Students seeking campus early voting sites for the primaries at three NC universities face an uphill battle in court with the clock ticking. Story by Sarah Michels. Carolina Public Press published Feb. 6. Republished. Students at three North Carolina colleges who want early voting sites on campus this primary election took the issue to federal […]
Profiles of candidates for Jackson County Commissioner seats in District 1 & 2
February 2, 2026 by
Story by Cory Vaillancourt. Re-publish of The Smoky Mountain News, Jan. 27 edition Unlike some counties in North Carolina, Jackson elects its county commissioners by district. Currently, District 1 is represented by Todd Bryson, who has decided not to run again. Four Democrats have filed for Bryson’s seat — John Herrera, Julie Painter, Casey Walawender […]
Library fight, taxes shape Jackson County commission races
February 2, 2026 by
Story written by Cory Vaillancourt, re-published from The Smoky Mountain News Amid growing financial concerns, Jackson County’s four Republican commissioners have spent the last few years fighting a culture war. On March 3, Primary Election voters will weigh in on their priorities. Over the past four budget cycles, Jackson County commissioners have overseen a steady […]
Local media won’t bow to threats, lies
January 23, 2026 by
The Western Carolina Journalist is re-publishing the story in support of our friends, partners and mentors for their professionalism and dedication of informing on all things that are happening in our community. By Dave Russell, The Sylva Herald, and Cory Vaillancourt, The Smoky Mountain News The Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News last Friday received […]
Why Campus Voting Sites Matter: The Case of Western Carolina University
December 8, 2025 by
More than 76,000 votes have been cast at the Western Carolina University early voting site over nine elections. There is the possibility that it might be eliminated. Here’s why that matters.re-publishing from the Anatomy of a Purple State by Chris Cooper In Summer 2016, the Jackson County Board of Elections, under a Republican majority,1 approved a […]
SMN: Western Republicans buck national trend in Nov. 4 election
November 11, 2025 by
Story published in Smoky Mountain News Nov. 6; re-published with permission Overwhelmingly, municipal officials take pride in their nonpartisan service, but once they’re elected, they don’t just leave their party hats at the chamber doors. Despite claims that “there’s no Republican/Democratic way to fill a pothole,” the partisan composition of municipal governing boards can be […]
