PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - North Carolina has seen a record voter turnout during this year’s early voting period, and women voters are taking center stage.

With more than 2.8 million ballots cast, more than a third of North Carolinians have already voted. More than half of them came from women.

According to the State Board of Elections, women have cast more than 1.4 million ballots compared to the nearly 1.2 million male voters.

First-time voter Christine Carter says she’s proud to hear that women are coming out to let their voices be heard.

“I think it’s great because I believe that women and men have equality,” said Carter. “We’re all able to vote, so I just think it’s great to see that women are taking the opportunity and going with it and not being afraid to vote.”

Locally, in Pitt County, women are also outpacing men at the polls. Out of the nearly 45,000 voters who have already come out, more than 24,000 were women.

Some women who voted Monday say local issues have driven them to the polls.

“With Pitt County, we need to put our foot down and speak for our youth, our county, and I just think it’s an important time to vote,” said voter Julissa Lopez.

Policies aside, some women said they believe exercising their civic duty will set a prime example for the next generation of voters.

“My daughter is really interested this year in politics,” said voter Stacie Ange. “We have people in our community who are on the ballot, who we’re friends with, so she’s been extremely interested, and I think it’s important to be an example for her so that she can see mommy is voting, mommy has let her voice be heard.”

Other women at the polls Monday said issues they’re passionate about include women’s rights, the economy, education, and the safety of their children, as well as having a woman at the top of the ticket.

The last day of early voting is Saturday, November 2nd.