of voting early is what seems to attract most people. So far, registered Democrats have cast the most early ballots in North Carolina. They make up 44 percent of the turnout, compared to 38 percent Republican and 17 percent unaffiliated. Democrats also easily outnumber Republicans in North Carolina. Early voting continues through Saturday. After that, voters will have to show up at their usual neighborhood polling locations on Election Day.