Movers and shakers on progressive issues have had increasing success in Buncombe County politics since the turn of the century. Activists and organizers on the left have carved out a stronghold in Asheville where they keep power by setting the agenda for conversation according to some. Meanwhile a rise in disaffiliation with the traditional two parties leaves openings for candidates that don’t fit traditional molds in Asheville politics.
“I don’t understand why people won’t vote in larger numbers for the local Council elections. That’s the structure between you and the chaos of national politics.”
“The best cure for the ills of democracy is more democracy.” — Edward Abbey, A Voice Crying in the Wilderness The affluent little town of Chevy Chase, Maryland, population 2,918, was rocked earlier this year when a surprise write-in candidate garnered 168 votes to displace an unopposed incumbent. The town attorney and Ethics Commission were […]
Across the state, fewer than a quarter-million residents turned out to vote in various runoff races. North Carolina has more than 6 million people registered voters.
Turnout light for the Marshall-Cunningham runoff to pick a Democrat to challenge U.S. Sen. Burr? Judging by this Tuesday, June 22, afternoon photo by Xpress intern Halima Flynt … yes. Fewer than 60 voters had turned out by the time Flynt snapped this shot at the Montford Community Center. Across Buncombe County, such numbers amounted to about 4.26 percent of registered voters.
