New voter registration numbers highlight Charlotte's growing political impact

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's political power could be growing, all because of Charlotte voters.

[2018 midterm elections: Key races, when to vote, what to bring in NC]

Channel 9 obtained new voter registration numbers, and anchor Paul Boyd has been going over them to break down how they could impact our government for years to come.

On the surface, voter registration numbers may not exactly sound exciting, but they highlight a huge shift for our community.

[RELATED: Michelle Obama teams up with Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda for voter registration drive]

The new data could put more power in the hands of Charlotte citizens for deciding national elections.

This year, Charlotte has nearly 50,000 new voters registered in Mecklenburg County compared to 2016.

[RELATED: Voter registration extension sought in flooded South Carolina]

The majority of this year’s registered voters are people who don't identify as either Republican or Democrat.

• Unaffiliated voters saw a 14 percent increase in the last two years.
• Democrats rose by 4 percent.
• Republicans grew by 0.6 percent.

If you put those numbers in perspective to our city, it makes sense because of Charlotte’s massive population growth.

An estimated 60 people per day are moving into the metro area, and many of the new residents are younger.

[RELATED: Heated local races help boost turnout in North Carolina]

Studies show millennial voters tend to stray away from both major parties and register unaffiliated.

North Carolina is already considered a purple or swing state because it can sway a presidential election for either party.

North Carolina has voted for Barack Obama in the past, but also helped seal the 2016 race for President Donald Trump.

For more information about the 2018 midterm elections, see:

• Midterm 2018: Here are the Senate races that you should be watching
• Midterm 2018: House races you should be watching
• Midterm 2018: What should you do if you are denied the right to vote? Here are some tips

Having more unaffiliated voters means more emphasis will be placed on our state in major political races as both parties try to hold on to power.

The deadline to register to vote was Friday.

Click here for more information on elections in North Carolina.

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