On Tuesday, the state House voted unanimously in favor of a $500 million funding package to aid Western North Carolina following the severe storm’s devastation in September 2024.
Concerns about the Trump administration overwhelm Chuck Edwards’ office hours
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whom President Donald Trump has entrusted to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was front of mind for many in attendance.
Buncombe Democrats elect final county commissioner
In the crowded, fluorescent-lit basement of the Buncombe County Democratic Party headquarters in Oakley on Dec. 18, Democrats conducted the final election of 2024.
Takeaways from WNC’s 2024 general election
What role did fundraising play in this year’s local elections? How did incumbency factor into the final results? What impact did Helene have on races? These questions and more are explored in Xpress’ recap of the 2024 local races.
WNC 2024 general election live coverage
This post will be updated regularly throughout the evening as election results come in.
Record-setting early voter turnout in North Carolina with WNC voters leading the way
Early voting statistics from the State Board of Elections (BOE) showed Hurricane Helene did not deter voters in Western North Carolina from casting their votes.
From CPP: Lawmakers direct WNC counties to add early voting sites
North Carolina lawmakers on Thursday tasked county boards of election in the 13 most impacted counties from Tropical Storm Helene to open at least one early voting site for every 30,000 registered voters in their county.
Everything you need to know to cast your ballot — from voting early to replacing your ID
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about casting your ballot if you live in a county impacted severely by Helene.
NC Trusted Elections Tour addresses voting laws and election security
“We know that voters are often confused and that can lead to uncertainty and distrust,” explains Jennifer Roberts of the Carter Center, who co-organized the NC Trusted Elections Tour. She and others are out to reassure voters.
Trump makes a campaign stop in devastated Swannanoa to express sympathy to victims of Helene
Following a tour of flood-ravaged Swannanoa on Monday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump offered his sympathy to storm victims. He also took numerous opportunities to continue to slam recovery efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
From CPP: ‘Give them their voice in this election.’ Early voters in mountains brave long lines after Helene.
According to North Carolina Board of Elections data, 13,355 people voted in Buncombe County during the first two days of early voting.
‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it requires majority approval from voters.
2024 Election Voter Guide
In-person voting started Thursday, Oct. 17. The N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved emergency measures at a meeting Oct. 7 to “ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina,” according to a news release.
From CPP: NC legislators commit $5 million to emergency election measures
The State Board of Elections initially requested $2.1 million to help run elections in 13 counties; instead, they will receive $5 million to aid the 25 counties that were part of the federally declared disaster area last week.
From CPP: The vote must go on. Planning elections in a disaster area.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections released the beginnings of a plan Monday to address voting access in the western part of the state following devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Helene.
2024 Election Voter Guide: Asheville City Board of Education
This November, voters will, for the first time, make the Asheville City Board of Education a fully elected board.
2024 Election Voter Guide: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
The 2024 races for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are unusual for their variety: there is a race for commission chair featuring an incumbent, a commission seat race featuring an incumbent and another commission seat race with two candidates who are new to public office.
2024 Election Voter Guide: Asheville City Council
Housing, diversifying the city’s funding streams, living wages and reparations are among the top concerns for this year’s Asheville City Council candidates.
2024 Election Voter Guide: N.C. House
General election candidates for the 2024 N.C. House races in districts 114-115 share their positions with Xpress.
2024 Election Voter Guide: N.C. Senate
General election candidates for the 2024 N.C. Senate District 46 and District 49 races share their positions with Xpress.
2024 Election Voter Guide: U.S. House 11
The race for U.S. House District 11 might be surprising this year, depending on which voters show up for the Nov. 5 election. Democrat Caleb Rudow is challenging Republican Chuck Edwards in the predominantly Republican district, but if Rudow gets a surge of support in Asheville and other Democratic pockets, he could take the seat. […]
