Statewide early voting turnout struggles to reach 11 percent

Despite the best efforts of the media and political activists, on both sides, to help voters see the importance of municipal elections, North Carolina voters continue to their traditional lack of enthusiasm for local races.

Historically, voter turnout for the municipal races hoovered around, or just above, 11 percent. But the numbers at the end of early voting, statewide, stand at around 10.17 percent.

We'll have to wait until election night to see if the numbers get above 11 percent...but no one should hold their breath. 

Turnout very low in Forsyth County

I believe voter turnout in Forsyth County reflects statewide sentiments very well. With thousands of voters eligible to participate in municipal elections in Kernersville, Walkertown, Clemmons, Lewisville, Tobaccoville, Bethania, and Rural Hall only 454 showed up to cast their ballots. 

And 111 of them voted on Saturday, November 1st.

Long lines at the Polls on Election Day?

In the past, Republicans ABSOLUTELY HATED early voting and insisted upon casting their ballots  on Election day as a form of protest against 17 days early voting voting--which essentially transformed Election day into Election month. 

I don't think any of that is playing a role here so we shouldn't expect to see long lines at the polls on Election day.

Too many voters have curbed their enthusiasm for municipal races to the point where it's become apathy and indifference. But rather than accept this, we simply need to redouble our efforts to get voters to understand the importance of municipal elections. 

A message about Unity from

District 10 Chair

Alex Nelson

A Message from the Heart: Why We Stand Together

Dear Friends,

When we look back at the defining moments of history, our hearts are stirred by a single, profound question: Why?

Why did our forefathers risk the gallows, knowing their lives were forfeit if they were caught? Why did our soldiers rush the beaches of Normandy, staring down fate for a future they might never see? Why does a brave soul, like the firefighter who stepped forward at the moment of crisis, put the safety of others above their own survival?

The answer to every one of those questions is not found in politics or power, but in love and conviction. They acted not because they were promised a tomorrow, but because they deeply believed in the legacy they would leave behind—a legacy of freedom, security, and promise for those who followed.

This is the spirit that compels us today. This is the enduring "why" that grounds everything we do.

Our Focus: Securing Our Cornerstone

When you ask, "Why are you doing what you are doing?" the answer is simple and powerful: It is for family, and it is for freedom.

Your focus is clear, and it reflects the values that built this nation:

• Protecting Our Sanctuary: It’s about securing a safe haven where your wife, children, and grandchildren can thrive, feeling protected and empowered in their home, with the fundamental right to self-protection intact.

• Restoring Order to Our Streets: It’s about ensuring that every family, including yours, can drive down any street without fear of chaos or lawlessness, maintaining civil order and respect for community safety.

• Upholding Trust in Education: It’s about guaranteeing that our children and grandchildren can attend school focused purely on learning, free from fear and secure in the traditional boundaries that give them comfort and certainty.

• Ensuring Prosperity at the Table: It’s about fighting to hold inflation at a moderate, manageable level so that the hard work of your wife and family translates into tangible security, and food can be reliably placed on the table.

These principles are the inheritance we must protect. The safety, prosperity, and moral compass of our children and grandchildren depend on us staying the course in the federal government and making the right choices here at home.

They depend on us securing the right leadership—replacing our Governor and maintaining a strong majority in both the House and Senate, both here in the state and nationally.

The Power of Unity

We have, perhaps, spent too much time demonstrating what happens when we are divided. Now, let’s choose a different path. Let’s show the world what we can achieve in the Tenth District when we stand together.

Our shared values are our strength. Let us channel the same courage that inspired our forefathers and D-Day heroes—a courage driven by love for the future—and apply it to the critical work ahead.

With the deepest conviction and hope for our future,

By Ben Devine, Chair

Catawba County GOP

The Catawba County Republican Party held its annual Fish Fry last Saturday, October 25th, at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds in Newton.

In attendance and speaking were State Auditor Dave Boliek, US Senate Candidate Don Brown, and US Congressman Pat Harrigan,along with numerous local officials and candidates. It was another successful fish fry, with around 400 people in attendance, and all proceeds going to the Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley.

We thank everyone who came out to be part of this annual event and also
extend a special thanks to Newton-Conover School Board Member Brad Scott for serving as Master of the Ceremony.

Upcoming Events!

The Iredell County Young Republicans are having a Social on Friday, November 7th at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

NCGOP Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 6 pm. at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. For more information, click here.

The 10th District Executive Committee will have a fundraiser on Saturday, November 21st, at the Trump International Golf Course at 120 Trump Square in Mooresville.