KITTY HAWK, N.C. — 4.4 million North Carolinians went to the polls during the two-week period to vote early, the largest number ever in the state. But election officials expect more than 1 million more people to vote on Election Day.

“We just completed 17 days of in-person early voting with record turnout. Nearly 4.5 million voters have already successfully cast ballots in this election, representing 57% of registered voters,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State of North Carolina. Board of Elections.

Watch related coverage: North Carolina sets state record for early voting participation

North Carolina sets record for early voting participation

Bell began his press briefing Monday with the final tally of early voting numbers, but also another message.

“Despite all the naysayers, despite all the misinformation and sensationalist rhetoric about the election, and despite a devastating hurricane, we are making this happen in North Carolina.”

Nearly 30,000 residents of Currituck and Dare counties turned out to vote early. That’s more than 18,000 in Dare County and nearly 10,000 in Currituck County. Dare County has just over 34,000 registered voters and Currituck has just over 25,000.

Watch related coverage: Currituck County sees high early voting turnout

Currituck County sees high early voting turnout

With record numbers, it raised the question at the state level: Are there enough poll workers?

“We had no problem recruiting poll workers. It was quite remarkable. It takes about 25,000 people for voting to take place at these polling locations,” Bell said.

Although Bell and her team said there were only a few negative interactions at polling places, she said extra security precautions were in place for any unrest after the election.

“I’ve been working in elections for almost 19 years now and post-election threats, hostility and harassment was not something we anticipated for most of my career, but it’s certainly became the case. This involves installing panic buttons in many of our offices, ensuring secure entrances to certain areas and we will maintain our transparency.”

Watch related coverage: Dare County sees high early voting turnout in first week

Dare County Early Voting Update

98% of ballots are expected to be counted Tuesday night for North Carolina. Bell said everything has gone well so far and hopes that momentum continues through Election Day and until all elections are called.

“We know the political climate in our country is tense, but North Carolinians have proven throughout the early voting period that they can put that aside and peacefully participate in this election process. Let’s continue this momentum on election day.”

Polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, and North Carolina voters must vote at their assigned polling locations. For more tips and information, visit the NC Board of Elections website. here.