North Carolina Sees Voter Registration Shifts Ahead of Primaries

Independent voter registrations rise as both major parties see declines

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In the lead-up to North Carolina's upcoming primary elections, the state has seen a shift in voter registration, with independent voter registrations increasing by over 2,000 in the past week, while both the Democratic and Republican parties have seen declines. This comes as a candidate in a state House district race is encouraging Democratic voters to switch to unaffiliated status in order to vote in the Republican primary.

Why it matters

Voter registration trends can provide insights into the political landscape and potential voting patterns in upcoming elections. The rise in independent registrations and declines in the major parties' registrations could signal dissatisfaction with the two-party system and a desire for more political independence among North Carolina voters.

The details

Since January 17, North Carolina has seen a steady erosion in Democratic voter registrations, which have declined by 3,134. Meanwhile, Republican registrations have dropped by 1,260, and independent or unaffiliated registrations have increased by 2,140. This comes as a candidate in a state House district race, Pamela Ayscue, is encouraging Democratic voters to switch to unaffiliated status in order to vote in the Republican primary.

  • Voter registration data analyzed covers the period since January 17, 2026.
  • North Carolina's primary elections are scheduled for March 3, 2026, with early in-person voting beginning on February 16, 2026.

The players

Pamela Ayscue

A candidate running for the Republican nomination in North Carolina's state House District 32, who is encouraging Democratic voters to switch to unaffiliated status in order to vote in the Republican primary.

Frank Sossamon

A former state representative who is running in the Republican primary for District 32, against Pamela Ayscue.

Melissa Elliott

A Democrat running in the primary for North Carolina's state House District 32.

Curtis McRae

A Democrat running in the primary for North Carolina's state House District 32.

Bryan Cohn

A Democrat who flipped the District 32 seat in 2024, defeating the incumbent Republican Frank Sossamon.

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What they’re saying

“Amid decreases overall and by both major parties, the bloc of independent voter registrations in North Carolina grew by more than 2,000 in the past seven days.”

— Alan Wooten, The Center Square (headlineusa.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The shifting voter registration trends in North Carolina highlight the growing political independence and dissatisfaction with the two-party system among some voters. This could have implications for the upcoming primary and general elections in the state, as candidates seek to appeal to a more diverse and fluid electorate.