Cleveland County early voting is telling an interesting story

By chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Politics — Early voting got off to a strong start in Cleveland County, with 3,199 ballots cast during the first two days of voting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

According to figures reported by the Cleveland County Board of Elections, 1,619 voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting Thursday, Oct. 15, followed by another 1,580 on Friday, Oct. 16. The combined total after two days reached 3,199.

The figures offer an early look at voter participation across the county, including the breakdown among Democrats, Republicans, unaffiliated voters and voters registered with other political parties.

Pictured, from L to R: Ted Alexander, Tony Berry, Doug Bridges, Tim Moore, Constance Queen (Robert Queen), Danny Blanton and Ronnie Grigg. | Courtesy photo

Thursday’s opening day brought 1,619 voters to the polls across Cleveland County’s three early voting locations.

Democrats accounted for 751 ballots, while 434 Republicans cast ballots. Unaffiliated voters accounted for 433 ballots, and one Libertarian voter also participated.

Democrats represented the largest group of voters on opening day, while Republicans and unaffiliated voters turned out in nearly equal numbers.

Early voting continued Friday, Oct. 16, with another 1,580 ballots cast across the county.

Of those voters, 635 were Democrats, 497 were Republicans and 445 were unaffiliated. Three Libertarians also voted Friday.

Friday’s turnout brought the cumulative total for the first two days to 3,199 ballots. Although the second day drew slightly fewer voters than the opening day, participation remained strong, with more than 1,500 ballots cast.

Combined totals for the first two days show Democrats accounting for 1,386 ballots, followed by Republicans with 931 and unaffiliated voters with 878. Libertarians accounted for four ballots.

The combined figures are as follows:

(Early voting stats continued below...)

• Democrats: 1,386

• Republicans: 931

• Unaffiliated voters: 878

• Libertarians: 4

• Total ballots cast: 3,199

  
  

Democrats accounted for approximately 43% of the ballots cast, Republicans about 29% and unaffiliated voters roughly 27%. Libertarians made up the remainder.

These figures reflect voter registration and participation, not how voters cast their ballots in individual races.

Anyone who wishes to vote early can do so at one of three early voting locations: The Board of Elections office in Shelby, the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs Town Hall.

Wayne King shakes hands with Walt Dyer, in Boiling Springs, Oct. 16, 2026. | Chuck Thompson

Through Friday, the Shelby location had recorded 1,813 ballots, making it the busiest of the three sites. Kings Mountain had recorded 869 ballots, while Boiling Springs had recorded 517.

Together, the three locations accounted for all 3,199 ballots recorded during the first two days of early voting.

Cleveland County voters have additional opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Weekday voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday voting is available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. The early voting locations will be closed Sundays, Oct. 18 and 25.

For more information, contact the Cleveland County Board of Elections at 704-484-4858 or visit ClevelandCounty.com.

Early voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, giving voters additional time to participate before the Nov. 3 general election.

Follow The Shelby Independent on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To contact Chuck about a story idea, send an email or visit the contact page.

Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT.