The totals of the anticipated votes underline the interest for the mid-term election

The mid-term elections are not expected to elicit the same enthusiasm as the presidential elections, but even in the absence of a race of US governors or senators, the anticipated vote totals at the Duke & # 39; Brodhead Center's are poised to break the mid-term campus record and could even surpass the 2016 election numbers.

As of Sunday, 5,357 people had voted at the Brodhead Center, with six days of early voting ahead. (To view the advance voting schedule, click here.)

Traditionally, voters are hurrying late for the last days of early voting; In 2016, more than 3,000 people voted at Duke during the last three days of advance voting. Thus, the turnout this year is on the verge of equaling or even exceeding the 8,366 registered voters on campus during the 2016 presidential race.

The advance polling record on campus was 9,174 in the 2012 presidential election. Advance voting ends on Saturday, November 3 and polling day, November 6.

While it is unusual for the mid-term elections to attract more attention, a concerted effort to increase POLIS-led leadership: Center for Political Leadership, Innovation and Services, in collaboration with others universities and student groups, seems to have had a positive effect. In addition, even in the absence of a race leading the poll, close elections for state judges and six controversial constitutional amendments highlight how the 2018 race could shape Carolina's North for years to come.

"Historically, voter turnout in mid-term elections in North Carolina has been only about 60% of the presidential years," said Fritz Mayer, director of POLIS. "Yet, the anticipated vote at Duke this year is about to compete with 2016. We have made outstanding efforts on campus to get the vote. And voters recognize the importance of this election. More than any mid-term election in memory, 2018 is a battle for the soul of the United States. "

"The amazing attendance demonstrates the great interest of our community in North Carolina's future," said Chris Simmons, Associate Vice President of Government Relations at Duke. "The Brodhead Center's advance voting site is an example of the importance the university places on promoting voter turnout. It would not have been possible without the dozen or so students, faculty, and staff that make it work. I am really proud of how this year has worked and provides us with an excellent base for 2020. "

The strong participation in Duke goes hand in hand with Durham County and North Carolina. As of Sunday, 48,554 people had voted early in one of six advance voting sites in Durham. In 2016, 119,600 people voted early in 13 special sites.

Across the state, just days before the remaining advance vote, the votes cast have already exceeded all the votes cast earlier in the 2014 mid-term election.

On polling day, registered voters will be required to vote at their designated polling station.