Rural southeastern NC, already known for low voter turnout, sees further drop
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Voter turnout in rural southeastern North Carolina was lower this year than it was in the 2020 general election, unofficial results show. All of the Border Belt counties — Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland — saw fewer voters than in 2020 and lagged behind the statewide turnout rate of 73%, according to unofficial vote counts from the North Carolina State Board …Read more Continue reading Rural southeastern NC, already known for low voter turnout, sees further drop
2024 election results in North Carolina
From Border Belt staff Below are the election results in North Carolina, including the races for president, governor and other statewide seats as published by the Associated Press. Included are races that are relevant in Bladen, Columbus Robeson, and Scotland counties, including the 7th and 8th congressional districts and several races for the state General Assembly. Not included are local races for school boards and …Read more Continue reading 2024 election results in North Carolina
Where the candidates stand on key issues in NC’s 7th and 8th congressional districts
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Republican David Rouzer, who has represented North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district since 2014, is running for another term in office. Rouzer is a staunch conservative who has criticized President Joe Biden’s policies and expressed doubts about the fairness of the 2020 election. His challenger, Marlando Pridgen, a Whiteville Democrat, is a political newcomer whose campaign focuses on environmental justice and bringing …Read more Continue reading Where the candidates stand on key issues in NC’s 7th and 8th congressional districts
Why some Black men are hesitant to vote for Harris, according to rural NC activists
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Marlando Pridgen, who is running for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district, has a theory about why fewer Black voters are casting early ballots and missing out on the opportunity to support presidential candidate Kamala Harris ahead of Election Day. “In the churches,” he said, “there is this mindset of women not having a meaningful place in leadership.” About 44,500 fewer Black …Read more Continue reading Why some Black men are hesitant to vote for Harris, according to rural NC activists
As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives
By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org Grace Gerberry has been riding horses since she was big enough to sit up on one. When it came time to choose a college, a Google search led her to St. Andrews University in North Carolina. After talking with the roughly 40 members of the school’s equestrian program, which boasts a 300-acre facility, nearly 70 horses and a reputation for success, …Read more Continue reading As St. Andrews University in NC struggles, its world-class equestrian program thrives
Election officials step up security in rural southeastern North Carolina
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Wanda Monroe, the elections director in Bladen County, wasn’t expecting any security threats at the polls this year. But she wanted to be proactive. “We did have a meeting with all the law enforcement agencies in our county and emergency management teams to discuss safety issues that could arise,” Monroe said. Chief judges responsible for the county’s voting precincts underwent “extensive …Read more Continue reading Election officials step up security in rural southeastern North Carolina
Garland Pierce, a lone Democrat in a swath of red, wants to keep his NC House seat
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Garland Pierce might feel a little lonely these days. Pierce, a 20-year political veteran, is the only Democrat in the state legislature representing any county in the 200-mile stretch between Charlotte and Wilmington along North Carolina’s southern border. Once a textile and manufacturing hub, the area was a sure thing for Democrats for decades until more rural voters shifted to the …Read more Continue reading Garland Pierce, a lone Democrat in a swath of red, wants to keep his NC House seat
Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs
By Rachel Baldauf Eric Cromartie III thrived at Lumberton High School, where he maintained a grade point average above 4.0 and received academic awards. Cromartie, who has autism, graduated in 2022, although his mother, Selena McMillan, had thought he would return to Lumberton High the next school year in accordance with his individualized education program. Frustrated, McMillan filed a petition with the N.C. Office of …Read more Continue reading Robeson County parents say schools are failing their children with special needs
Early voting turnout in NC’s Border Belt lags behind statewide surge
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org North Carolina has seen record highs for in-person early voter turnout so far this election, but most of the Border Belt counties are lagging behind the rest of the state. Columbus and Scotland counties both had a turnout rate of about 12% as of Sunday, after three days of early in-person voting, according to the state Board of Elections. Robeson County …Read more Continue reading Early voting turnout in NC’s Border Belt lags behind statewide surge
Donald Trump Jr. will make campaign stop in Robeson County
By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to make a stop in Robeson County on Friday, a sign that his father’s campaign is counting on Lumbee voters to help win North Carolina. Trump Jr. is set to appear with Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. House representative from Hawaii, and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. They will deliver remarks at a 6 p.m. event …Read more Continue reading Donald Trump Jr. will make campaign stop in Robeson County