For the Oct. 30 Whee Life episode, WCU political science professor Chris Cooper gave us insight to what this midterm election may look like based on his analysis in his Substack channel “Anatomy of a Purple State.” In a recent analysis, Cooper mentioned three possible outcomes for the 2026 midterm elections in North Carolina. A […]
WCU early voting site ranks second statewide in turnout increase
November 2, 2026 by
Western Carolina University’s new early voting site at the Health and Human Sciences Building has the second highest percentage increase in voter turnout of any early voting site in North Carolina during the 2026 midterm election, according to a new analysis by political science professor Chris Cooper. The site recorded 2,579 voters during the early […]
Early voting in the new voting site at WCU HHS building started with high numbers
October 19, 2026 by
In the two days of early voting, over half a million registered voters have already voted. According to State Board of Elections as of Oct. 17 there are 461,048 votes in person and 40,273 are absentee ballots casted. In Jackson County, 1,829 people voted in person during the first two days. The Board has approved […]
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 […]
Carolna Public Press: High turnout for NC municipal elections as voters make themselves heard
November 6, 2025 by
North Carolina voters in 447 municipalities and 88 counties elected mayors, city councils, boards of education, boards of commissioners and voted on a few ballot referendums. According to an analysis from Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper, about 39% of North Carolina voters were eligible to vote. Each municipality’s election was defined by its own local […]
Familial Divide and Politics: Talk with Politico reporter Michael Kruse
January 21, 2025 by
President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20 and he is again in the White House to both the dismay or happiness from American citizens. This difference of opinion has split the country, which leads to friends, or even family separating from each other based on political views. The WCU community will have an opportunity […]
