Early voting in North Carolina has begun! From the reports on the ground it looks as though the turn out is pretty high for the first day of early voting here in The Old North State. What is on the voters minds, you wonder? Religion, guns, winning in Iraq, or the old standby of a womans right to choose? Not this year, my friends.

It's the Economy, stupid...

From WSOCTV:

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Hundreds of voters stood in to cast ballots Thursday as the first day of early voting began in North Carolina, a move designed to ease the expected Election Day strain on polling places.

The line wrapped around the Guilford County Courthouse in downtown Greensboro.

Letisha Carter, 31, of Greensboro, said she was waiting to vote because she was concerned about crowding on Nov. 4. Carter also said there is a sense of urgency to vote because of the economy.

Voters in North Carolina can vote early until Nov. 1.

Maggie Farrar echoed Carter's sentiment as she waited in line with her young son. Farrar said she has voted early in the past but never had seen a line.

Farrar said the economy seemed to be top on list of concerns.

"It's the worst I've seen," she said. "It blows your mind."

One-stop voting also allows those who missed the voter registration deadline to register and cast a ballot at the same time. Both campaigns are encouraging their supporters to vote early.

My emphasis

Get out there and vote early! Keep those impressive lines forming! I for one am going to be smiling from ear to ear as I leave my early voting polling place. Let's keep Turning NC Blue!