North Carolina remains red. Democrats keep the governor seat

The 2024 election saw many offices and seats trade hands in what was certainly a divisive election. WCU communication students produced live, hyper-local coverage of the election from multiple counties in Western North Carolina. Their live broadcast brought updates from Jackson, Haywood, Macon and Swain counties, as well as thorough in-studio coverage. Our reporters said […]

Election day in Western North Carolina

“I think it’s our constitutional right to vote and decide who we want to be our next president,” said Amy Bollinger, a Jackson County voter. Immigration, abortion and the economy are just a few issues that concern voters this election. Voters in Jackson County feel very strongly about coming out to voice their thoughts and […]

Early voting saw record turnout. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5

Despite the Homecoming festivities, tailgating and home game WCU polling place saw a steady trickle of voters on the last day of early voting Nov. 2. By closing time at 3 p.m. over 2,900 people voted at WCU polling station the highest since the polling place opened in 2016. In Jackson County 17,502 registered voters […]

From graduation to elections: Adam Byrnes prepares for fourth election as director

This story was originally published in the Smoky Mountain Times It was three weeks after Adam Byrnes graduated from Emory University that he became the director of the Board of Elections in Swain County. “[The job] was daunting at first, but I don’t think because of my age,” Byrnes said. “But in a field like […]

Republicans and Democrats encourage voting on campus

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 […]

Early voting starts this Thursday, Oct. 17

Voters can cast their ballots in-person starting Thursday, Oct. 17. Same day, in-person registration is also available at polling locations. Voters will need to bring a valid form of photo identification to vote in person using documents like a driver license, state identification card, U.S. passport and college or university ID cards. A comprehensive list […]