“But whatever you decide, please don’t let anything stop you from voting!”

“But whatever you decide, please don’t let anything stop you from voting!”
On Nov. 2, 1920, Lillian Exum Clement was voted into office as the first female member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. The Buncombe County native served one term.
Four candidates, including three Democrats in contested races, showed up to the event. Their three Republican opponents — Senate incumbent Chuck Edwards, House candidate Marilyn Brown and Commissioner Robert Pressley — didn’t appear. According to League policy, candidates without an opponent present are limited to a two-minute opening statement.
No matter one’s political affiliation, it is difficult to deny that recent politicking at the national level has departed from traditional norms. Based on the Sept. 26 League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County candidate forum at the West Asheville Library, local races are sharing in that unconventionality as well.