As the early voting starts in North Carolina, WCU College Democrats hosted a reception encouraging students to vote in the 2018 midterm election.
Students and members of the community mingle with Democratic candidates at a reception hosted by WCU College Democrats on Oct. 17 at Brown Dining Hall. Photo by Natalie Ballard.
The reception held on Oct. 17 at Brown Dining Hall included key democratic candidates on the ballot like Bobby Kuppers running for the N.C. Senate district 50 and Joe Sam Queen who is running for the N.C. House district 119. Queen, who was the featured candidate, challenged those in attendance to inspire their peers to cast their vote.
“It takes action and commitment in a blue moon election,” Queen said in his speech to the crowd. Queen represented district 119 from 2013 until he lost the election in 2016 to current N.C. State house member, Republican Mike Clampitt. Queen also served in the N.C. Senate from 2003 to 2011.
This election is Kuppers first time running for the N.C. Senate against the incumbent Republican Jim Davis. Kuppers spent 23 years in the United States Navy serving on 6 different submarines. After retiring from the Navy in 2000, he became a teacher working in Macon County for about 18 years. Kuppers served as a county commissioner in Macon County from 2008 to 2012.
While the student participation was low at the event, they were hoping to learn more about who is running and the issues they stand for.
“Midterms are just as important as regular presidential elections, if not more because the people who you are voting for during the midterm control almost everything,” said forensic anthropology student and member of WCU college democrats, Delaney Chapman. Chapman attended this event to show her support for Queen and to get to know the other democratic candidates.
Issues that Queen and Kuppers are running on are expanding Medicaid and pushing for more funding for education and helping expand internet through Western North Carolina. Queen charges people to vote on the issues that matter to them and let their voices be heard.
“If you want your voice to be heard this is the best time to do it,” says WCU student, Will Shuford. Shuford is a student working on Kupper’s campaign.
Early voting started Oct. 17 and will continue through Nov. 3 in the University Center multipurpose room. Students can register for Jackson County and vote early during this time. Only students who are registered in Jackson County can cast their vote at the on campus polling place. Election day and the last day to cast a ballot is Nov. 6.
The reception was followed by a concert featuring Porch 40 at the Catafount.
For more information on how this midterm will impact N.C. General Assembly, click here.
