Story by Cory Vaillancourt published in the Smoky Mountain News Feb. 4 ed. Republished As Jackson County heads toward the March 3 primary election, voters are being asked to assess a governing record shaped by rising costs, cultural conflict, a steady expansion of county government and mounting public concern. Over the last four budget cycles, […]
Campus early voting sites pitch gets day in court. Judge seems reluctant.
February 7, 2026 by
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 […]
Voter registration rises in Jackson County ahead of March Primary
February 3, 2026 by
As the primary elections approach in Jackson County election officials say voter registration activity is in full swing. The director of the Jackson County Board of Elections, Amanda Allen shared in an email data showing that the voter activity so far has largely been influenced by changes in party affiliation. In an email, Allen explains […]
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 […]
New House Bill reinforces immigration procedures for NC sheriffs
January 31, 2026 by
A version of this story was published in The Western Carolinian and The Sylva Herald Jan. 28 edition New North Carolina House Bill 318, called the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, is requiring sheriffs to work even more closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to the bill, jail administrators would be required to notify […]
