March 26, 2008
Posted: 04:00 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Pennsylvania isn't the only state seeing a surge in newly-minted Democrats. North Carolina, which votes on May 6, has also seen its voter rolls expanding.

Republicans and Independents in Pennsylvania are signing up in droves to vote in the April 22 Democratic primary. Last week alone, more than 29,000 Pennsylvanians registered to vote as Democrats. More than four million Pennsylvanians are now registered as Democrats – a new state record.

Almost 90,000 new voters have signed up to vote in the North Carolina Democratic primary, which is semi-closed — meaning Democrats and unaffiliated voters can participate, but not Republicans.

Since the beginning of January, the number of registered Democrats in North Carolina has grown by over 40,000 voters, bringing the total number of Democrats in the state to 2,552,674. Almost half of those registered Democrats are African-American.

The tally of unaffiliated voters grew by more than 30,000. There are now 1.2 million unaffiliated voters in the state who can participate in either party’s primary.

In the same three month period, the number of registered Republicans increased by a much smaller margin — just 15,000 people — bringing the total amount of GOP voters in the state to just over 1.9 million.

That’s not the only problem for the state Republican party.

A survey released by Pew Research last week showed that 26 percent of North Carolina registered voters now identify themselves as Republicans, down from 35 percent in 2004. The figure for Democrats has remained steady at 39 percent, according to the Pew survey.

— CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: North Carolina


An American in Canada   March 26th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

GOOD FOR YOU NORTH CAROLIN CITIZEN LET US HEAR YOUR VOICE LOUD AND CLEAR! VOTE FOR OUR NEXT PRESIDENT SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN….

Well lets' see the North Carolina demographics demonstrates that there are :

70% White

22% Blacks

07% Latino

Well it looks like Hillary R. Clinton will win that state by a 57% margin.

Unless there is a caucus and the Obama supporters intimidate the caucus voters again…..

Sarah Smith   March 26th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

Make History!

Make Sense!

Make a Difference!

Obama

from an ole whitey lady, educated

the cynics are crying out to be shown

there really IS hope!

Anonymous   March 26th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

NC is for OBAMA!

Anonymous   March 26th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

NC is for Obama for sure!

Paul   March 26th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

So Hillary can go to "misspeak", Bill can go to "mislead". Are neither capable of uttering the word "lie"?

SHARONG   March 26th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

P.S.S.
IF I HAD TO . . . IF OBAMA DID'T GET THE NOMINATION . . . I WOULD
VOTE FOR HILLARY ONLY BECAUSE I THINK SHE IS THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS, THE OTHER BEING MCCAIN. ACTUALLY THO, I
DON'T THINK I'LL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT! AND I AM AN ALMOST 59 YR. OLD WHITE WOMAN!

Slept in Church for 20 years   March 26th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Like the way you take the time to point out the number of black voters. Anyone thinking this contest isn't about race is an idiot.

scott   March 26th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

I wonder how many republicains voted BO in the past. I myself was in a caucuss state and really wouldn't trust the outcome they had for him as most of the true dems Ive talked to at the salon seem to be for hIllary. lets watch what happens. I know its getting abit longer then many BOBOts thought it should be but this is life not everything is microwavable

McCain is the Man   March 26th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

The only Hillary voters that will switch to McCain are the ones that switch to the Demo party just to keep Hillary in the race. And I'm on. You demo can be real dumb when it comes to your primaries.

Go Bush .. I mean McCain

Steven/Kentucky   March 26th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

I am beginning to think that Hillary is a republican. Many of her comments support McCain. Hillary don't seem to care what happens to the democratic party. If things continue the way they are going we may have four more years of a republican president.

Steve

EveryoneVotes!   March 26th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

We need more than a president to be "present" when it comes time to vote. We need someone to take a stand and one that can roll with the punches! We need someone that is not afraid to make a stand should our war resolutions change to unforeseen events. We do not need someone saying "I did not vote for the war (and never could have in the first place)". What would Obama do should we need to continue the war? What would Obama do should another war develop elsewhere?

Obama, from what I understand, has promised military support to Africa once we pull out of Iraq under his presidency…Look at how well Africa responded to us…aka "Black Hawk Down"… So which is it? Be in Iraq/Iran or Africa? That's trading a pawn for a pawn in my opinion…

Hillary / McCain

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   March 26th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Democrats: Please, please, please, vote for Hillary!

I don't like McCain, but Clinton, as President, is a scary thought and she doesn't have a chance against him.

Charles   March 26th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

It is a good thing that people are becoming interested in politics now. It is a shame that it has to be because of gender and race. And, as for Bill Clinton, he is playing the public like a finely tuned fidel.

California Independent   March 26th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Did you guys see the polls today? It was good news… 28% of Clinton supporters will NOT vote for Obama and another 13% will stay home. Wooohoooo! Aaaah! It's been a beeeeauuuuutiful day.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

Buffalo Bill   March 26th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

GOBAMA and take your finally proud to be American wife and your racist preacher with you!

Terry S.   March 26th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Clinton 08! NOBAMA!!! If Obama wins the nomination I'm voting for McCain. As much as I don't care for McCain, I think experience is more important than feel good speeches with nothing to back them up like Obama does.

Hotter Place Waiting   March 26th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Now that a woman and a minority have their hats in the ring, you will see more voter fraud.

Sadly the deaths of 4,000 Americans are the result of the voter fraud in 2000, and 2004. Bush has a huge debt to pay to this country and he doesn't realize it. Dancing in poverished African countries won't help his legacy, nothing will. There's a hotter place in hell for him and Chaney, because they sent those men and women to their deaths for selfish reasons.

Obama 08

HH   March 26th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Obama is UP 20 points in North Carolina, if BILLARY DOES NOT win Pennsylvania by 25 points she should drop out.

ben   March 26th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Our government does not serve the people. It serves a much higher
master. It serves money and those that have the most!
We have had our fun and games with all this back and forth stuff among the candidates, but in the end the money will control the outcome,and absolutely nothing will change!!!!!!!!!!!

Vig   March 26th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Obama is defending Wright in his campaign speeches!!! Fox News reports that Wright had alot more nasty things to say anybody who isn't Black – he called Italians "Garlic Noses". I am of Italian decent and find this not only offensive but racist. And Obama is still defending him? Obama is no better and should step down – this is a disgrace. And who got the most in Obama's chartible contributions – Trinity Church who housed the racist Wright. Boo to Obama. Dump Obama.

Jdona   March 26th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Never fear, Hillary fans. Check with your local state board of elections and see if you can write her name in come November if she looses the nomination. We use touch screens here in Virginia, and I just checked at the urging of some other state supporters. And yes I can, although it isn't easy. So, come November, instead of having to vote for McCain if Obama wins, I will write in Hillary's name. I'm still following the Democratic party ideology, I just don't want Barack Obama. If enough of us write in Hillary's name, we will in effect create that third political party.

D in NM   March 26th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Democrats need to be cautious about these new numbers; these are not true swing voters. These are voters who are right wingers attempting to pollute the purity of the Democratic voters bases. These are people who would NEVER vote for a Democrat in the gemeral election; get real Obama and stop the madness, it is the Obama Team and their supporters who "know NOT what they do".
Heaven help the Democrats!

AJ   March 26th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Wasn't it just last month that Obama supporters were trumpeting the fact that he was getting all the cross-over Republican votes? They all said it's because he can "bring people together"… What happened to that? In fact, if you take out all the Republicans and Independents that have voted in states with open and semi-closed primaries, Hillary has more votes from Democrats than Obama does.

Dan VA   March 26th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

""If any of this is due to Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos", then El Rushbo should be facing voter fraud charges in teh Tarheel State as well.""

Why? It's kosher. Why can't he try to influence voters just like any other person?

If I tell a Republican he should vote for Obama instead, is that voter fraud? Or is it just fraud for Rush Limbaugh because has a lot more people's ears?

Tim   March 26th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Hurray for North Carolina!!!!
Another State for Obama!!!!

Obama 08

JOHN   March 26th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

SO MCCAIN GOES TO IRAQ AND THINKS THINGS ARE GOING GREAT. WE'VE HAD THE BLOODIEST MONTH SO FAR THIS YEAR, IS THIS MAN KIDDING OR WHAT. MY FRIENDS HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT. IT TIME TO ALLOW THE IRAQ GOV. DO THEIR OWN JOB AND FIX THAT MESS OVER THERE. IT'S TIME TO BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, AND STOP SPENDING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THIS B.S.

Z. Steepleton , PA   March 26th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

. . . .Must be Obama time.

Yes We Can.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   March 26th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

I'm praying that Bill will bite the bullet and admit how his junior high indescretions while in White House have turned many voters against him. . .and his and his wife's ethics.

I just wish he would go away!

Jody Reno, Nevada   March 26th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

Figures. To hell with thoughtful, insightful examination of records, deeds and qualifications…it will be a racial vote.

Get used to a McCain Presidency folks because that's what it will be if nObama is the democratic nominee.

Typical.

Tom,des moines   March 26th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I think this is a really good news for Hillary. as u know that unaffiliate can vote for either party,some of 1.2 million. Let keep the operation chaos going. Thank your Rush Limbough.

Conan   March 26th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

This is one Republican that will be "Independent" for the NC Democratic primaries. This is sooooo much fun!!!!

Hillary 08!!!!

pmet   March 26th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

110,000 republicans voted for Hillary in Texas as a result of Limbaugh's "operation chaos." She beat Obama in popular vote by 101,000.

100,000 republicans voted for Hillary in Ohio as a result of Limbaugh's "operation chaos". Obama lost 3 or 4 delegates as a result.

For the past 3 weeks, Limbaugh has been pushing his listeners to sign up in the remaining states before the deadline to continue messing up the democratic party.

The DNC and superdelegates need to take this into account when selecting their nominee. If they choose Clinton based on erroneous numbers slanted due to Limbaugh, she will lose the general in a landslide.

John, NC   March 26th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Hillary is wasting her time in N.C.

Finally   March 26th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Finally, the Clintons will be gone. Hopefully for ever!!

Joe Black   March 26th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

George McGovern, Geraldine Ferraro… what's next, Mike Dukakis?

The "old" Democratic party – the one that PANDERED to blacks without actually helping them become equity owners of the American dream, but expected them to vote in lock-step with their corrupt candidates – is dying out.

Hillary is the last dinosaur, and she is trotting out fossils like McGovern and Ferraro in a final prehistoric roar, even as the asteriod rushes towards them.

It's a new world, a new age. The tired messages of the old party no longer resonate with those under 60.

And who will have to live the longest with the decisions made in the next four years?

Quit the race Hillary. Your kind is extinct!

Rush Limbaugh wants you for the nominee. Doesn't that say it all?

Shawn - CLT   March 26th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

As someone who rolled Republican to Democrat in North Carolina I am not sure I can speak for the rest, but in the 2004 election, the old people in the state voted for me and secured the Republican nomination. I didn't have to vote because I knew the buckle of the bible belt would vote for the lesser of evils for me. Now in 2008 North Carolina is swinging with the influx of growth in Charlotte and Raleigh Durham (Charlotte is the only market with RISING home values – ka-ching!) , the 40-65 crowd is going down to Florida and the Carolinas' are getting younger. We need to make sure we aren't settling for the lesser of the evils. Even if you are GOP and you roll, vote for the best Democrat candidate – not the person who you think the GOP will easily beat. It's a long time between May 6 and November. A lot of dirt can come out between now and then and if you roll to vote the loser in, that dirt will bite you.

Joseph   March 26th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

This is bad news for HRC. These are true Democrate voters who remember who started NAFTA and took all of those jobs away. She may win in PA, but don't look for any wins here in NC.

Tyler in Raleigh   March 26th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

I am unaffiliated in NC. I will vote for Obama now in the primary and likely as well in the election. It's a hard choice unless McCain makes some more crazy Iran comments.

If Clinton manages to streal the election with her "experience" then its McCain all the way… no matter which Beach Boys song he butchers next.

Joe   March 26th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

This is bad news for Clinton. A "semi-closed" primary is the best possible thing for Barack. Independents can vote (and they will predominantly favor him) and Republicans can't vote for Hillary just because they think she'll be easier to beat in the general election.

kathleen "a typical white person" for OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   March 26th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Republicans will vote for Hillary now and MCain in November.

Wasn't it 16,000 Republicans voted for Hillary in Ohio or Texas?

jp/michigan   March 26th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I think that's just great. More the merrier. This election for the President is the best that has happen to Americans in the long run. I only hope, that Americans really do their homework and really check out the candidates. Political histories, legislatively , voting histories and experiences, strengths, and solutions to the issues. Electing a president is a big responsibility, take it seroiusly!

Grif   March 26th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

But I got the PUSH BUTTON.

Democracy!!!! You don't have…………….

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

If any of this is due to Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos", then El Rushbo should be facing voter fraud charges in teh Tarheel State as well.

Mike   March 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

We know where this state is going. It makes no difference how much crap Obama gets exposed on, his supporters want him in no matter what he does.

Well if Obama makes it in there is going to be a lot of crow to eat when unemployment sky rockets.

LifeLongDemocrat   March 26th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I hope they are truly Dems and not a bunch of Republicans who want to mess with the Dems nomination process!

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