They stand on two different sides of the same coin, but their message is the same: Get out and vote.
Both Jackson County Democrats and Republicans are attempting to create enthusiasm around voting as election day is in 12 days and early voting is a seeing record number of voters.
The Jackson County Democrats, represented by their student organization on campus and the local campaign office in Sylva is trying to get people fired up about voting for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
“College democrats have focused on increasing voter activities, and informing students about their voting options,” Amaya Cradle, the communications director of Student Democrats at Western Carolina University said. “We try to help people understand more about the campaign of Vice President Harris and Governor Walz so they can have as much information as possible when they cast their vote,”
The tent was handing out sample ballots, t-shirts, hats and buttons to instill pride and enthusiasm among those who support Harris.
To the right of the student Democrats was Keith Blane, the chairman of the Jackson County GOP.
“We want to share our conservative beliefs. We value the policies more than the candidate themselves,” Blane said. “I’ve had a few people come up and talk to me about what we stand for, but it’s mostly been waves, nods and thumbs up,” Blaine said when asked about student engagement with his table.
The lack of Republican activity on campus could possibly have to do with a lack of manpower.
“We lack volunteers. At this current moment, we only have four that are spread out around the county,” Blaine said.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the number of voters who have voted early in Jackson County is higher than it was at this time in 2020, however there have been fewer total ballots casted.
Traditionally, Republicans vote on Election Day but this time the Republican Party and Trump-Vance campaign have been asking their supporters to come out and vote early.
According to some students on campus, these tables will do little to sway who they plan on voting for.
“It doesn’t really change anything. I think most people already know who they are going to vote for. These tables seem to serve as a vessel to increase enthusiasm in those who have already voted or have already decided who they are voting for,” Logan Groff, a senior at WCU said.
