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 […]

Chancellor Belcher discusses bond referendum’s impact on WCU

Chancellor David Belcher held an educational forum on Feb. 29 discussing the Connect N.C. bond referendum and answering questions from Western Carolina University students and faculty. Voters will be given the opportunity to vote on the bond during North Carolina’s primary election on March 15. Whether or not the bond is passed will make a […]

Amendment One passes, Jackson County no longer dry

A majority of North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages Tuesday, May 8, while Jackson County opted to legalize the countywide sale of alcohol. The amendment to North Carolina’s state constitution reads “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in […]

Cherokee votes on alcohol referendum

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians vote today, April 12, on whether the reservation should remain dry. Smoky Mountain News reports mixed opinions among the residence. “In the days leading up to the monumental vote, those polled on the street in Cherokee offered up the full range of views — along with those for and against […]

Students turn out for Voter Registration Day

With a state primary and referendum coming in May and a national election looming in November, Western Carolina University students filed out in droves for Voter Registration Day on Thursday, February 23. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the A.K. Hinds University Center lawn and included a live student debate.  Hundreds […]