Under sunny skies in Greenville, North Carolina, most of the thousands of supporters of Donald Trump seemed cheerful and upbeat while in the queue to hear the former president speak inside East Carolina University’s basketball arena.
Several people interviewed said immigration and the economy, particular inflation and taxes, were among their greatest concerns. Some remain worried about the ultimate electoral outcome in North Carolina and that they expected any final Election Day result nationally to be challenged by whichever side is trailing.
“I feel like that no matter who wins there’s going to be problems,” said Emma Macomber, 76, of New Bern, a registered unaffiliated voter wearing a pro-Trump hat. “Yes, it bothers me, but I put it in God’s hands and accept whatever happens.”
Early in-person voting historically has been favored by Democrats in North Carolina, with Republicans more inclined to cast ballots on Election Day. But GOP officials have emphasized this cycle voting during the 17-day period that began last week.
Monica Loch of Mebane, a registered Republican in her late 50s, said she tried to vote on the first day but the lines were too long for her to wait. But she was resolute to vote. Loch sounded resigned to a painful path to a final electoral result.
“I can only hope and pray that Trump does win — and I’m not sure,” Loch said. “I’m not sure with the climate of everybody being quite honestly so nasty and stuff. I cannot get a good read on it.”