Party switching up in North Carolina in advance of their primary

Party registration switches are up in some North Carolina counties, according to a story in the Dunn Daily Record, “Party Switching Up In 2008 Primary”. Here’s some interesting data from the story:

In light of North Carolina’s significance to this year’s primary election process, the concept of voters switching parties warrants closer observation. Between the beginning of February and the deadline for voter registration on April 11, 300 registered voters switched parties in Harnett County. This is up from 75 voters in 2004’s presidential primary and 99 in 2000. Johnston County shows a similar trend with 693 registered voters changing parties, up from just 123 in 2004. Numbers were not available for Sampson County by presstime.