That’s Politics: Unaffiliated Voters and Polarization

The largest voting block in North Carolina are the unaffiliated voters. They are one of the reasons why political science professor and expert on the North Carolina politics, Dr. Chris Cooper, says NC is a purple state even though in has been almost fully controlled by the Republican party. Listen to what Cooper says about […]

SMN: Edwards dodges questions on Medicare, Franklin Social Security office closing

Story from Smoky Mountain News politics editor Cory Vaillancourt, re-published with permission In what could very well be a sneak preview of his in-person town hall in Asheville later today, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) abruptly walked away from a podium in Canton’s Sorrells Street Park and refused to answer questions about federal cuts to programs […]

That’s Politics: Contested N.C. Supreme Court ballots

No the elections are not over in North Carolina. At least not for the 6th Associate Justice seat in the N.C. Supreme Court. The republican candidate Jefferson Griffin is contesting the legitimacy of roughly 60,000 ballots in his race against incumbent Associate Justice Allison Riggs. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the contested […]

Swain County passes alcohol referendum

On Nov. 6, 2024, Swain County voted to allow the on-premises sale of wine and malt beverages. Prior to the 2024 election, businesses inside of Bryson City city limits were allowed to sell alcohol. This decision has shown Swain County residents’ trust in business owners to safely and responsibly sell alcohol. This trust has given […]

N.C. amends constitution language regarding citizenship

North Carolina House Bill 1074, or Citizens-Only Voting as it appeared on ballots, passed into law Nov. 5, earning 78% of NC votes. North Carolina House Rep. Destin Hall (R) introduced the bill in May of this year. The bill also appeared in varying forms on eight state ballots across the U.S. The amendment changed […]

The unsung heros of election season

Jackson County Board of Elections this year had 115 election workers helping during the early voting and election day. These poll workers make the voting process easy and as stress free as possible. Often, they and the work they do can be overlooked. See the story bellow featuring two poll workers who worked at the […]