CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Blacks are already surging to the polls in parts of the South, according to initial figures from states that encourage early voting -- a striking though still preliminary sign of how strongly they will turn out nationwide for Barack Obama in his campaign to become the first black president.
There have been predictions all year of a record black turnout for Mr. Obama. The first actual figures suggest that wasn't just talk:
- In North Carolina, blacks make up 31 percent of early voters so far, even though they're just 21 percent of the population and made up only 19 percent of state's overall 2004 vote.
- Roughly 36 percent of the early voters are black in Georgia, outpacing their 30 percent proportion of the state's population and their 25 percent share of the 2004 vote.
No one but the voters can be sure how they voted. And John McCain's campaign officials note that the Obama camp has put much more effort than they have into early voting. But the numbers are still notable.
More than 210,000 blacks who are registered as Democrats have cast early ballots in North Carolina -- compared with roughly 174,000 registered Republicans overall. Four years ago, the number of GOP early and absentee voters was more than double that of black Democrats.
"It's a sign about how energized African-Americans are about this election," says David Bositis, who tracks black voting trends at the Washington-based Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
In Louisiana, more than 31 percent of the early voters are black, and Democrats are topping Republicans nearly 2-to-1. In the crucial battleground state of Florida, nearly 55 percent of early voters are registered Democrats -- well above their 41 percent share of the electorate in the state.
In Georgia, 230,000 more people have cast early ballots than voted absentee in 2004. Many of those have come from metro Atlanta counties.
In Marietta, just north of Atlanta, poll workers were warning arriving voters of waits up to four hours on Thursday. Many were not deterred.
"Take off work, get in line and just expect a long wait," said Kristy White, 30. "Bring a book if you have to."
Georgia election officials expect 1.4 million people to vote early this year -- more than double the total from four years ago.
It's the same in North Carolina, where State Board of Elections Director Gary Bartlett said two months ago he told senior staff members that early voting could reach 2 million ballots. Ms. Bartlett said his colleagues thought he was a little crazy.
But based on results so far -- more than 735,000 people had voted early as of early Thursday -- "it looks like that we're going to be pretty close to that."
VOTING RIGHTS ACT
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 requires several Southern states to report racial breakdowns among voters, an effort designed to prevent discrimination.
So far North Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana are the only ones reporting that information as early voting is proceeding.
-- Associated Press
Comments
This is an odd article. So black Americans are voting early? Why is this undiversified stat important? Weren't black Americans (or what ever nationality ACORN signs up) expected to go 95% for Obama? If they vote early, will they vote again? They are, after all, Dems. I wonder how many Irish will be voting early.
patriciathomas you're an idiot, everyone knows it, but I wanted to remind you. Why is your undiversified opinion important. People are voting early because not everyone will get to the polls on the 4th, and we want to make sure our ballot is cast. Some people have to work, will be out of town, or like me have to attend a seminar. And AFRICAN AMERICAN turnout for Barack Obama will be 99.99%. Because we all know Mccain is on his last leg and if Palin, the position abusing witless trainwreck that she is, takes over we will be driven into the depths of H@LL!!!
LOL... *FALLS OUT* I think however this ratio is going on around the country.
PT the only part I agree with you is why is this important. Panther I do not know about 99% but even then without help from every segments of this county, there would be no way for Obama to win.
Sure they turning out in large numbers to vote for McCain-Palin - I can guess as well as the news media -- the election process is supposed to be secret (Ain't it)?
Thats part of the change. Vote early and vote often! Useless article. Nothing that was unexpected.
I am amazed at the title of this article. People from up North says that the South is more racist and now I see why.
Hey Black Panther man, Vote black, vote Nobama, Osama Bin 'Bama, or whatever this clown name is. If he were worth a shxx, I'd vote him in, but he presents a danger to this country due to clouded and "lovey-dovey foreign "policy." You won't be the white mans slave no mo' as you obviously think everybody in white skin is after your stupid black xss. How archaic is that? Just listen to BO xsswipe running mate biden. He's already predicting certain retaliation from extremist groups if BO is elected. His OWN running mate is stressing this numbnuts! I guess the radical will come over in droves and save your dimwitted butt huh? Nah, they want more slaves and you clowns fit the bill.
99% of 31% is still 31%...don't think Barry can win with those numbers...the goal is not to let them vote twice...I know that was Obama's, the Dim's and ACORN's plan...but I don't think it will work...sorry to say ol Barry will not win one Southern State and he knows it...Pather everyone already knows you are a racist...you wouldn't even have looked twice at Barry if he had been a fist term Sen from Iowa with the name Fred Smith and was white...
I suppose this article clarifies once and for all what this election is all about...It certainly is not about the issues for all the blacks turning out in mass to vote for Obama...I would not hesitate to ask anyone of those early voters what the issues are and go so far as to ask them who is on the ticket with Obama...What do you suppose the answers would be?...Now lets us all have a break down of the other races and genders going to the polls early...
If any of you think that (MUSLIM) Obama is planning to help the black race you need to think again. He is after the position of President in order to get the power to push his beliefs which seem to be AGAINST the United States and ALL of its people.
Obama is more racist than any one of us!! The MUSLIM does not believe in GOD. He does not want to pick sides and be FOR The United States of America.
99.99% black vote for Obama, pantherluvcik? Isn't that rather insulting to the educated black Americans? Are you implying only .01% are capable of independent thought? I guess it's all about perspective.
Republicans. Inhale, now exhale. It is going to be allright.We know just how you feel! We went through the same thing in, 2000 and 2004, and we stood strong and dealt with it like the strong people that we are. You people are making yourselfs look and sound like mad dogs.And what is wrong with beign a muslim, we have had some of every other kind of religon in the white house, why not a muslim.Look at it this way, you will have something to tell you greatgrandchildren other than about the confederate flag, and the civil war.You can tell them that a muslim, african american,with ties to terriost, was voted to be the president of the united states, by asians, african americans,spanish, and white people.!!! We have finally all came togather as a nation that do not see the color of a person skin, but the contents of his heart, and mind.!!!
Have we ever had a president as far right as Obama is far left?
The libs have taught them well and registered them several times---vote early, vote often!
But thats what this election is about BLACK vs WHITE....
I love the statement, "not everyone can get to the polls" PL, that is unmitigated BS!
Well, everyone that works and pays for the tax base will voice their opinion on election day, they may take off early that day to vote...
Obama is not a Muslim, but what would be so bad about that if he was? The last time I checked, all Americans are entitled to run for and hold office. Convicted felons are the only exception. Idiots associate someone's name with a particular religion 100% of the time. I suppose if his last name was Reilly you all would sware he was Irish and that he was a Catholic, that is until you looked at his skin color. My point is that you people don't want this man to be president so badly that you will associate him with what you love to hate. Right now it's Muslims, but back in the '40s and '50s it was Asians and eastern Europeans. They and their decendents are now welcomed as Americans while anyone with an Arab name is considered a threat. Had Muhamad Ali run for office when he retired from boxing would his religion have been that big a deal? As far as I know, there is no exclusion for Muslims in any of the laws concerning running for office. The only exclusion is the prejudice that many think they are entitled to harbor against others because of religion.
Uknownow is correct. 99% of 31% is still 31%. As I have said many times begore, Obama will not win with just the black vote. He needs all other races as well to vote for him. The point of this article is meaningless because all blacks are not going to vote for Obama. The assumption that all blacks are voting or will vote for Obama is false. PatT, yes, there are lots of blacks who are intelligent enough to make up our minds about who we are going to vote for. Your problem is that it may not be who you want us to vote for.
I would just like to know the truth about where he was born and the status of his legal US Citizenship . I believe the guy suing him has a good point, but of course Obama is visiting his sick grandmother in Hawaii and getting his story straight....
How much of the black population is incarcerated or felons?????
Good point. BO will reverse their "lopsided" sentences, huh? That's the ill-thinking that our friend panther is hoping comes about with BO's nomination. Just stupid, illogical, "rose-colored glasses" thinking; (thinking??) I think not.
to 426hemi.
Your name says a lot about you.
You are confused as to whether you're a man or woman.
"ignorance is excused, where it is, it's always used.
Y'all (you guys)l be careful or you may offend someone and be labeled a racist. Remember, you can only say so much before the blacks, transplanted northerners and bleeding heart liberals call you a racist for telling the truth.
christian, I know the answer to your question.
IT'S GEORGE BUSH TWIN BROTHER, JOHN MCCRAZY
Seems like you can't have an independent thought unless you vote for McSame. How absurd? Obama can't win without white support. You should be wondering what they know, that you don't. I don't have a problem with blacks voting for Obama because he is black. After all Blacks haven't had this chance before. Look at the roll, George Washington through the other George. Then, it could be because Blacks might just be impressed with the candidate. You can spin it all you want, a vote is a vote regardless of the motive. Who are you to question anyone's motive. I don't think the founding fathers said anything about that. Look like a lot of "lazy people" are getting off their butts and going to the polls. I thought that is what everyon wanted. You can't have it both ways. I am glad everyone is showing an interest in our democratic process. This should prove to be a learning experience for everyone. We are proud that Americans are going to the polls in record numbers. That is part of the "American Dream" Now, you think about that and God Bless America and President Barack Obama. LOL
Its not about calling anyone a racist. That is not my thing. Eveyone has to face themselves in the mirror and they know or should know what they are. Then there are some people who take comfort in been called a racist. They can use that as an excuse to choose the candidate that they do. No one is going to win anyone over by posting here, in fact most people will just hardened their heart more or post something that is removed because they got angry because a dark side of themselves was exposed to the world as well as to themselves. Now, Love to everyone because love conquers all. LOL
What chance? What do you think is going to happen? Laxy people getting off their butts because they see opportunity coming thier way; in the form of more gov't handouts. BO is going to liberate "them" from poverty, provide "them" jobs, and educate "them." It's always "me," "them," "we." "I" and NOT a collective "US" as a nation. The "African-American" term proves that. Many blacks want to be different, and hey, more power to ya'. If you truly want to be an American, then just say it! AMERICAN. How hard is that? You really want to get to your roots? Go back to the kindred nation and help out. I'm sure they'd welcome you.
KJ: Thanks. You always make your points with respect and without baseless attacking. Please know my anger is with people who are totally unlike you. I've gotten past religion and race as obviously you have. However, I am posting in the manner of those who haven't made that jump in an attempt to illustrate the idiocy using race or religion as the deciding factor.
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