Early Voting Trends; Election Overhaul Begins; JDIG Projects Canceled

New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm and party engagement. At the same time, a newly formed modernization commission has begun work on overhauling North Carolina’s election systems, aiming to improve security, efficiency, and data integrity. In economic development news, the Department of Commerce has canceled six Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) projects, raising questions about shifting priorities and incentive strategies.