Presidential Polls: Though North Carolina Early Vote Favors Obama, It May Not Be Enough to Deliver Red State

Impact

With 15 Electoral Votes up for grabs, North Carolina remains a hot commodity in the coming days — it is the true definition of a swing state. Obama cracked the "red" state in 2008 by a slim 14,000 votes — the first time the state backed a Democrat for president since 1976. But that is all up in the air again as early voting comes to a close on Saturday afternoon.

In 2008, President Obama managed to encourage North Carolinians to get out the vote before Election Day. Although he lost the Election Day vote, the early voting numbers were enough for him to squeak out a win in the Tar Heel state.

However, the same may not be true in 2012. Ask either party and they'll tell you momentum is on their side. Pat McCrory (R) has a strong upper-edge in the gubernatorial race, adding fuel to Romney's campaign trail and the House leans Republican. On the other hand, Democrats are determined to mobilize their bases and get out the vote with recent visits from President Barack Obama (April 2012), First Lady Michelle Obama (October 2012), former President Bill Clinton (Nov 4, 2012), and countless others.

About 2.3 million people have voted in North Carolina's early voting — close to 35% of registered voters. Of those, 48% were Democrats and 32% were Republicans.  These numbers are down from 2008 early voting numbers.

The question remains — will Obama be able to pull through another win in North Carolina or will Romney be able to turn the state red?