Mecklenburg County saw lower voter turnout in 2024 election

Analysis shows Trump's base out-voted Biden's, with key drops in NC precincts and low minority turnout helping Trump retake the White House.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The 2024 presidential election saw a drop in overall voter turnout compared to 2020, with Trump's 2020 voters turning out at higher rates than Biden's. This trend was also seen in North Carolina, where Trump improved his margin of victory despite a surge in total votes. However, Democratic strongholds like Mecklenburg County experienced decreases in turnout, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, contributing to Trump's return to the White House.

Why it matters

The 2024 election results have raised questions about the factors that led to Trump's victory, with voter turnout appearing to play a significant role. Understanding these trends is crucial for mobilizing voters and ensuring their voices are heard in future elections, especially at the local and state levels.

The details

Nationwide, 89% of Trump's 2020 voters turned out in 2024, compared to 85% of Biden's 2020 voters. Trump also won a higher percentage of those who had not voted in 2020. In North Carolina, Trump expanded his margin of victory from 1.3% in 2020 to 3.2% in 2024, flipping 38 Biden-won precincts while Harris flipped 37 Trump-won precincts. However, Mecklenburg County saw a 4-percentage point decrease in voter turnout, with lower-income neighborhoods experiencing the sharpest drops.

  • The 2024 presidential election took place on November 5, 2024.
  • The 2020 presidential election took place on November 3, 2020.
  • The 2022 midterm elections took place on November 8, 2022.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who regained the White House in the 2024 election.

Kamala Harris

The Democratic nominee who ran against Trump in the 2024 election.

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What’s next

Voters in North Carolina and across the country can make a plan to participate in the upcoming primary and midterm elections in 2023 and 2024, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed by elected officials.

The takeaway

The 2024 election results highlight the importance of voter turnout, particularly in key demographic groups and local precincts. Mobilizing and organizing voters, especially in traditionally Democratic strongholds, will be crucial for future electoral success.