Unaffiliated Voters on the Rise in Davidson County and What It Means for Local Elections
For more information, visit: Davidson County Board of Elections Home Page
As early voting begins Thursday, Feb. 12 for the March 3, 2026 primary election, one trend in Davidson County deserves attention: a growing number of voters are choosing to register as unaffiliated rather than align with a major political party.
According to the latest official data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections, of the 121,974 registered voters in Davidson County, 20,686 are unaffiliated — about 17 percent of all active registrations. These voters have chosen not to register with the Republican or Democratic parties, signaling a shift in how many residents approach politics locally.
Why Unaffiliated Voters Matter in Primaries
North Carolina uses a semi-closed primary system. That means:
Voters registered with a party must vote that party’s ballot.
Unaffiliated voters may choose which party’s primary ballot they want to cast on election day — without changing their permanent registration.
With more voters identifying as unaffiliated, campaigns can’t just focus on party loyalists. They must also appeal to a more independent electorate that may swing contests in close races.
Statewide, unaffiliated registrations have been growing for years, now making up the single largest registration category across North Carolina. While Davidson County hasn’t reached that statewide level yet, its unaffiliated share is significant and rising, reflecting broader voter sentiment that many want independence from traditional party labels.
How to Change Your Voter Registration
If you’re thinking about updating your party status — whether to become unaffiliated or to join a party — here’s how:
1. Online through the DMV
North Carolina residents with a state driver’s license or ID card can update their voter registration (including party affiliation) online through the Department of Motor Vehicles at no charge. Your updated registration is sent directly to the Board of Elections.
2. By Mail
Download and fill out a voter registration application and mail it to the Davidson County Board of Elections. To be effective for the March primary, the form would have needed to be received by Feb. 6, 2026.
3. In Person
You can register or change your registration in person at the county Board of Elections office. If you register during early voting (Feb. 12–28), you can vote immediately after registering, as long as your documentation is complete.
What This Means for Voters
As early voting opens and the March 3 primary approaches, unaffiliated voters are a force both local campaigns and everyday residents should pay attention to. Whether you’re committed to a party or prefer to chart your own course, North Carolina’s system gives you flexibility — but you must be registered and up to date before election deadlines to make your voice count.
