Candidate finance reports covering all of 2023, including the first weeks of the 2024 campaign, show Republican Chuck Edwards crushing Democrat Caleb Rudow and Edwards’ Republican primary challenger Christian Reagan from rural Clay County.
Nonpartisan coalition offers voter education
With new laws requiring voter ID for the first time in North Carolina and a lack of resources for non-English speaking voters, a coalition of nonprofits is working to get voters educated in time for the primary election.
2024 Primary Voter Guide: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District 1
In addition to the dizzying changes from redrawn district lines for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara announced she would not seek reelection, creating one incumbent-free race.
2024 Primary Voter Guide: U.S. House 11
Two years ago, the primary race for District 11 between then-state Sen. Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and the controversial U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, drew national attention. This time around, the primary between now-U.S. Rep. Edwards and Christian Reagan has been relatively quiet. Edwards, who owns multiple McDonald’s fast-food franchises, did not respond to requests from Xpress […]
Hopes rise for low-barrier shelter under revamped homelessness team
A low-barrier shelter for people who are unhoused is a key component to cutting homelessness in half in two years, according to a National Alliance to End Homelessness report from January 2023. Yet the community has struggled mightily over the years to open one.
How redistricting affects local candidates and voting districts
The state will operate on its third set of maps in four years for the U.S. House, N.C. Senate and N.C. House districts after the N.C. General Assembly passed redrawn lines Oct. 25.
Voters in northern Buncombe usher in new leaders
Turnover was the theme in election results Nov. 7. Among the 10 winners in three jurisdictions, only one had appeared on a ballot before. Two of the 10 had been appointed but were running for the first time. Another was running for a different position. All the rest will hold office for the first time.
Woodfin and Weaverville elect new leaders
“Overall, the election went very smoothly,” Buncombe County Director of Elections Corinne Duncan said after the final results were submitted on election night Nov. 7.
In Photos: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rally
On Oct. 15, hundreds gathered to hear independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. when he spoke at the Crowne Plaza in West Asheville. The crowd, many of whom were from out of town, cheered for his anti-corporation, anti-war message.
Buncombe expands use of new election machines
Voters in Weaverville and Woodfin will be the first in Buncombe County to use an electronic method to mark ballots that could save them time at the polls.
Candidates talk development, tourism as early voting begins
Town council and mayoral candidates in Asheville’s closest neighbor to the north, Woodfin, know that growth is inevitable, and the crowds are coming. The threat of uncontrolled growth led to a dramatic turnover on council two years ago, and more fresh faces have emerged to run as the old guard steps down.
Groups scramble to help residents meet new voter ID requirement
The N.C. Supreme Court ruled recently that Senate Bill 824, a voter ID law originally passed in 2018 by the Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly, is constitutional, meaning photo identification will be required for the upcoming municipal elections in Woodfin and Weaverville
Newly appointed Elections Board members share similar goals
As the newest appointees to the Buncombe County Board of Elections, Stein, a registered Democrat, and Braine, a registered Republican, are both impressed with the security and organization of Buncombe’s elections, despite allegations of election improprieties in other states.
Trans ban: Debate flares over who wins in shutting off sports
North Carolina is on the brink of banning transgender athletes in women’s sports from middle school through college. HB 574, also known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, requires a student’s sex to be recognized solely based on reproductive biology for the purposes of athletic participation.
12-week abortion ban adds layers of red tape
On July 1, the window in which to end a pregnancy in North Carolina narrowed. Senate Bill 20 criminalizes abortion after 12 weeks of gestation with few exceptions and places additional requirements on women seeking abortions.
Farm bill renewal raises questions for WNC farmers
Last month, Rep. Chuck Edwards convened a nine-member agricultural advisory board to provide a variety of perspectives as he advocates for the region’s interests in the farm bill.
Nonpartisan voting rights organizations confront mounting challenges
In increasingly polarizing political times, organizations centered on the right to vote have united for their common cause.
Green in brief: Duke Energy completes Hot Springs microgrid
The microgrid includes 2 megawatts of solar panel capacity and 4.4 MW of battery storage. Those resources are enough to power the entire town for an extended period if its connection to the main grid is disrupted.
From Asheville Watchdog: City ending closed-door meetings
Council to vote on switch to public ‘work sessions’ Tuesday, Feb. 14.
How Buncombe’s newly elected N.C. House members are settling into office
Lindsey Prather, Eric Ager and Caleb Rudow have a lot to learn over the state legislative session that started Jan. 25. All three Democrats won their first elections in November after the retirement of three multi-term representatives from Buncombe County.
WTF: What can Chuck Edwards do for you?
Xpress spoke with Edwards in the latest installment of our “WTF?” feature — Want The Facts — to learn more about what his office can provide, how residents can reach out and what his goals are for constituent service.