STEADY TURNOUT
Early voting going smoothly so far, elections director says
ELECTION 2026
Early voting in McDowell County is taking place steadily at both locations. The early voting in McDowell is happening now at both the McDowell County Board of Elections office at 2458 N.C. 226 South in Marion, and the Old Fort Depot at 25 W. Main St. in Old Fort.
Early voting began Thursday, Oct. 15, and voting lines have moved quickly at both locations, with no significant issues reported, election officials reported.
McDowell County voters have turned out steadily during the first several days of early voting, with 3,485 in-person ballots cast as of 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
During the 2022 midterm general election, McDowell County recorded 8,374 in-person early voters. With nine additional days of early voting remaining, voter participation is off to a steady start, according to local election officials.
"I am pleased with how smoothly early voting is going," said McDowell County Elections Director Jane Dale Propst. "Our lines are moving quickly, and we have not experienced any issues. I encourage voters to take advantage of early voting and choose a time that works best for them."
Tuesday, Oct. 20, was also the final day to request an absentee ballot by mail for the 2026 election. The McDowell County Board of Elections received 408 absenteeby-mail ballot requests. During the 2022 midterm general election, 517 absenteeby-mail ballots were cast in the county, a decrease of 109 compared with the number of ballots cast by mail in 2022.
Voters who have requested an absentee ballot by mail should remember that their completed ballots must be received by the McDowell County Board of Elections no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted. Voters are encouraged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure timely delivery.
For voters planning to vote early in person, arriving early in the morning or after 5 p.m. may help avoid longer lines. Historically, the busiest time is typically between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
With nine days of early voting remaining, voters still have plenty of opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day. Based on current participation, the elections director believes turnout may be tracking at a pace similar to the previous comparable election cycle. Final turnout will depend on participation throughout the remainder of early voting and on Election Day.
The McDowell County Board of Elections remains committed to administering free, fair, accurate and secure elections while providing a smooth and orderly voting experience for all eligible voters, according to a statement from election officials.
For more information, contact the McDowell County Board of Elections at 828-659-0834.
