The North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously rejected the Republican Party’s attempt to invalidate over 60,000 ballots cast in the 2022 general election, a move aimed at impacting several close races, including a Supreme Court contest. The GOP’s challenge, based on alleged irregularities and lack of driver’s license information in a state database, was deemed an affront to democracy by board members. While the decision can be appealed, the board’s rejection marks another setback for similar challenges previously rejected by the state and federal courts. The outcome of the affected races, including the Supreme Court race and several state legislative seats, remains uncertain pending potential legal action.
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Democrat Roy Cooper’s victory in the North Carolina governor’s race is a huge relief for many, especially those who were deeply concerned about the prospect of Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate, winning. Robinson, a controversial figure who made numerous inflammatory statements, including one about his sister-in-law, had generated a great deal of negative attention and anxiety among many voters. His loss is seen as a rejection of his extreme views and a victory for sanity.
Many are hoping that Cooper’s win will translate into a victory for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the state. However, others are less optimistic, pointing out that North Carolina has a history of splitting the ballot, meaning that voters often support candidates from different parties in different races.… Continue reading
North Carolina has broken its early-voting record, with the State Board of Elections announcing that over 4.2 million votes have been cast in early in-person voting. Early voting ended Saturday, with more voters than the 3.63 million four years ago. Including absentee voting, over 4.4 million votes have been cast representing 57% of North Carolina’s registered voters, though there could be a slight discrepancy due to delays in uploading the data. Despite being hit by Hurricane Helene, the 25 western counties had a higher turnout of 58.9%, about 2% higher than the statewide figure. The large early vote was partly due to a push by Republicans for people to vote early.
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Trump appears to forget he is in North Carolina, and watching it unfold is both perplexing and deeply concerning. In a recent rally in Kinston, he referred to Pennsylvania’s GOP Senate candidate, David McCormick, as if he were campaigning in that state rather than in North Carolina. It’s surreal to witness someone of his stature simply not know where he is. This isn’t just a slip of the tongue; it feels like a glaring indication of something more troubling happening with him.
His comment about having “one of the best” in front of a crowd that was decidedly not in Pennsylvania raises alarms.… Continue reading
Early in-person voting in North Carolina has already outpaced the total from the 2020 fall elections. As of late Thursday, nearly 3.8 million people had cast early in-person ballots, exceeding the previous record of 3.63 million. Including absentee, military, and overseas votes, the total rises to nearly 4.01 million ballots, over 51% of the state’s 7.83 million registered voters. The increase in early voting is partly due to a push by state and national Republicans, despite greater numbers of registered Democrats statewide. North Carolinians will be voting for several statewide positions, including governor and attorney general.
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It’s truly disheartening to read about the recent incident where armed militia members were reported to be “hunting FEMA” in North Carolina, causing federal responders to evacuate the area out of safety concerns. The very people who are meant to provide aid and support during a time of crisis are being threatened and obstructed by individuals fueled by misinformation and hatred. It’s alarming to think about the implications of such actions and the impact they have on the overall recovery efforts after a devastating hurricane like Helene.
The fact that National Guard troops encountered armed individuals threatening disaster relief workers and did not detain them raises serious questions about the role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of both responders and those in need of assistance.… Continue reading
As a North Carolinian, seeing the embattled Mark Robinson losing by double digits in the gubernatorial race is a welcome relief. Robinson’s extreme views and reprehensible comments have rightfully alienated many voters, and it’s heartening to see that the majority of North Carolinians do not support his candidacy.
The fact that Robinson, who openly identifies as a black Nazi, could garner any support at all is a sobering reminder of the state of American politics. It is disturbing to think that a significant portion of the electorate still stands by him, despite his vile rhetoric and offensive behavior. It begs the question of how someone with such extreme and harmful views could even be considered a viable candidate for public office.… Continue reading
North Carolina is currently facing a terrifying situation as yellow jackets swarm from the flooding caused by Helene. It’s the late season, and these aggressive insects are making queens that will overwinter, leading to even more hostile behaviors. The last thing people in this already devastated area need is to be dealing with such a menacing insect infestation on top of everything else.
The fact that these yellow jackets have been disturbed by flooding and are now swarming in even greater numbers is a nightmare scenario for the residents. The risk of getting stung by these insects is not only painful but can also be life-threatening, especially for those who are allergic.… Continue reading
It’s disheartening to see the news of North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson being treated for second-degree burns. The comments and reactions surrounding this incident are filled with disdain and mockery, highlighting the polarizing opinions people have about him. It’s evident that Robinson has sparked strong emotions within the public, with many expressing their lack of sympathy for his injuries.
The tone of the comments is harsh and unforgiving, with some even suggesting that Robinson received karma for his actions or beliefs. The references to him being a Nazi and engaging in questionable activities add a layer of complexity to the situation, making it a subject of controversy and ridicule.… Continue reading
I can’t even begin to comprehend the devastation and heartache that Helene’s wrath has brought upon the North Carolina towns, leaving them isolated and dozens dead. As I read through the accounts of individuals and families unable to reach their loved ones due to the lack of cell service and electricity, my heart sinks. The scenes of mudslides, buried villages, and towns wiped off the map paint a grim picture of the aftermath of this catastrophic storm.
The personal stories of loss and despair shared by those who have witnessed the destruction firsthand are truly heartbreaking. People recounting the struggle to find gas, the wait for hours just to obtain basic supplies, the sight of trees ripped out of the ground, and houses flooded beyond repair all serve as a stark reminder of the brutal force of nature.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood