Insight and analysis of politics in North Carolina and beyond http://www.thevoterupdate.com Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:00:37 -0800 Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:17:37 -0800 http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=983 Members of the North Carolina General Assembly hosted their counterparts from the South Carolina Legislature in a friendly, yet often intensely played, basketball game on Wednesday night at a sweltering Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh. Thu, 23 May 2013 07:57:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=961 On the same day that the N.C. Senate is taking up a proposed budget that includes a provision to end the state's judicial public financing program, two West Virginia Republicans came to Raleigh to explain how publicly funded court elections could raise confidence in their judiciary while boosting their state’s economy. Wed, 22 May 2013 14:11:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=973 In a dramatic finish to Wednesday's N.C. House session, Rep. Robert Brawley (R-Iredell) resigned as co-chair of the House Finance Committee over disputes with Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg). Wed, 22 May 2013 14:10:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=955 The N.C. General Assembly will play host to their counterparts from South Carolina in a basketball game at Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of N.C. State tonight at 6:30 p.m. Wed, 22 May 2013 12:37:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=943 Over the past five election cycles, 80 percent of appellate court candidates have participated in the voluntary system, including all eight eligible candidates in 2012. Mon, 20 May 2013 15:48:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=937 While generally praising the N.C. Senate's budget, the governor noted seven areas where he differs with that chamber's spending plan. Mon, 20 May 2013 13:03:55 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/5_20_13_crossover.php A caroonist's take on the tall tasks that remain for the legislative session. Mon, 20 May 2013 10:17:24 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=931 The Senate is poised to vote on the spending plan this week before sending it to the House. Sun, 19 May 2013 23:07:04 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/slideshows/5_18_13_presidential_pets.php A look at the cats and dogs that roamed the White House Sat, 18 May 2013 15:40:22 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/5_16_13_transparency.php A bill to improve campaign finance disclosure in North Carolina cleared a major hurdle recently when it passed out of the N.C. House with near-unanimous support, 115-1. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:08:20 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/slideshows/5_15_13_kid_presidents.php A look at 12 kids who became commander in chief Wed, 15 May 2013 11:18:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/slideshows/5_13_13_actors.php What do "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "The Love Boat" have in common? Aside from being classic '80s TV hits, they produced two unlikely members of Congress. Mon, 13 May 2013 12:06:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/video/five_things/5_7_13_judicial.php Brent Laurenz, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, looks at five key points about North Carolina's innovative program of public campaign financing for elections to the N.C. Supreme Court and N.C. Court of Appeals. Tue, 7 May 2013 16:49:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/5_6_13_judicial_poll.php A strong majority of North Carolina voters support the state’s public campaign financing program for judicial candidates, according to a new poll commissioned by the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Mon, 6 May 2013 10:07:22 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/2013/vu_5_3_13.php From the budget and tax reform, to voter ID and bills aimed at Asheville, Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University provides insight into this year's legislative session. Fri, 3 May 2013 12:01:46 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/4_30_13_democracy.php There was a pretty remarkable moment last week at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas. Tue, 30 April 2013 14:39:40 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=818 President Barack Obama on Monday named Democratic Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as his nominee to replace outgoing U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Mon, 29 April 2013 22:02:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=926 A strong majority of North Carolina voters support reforming the state’s redistricting process, according to a new poll commissioned by the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Mon, 29 April 2013 14:29:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=815 Republican Gov. Pat McCrory on Friday announced his picks to serve on the State Board of Elections. Fri, 26 April 2013 22:41:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=903 A bill requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote beginning in 2016 passed the N.C. House on Wednesday and now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Thu, 25 April 2013 10:16:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=812 A bill recently introduced in the N.C. House would name an official state fossil, marsupial, frog, folk art and salamander. Wed, 24 April 2013 10:24:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=812 A new poll finds former secretary of state Hillary Clinton leading Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) among Tar Heel voters in hypothetical match-ups for the White House. Mon, 22 April 2013 22:12:45 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=881 Republican Gov. Pat McCrory continues to enjoy positive poll numbers just over 100 days into his administration, while the GOP-controlled legislature is suffering in the court of public opinion, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling. Mon, 22 April 2013 17:02:45 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/2013/vu_4_19_13.php Dr. Kenneth Fernandez of the Elon University Poll offers insight into North Carolina attitudes on such hot-button issues as education, immigration and same-sex marriage. Fri, 19 April 2013 22:09:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/4_18_13_redistricting.php The goal is to give voters an equal voice in determining who represents them, rather than their elected officials being chosen for them. Thu, 18 April 2013 16:31:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=875 The reform measure has some 60 co-sponsors – a majority in that chamber – and would take redistricting authority away from legislators, giving it to nonpartisan legislative staff. Thu, 18 April 2013 14:17:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/video/five_things/4_17_13_redistricting.php Brent Laurenz, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, looks at five key points in a new redistricting reform bill proposed by the N.C. House and what the measure could mean for North Carolina voters. Wed, 17 April 2013 14:23:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/ Dr. David McLennan from William Peace University offers insight into a proposed voter ID law, along with measures that would shorten early voting, end same-day registration and ban Sunday voting. Fri, 12 April 2013 16:09:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/video/five_things/4_10_13_voter_id.php Brent Laurenz, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, looks at five key points in a new voter ID bill proposed by the N.C. House and what the measure could mean for North Carolina voters. Wed, 10 April 2013 11:15:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=865 A bipartisan group of state lawmakers has introduced a plan to take party politics out of drawing congressional and legislative voting maps. Tue, 9 April 2013 16:41:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=850 Under House Bill 589, North Carolina voters would be required to present a state-issued photo ID in order to cast a ballot in person as of Jan. 1, 2016. Thu, 4 April 2013 15:55:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=842 Among the proposed measures are provisions that would penalize parents whose children vote at college. Wed, 3 April 2013 17:08:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/4_2_13_voter_participation.php Efforts are underway at the N.C. General Assembly to make it harder for citizens to vote in North Carolina. Tue, 2 April 2013 09:08:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/4_1_13_remodeling.php A cartoonist's take on recent bills that could limit voting opportunities in North Carolina. Mon, 1 April 2013 05:28:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=830 A host of bills were introduced in the N.C. General Assembly recently that could fundamentally alter elections in North Carolina. Thu, 28 March 2013 15:11:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/tournament/index.php Honest Abe defeats George Washington in a rematch from last year's title round Tue, 26 March 2013 16:39:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/3_21_13_judicial_budget.php The governor should be applauded for allocating funds for election system maintenance, but he should seriously rethink his move to end the state's successful program of voter-owned court elections. Thu, 21 March 2013 15:55:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=819 This year’s state budgeting process began in earnest on Wednesday as Republican Gov. Pat McCrory unveiled his version of a two-year spending plan totaling $20.6 billion. Wed, 20 March 2013 12:59:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/3_19_13_voter_id.php While it is still unclear what form the voter identification legislation will take, it is clear that whatever is passed will ultimately have a major impact on the way elections are conducted in North Carolina. Tue, 19 March 2013 07:55:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/3_18_13_sequester.php Federal budget cuts mean you may have to revise those summer vacation plans. Mon, 18 March 2013 11:08:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/3_16_13_opossum.php A cartoonist's take on a recent bill passed by the N.C. legislature allowing the Brasstown "Possum Drop" to proceed. Sat, 16 March 2013 09:34:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=793 While Republicans outlined their process for developing new voter identification requirements in North Carolina, Democrats warned against disenfranchising voters. Tue, 5 March 2013 21:34:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/3_5_13_protect_courts.php The N.C. Public Campaign Fund affords citizens the chance to support good government and a fair court system through North Carolina's innovative judicial election program. Tue, 5 March 2013 16:07:49 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/3_4_13_1801.php July 4, 1776 was the date America was born, but March 4, 1801 was the day our nation proved it could endure. Mon, 4 March 2013 14:08:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=783 Sometimes the battle lines in the legislature are drawn not between two parties, but two chambers. Thu, 28 February 2013 12:10:29 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/2_26_13_disclosure.php The N.C. Legislature can take steps to give citizens insight into the source of campaign contributions Tue, 26 February 2013 15:34:35 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/2_26_13_legislative_start.php In just a few short weeks the Republicans in charge have already churned out some consequential issues that have the potential to leave a large impact on the state. Tue, 26 February 2013 12:09:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/2_15_13_cupid.php Even Cupid can't bring about bipartisan harmony on Capitol Hill. Fri, 15 February 2013 19:22:48 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=787 The tendency of North Carolina teens to opt for unaffiliated status parallels state and national trends showing growth in the ranks of independent voters. Thu, 14 February 2013 10:02:35 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=773 As the N.C. House takes up a Senate-approved bill that would block expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina, Gov. Pat McCrory issued a press release signaling his support for the measure. Tue, 12 February 2013 10:00:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/2_11_13_tax_delay.php Taxpayers shouldn't plan on spending their income tax refund too quickly this year, the government has warned. Mon, 11 February 2013 11:13:48 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/2_8_13_medicaid.php A cartoonist's take on the N.C. Senate's rush to limit Medicaid expansion, over Gov. McCrory's note of caution. Fri, 8 February 2013 09:08:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/2_7_13_judicial.php A plan to repeal judicial public campaign financing could severely damage voter confidence in our justice system. Thu, 7 February 2013 13:03:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php Reforming our current redistricting process is the single most impactful legislative decision the General Assembly could make this year. Wed, 6 February 2013 14:24:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php State lawmakers returned to Raleigh on Wednesday to begin in earnest their work for the 2013 legislative session. Wed, 30 January 2013 16:42:18 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php North Carolina was one of the few states to maintain election momentum from the 2008 presidential race. Tue, 29 January 2013 13:46:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php We speak with Tom Jensen from Public Policy Polling for insight into voter attitudes on state and national politics. Fri, 25 January 2013 17:08:43 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=770 After the Queen City acquitted itself very well during the 2012 Democratic National Convention, it might make sense for Republicans to come to Charlotte in the next presidential election year. Fri, 25 January 2013 11:23:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=753 Critics of a possible photo identification requirement say it could create an unfair obstacle for hundreds of thousands of lawful North Carolina voters. Wed, 23 January 2013 23:03:56 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=753 With his left hand rested upon two Bibles – one belonging to President Abraham Lincoln and the other to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – and his right hand raised before the nation, President Barack Obama took the oath of office on Monday at a public ceremony to commence his second term. Tue, 22 January 2013 16:19:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/1_22_13_sunlight.php One-third of North Carolina lawmakers will be serving their first term in 2013, an opportunity for a clean break from business as usual on Jones Street Tue, 22 January 2013 12:27:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/1_17_13_redistricting.php Floating in the sea of legislative priorities is an issue that, while not on the tip of everyone's tongue, certainly plays a hand in the future of North Carolina politics - redistricting. Thu, 17 January 2013 15:31:58 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2013/01/17/white-house-says-no-to-building-death-star/ The Obama administration turns down petition to build a moon-sized, killer space station inspired by "Star Wars" Thu, 17 January 2013 12:29:01 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=726 Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger seems to part ways somewhat with Gov. Pat McCrory and House Speaker Thom Tillis on the issue of voter ID. Thu, 17 January 2013 12:03:29 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php What could the change in party control of the governor's office mean for North Carolina politics? We speak with Dr. Michael Bitzer of Catawba College to find out. Mon, 14 January 2013 23:35:20 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/slideshows/1_12_13_inaugural_parade.php Photos from the 2013 North Carolina Inaugural Parade, held in downtown Raleigh on Jan. 12. Sat, 12 January 2013 22:09:45 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2013/1_11_13_house_guest.php A cartoonist's take on Gov. McCrory's tough job ahead. Fri, 11 January 2013 07:34:48 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=738 Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are the early frontrunners for the 2016 presidential election, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling. Thu, 10 January 2013 16:46:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=718 Gov. Pat McCrory and House Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) appear to be shifting their positions slightly on potential voter ID legislation. Thu, 10 January 2013 14:02:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=702 The N.C. General Assembly commenced its 2013 session on Wednesday by swearing in members, electing leadership and assigning committees before adjourning until Jan. 30. Wed, 9 January 2013 17:08:27 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=690 When the legislature convenes Wednesday, 102 of the 170 legislators who were in the building three years ago will be gone. Wed, 9 January 2013 09:04:34 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/1_8_13_key_points.php As we move into 2013, here are some things to keep an eye on in the world of North Carolina government. Tue, 8 January 2013 10:12:47 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=727 Former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory was sworn in at the State Capitol on Saturday, officially becoming North Carolina’s first Republican governor in 20 years. Sat, 5 January 2013 20:18:30 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=715 A joint session of the U.S. Congress was held Friday to open and count Electoral College votes submitted by the 50 states and District of Columbia, ending the 2012 presidential election. Fri, 4 January 2013 16:29:37 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=708 The 113th U.S. Congress got underway Thursday with the re-election of Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as House speaker, but not without some dissent from within his party’s caucus. Thu, 3 January 2013 16:23:51 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2013/1_2_13_fiscal_cliff.php The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 257-167 to approve a Senate compromise on the so-called “fiscal cliff” late Tuesday night, avoiding steep automatic spending cuts and historically high tax increases. Wed, 2 January 2013 01:10:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/12_31_12_polictionary.php With 2012 coming to a close, the Polictionary is back for a look at some of the notable words and phrases from the political year that was. Mon, 31 December 2012 16:11:34 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/12_27_12_top_stories.php From Perdue's surprise announcement to McCrory's win, here are five key political stories from the year that was. Thu, 27 December 2012 11:32:58 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=692 Over 4.5 million North Carolina voters cast a ballot in this year’s presidential contest, but it was the votes of 15 people at the State Capitol more than a month after Election Day that technically mattered most. Tue, 18 December 2012 21:11:18 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/12_13_12_fiscal_cliff.php A cartoonist's take on the pending fiscal cliff Thu, 13 December 2012 22:47:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/12_11_12_mccrory_veto.php Will the new governor part ways with his fellow Republicans in the legislature? Tue, 11 December 2012 16:09:24 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/12/10/poll-s-c-voters-favor-colbert-for-u-s-senate/ A new survey from Public Policy Polling finds Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert as the top choice among South Carolina voters to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint. Mon, 10 December 2012 15:41:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/12_10_12_wishlist.php With the holiday season upon us, here are a few hopes for the political year to come. Mon, 10 December 2012 13:47:46 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/11_30_12_mixed_emotions.php A cartoonist's take on the results of Election 2012 Fri, 30 November 2012 17:07:39 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=658 A tally of ballots cast in congressional races across North Carolina in 2012 shows that Democrats edged out Republicans, 51-49 percent, but lost three seats. Thu, 29 November 2012 15:47:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/11_26_12_thanks.php No matter who we voted for on Nov. 6, we can all be thankful that we as Americans have the right to vote and that when political power does transfer, it’s a peaceful affair. Mon, 26 November 2012 13:01:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=630 Ballot drop-off in statewide court elections decreased over last two election cycles Tue, 20 November 2012 13:23:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/11/19/nbc-plays-host-to-could-be-2016-candidates/ Biden and Christie guest on two NBC comedies Mon, 19 November 2012 15:57:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/11_15_12_election_2016.php A cartoonist's take on the end of the 2012 election and the start of the 2016 presidential race Thu, 15 November 2012 10:03:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/11_9_12_new_reality.php North Carolina woke up to a new political reality on Nov. 7, the likes of which nobody alive today can remember and all of which seemed nearly impossible just four short years ago. Wed, 7 November 2012 13:47:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=620 North Carolina Republicans had plenty to cheer about on election night 2012 as former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory easily won election as the state’s first GOP governor in 20 years. Wed, 7 November 2012 13:47:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=613 President Barack Obama won a second term in office on Tuesday night, sweeping a series of battleground states for a clear victory in the Electoral College, while narrowly edging out Republican Mitt Romney in the popular vote. Wed, 7 November 2012 13:12:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=610 According to the State Board of Elections, some 4.5 million ballots were cast in North Carolina’s 2012 general election, an increase from the 4.3 million cast in 2008. Wed, 7 November 2012 12:01:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=605 After what has at times seemed an interminable campaign season, Election 2012 now rests in the hands of voters. Tue, 6 November 2012 10:23:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=595 How this year's billion-dollar presidential campaign got its start in 1952 Mon, 5 November 2012 16:08:46 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/9_10_12_charlotte_shines.php Who was the real winner last week when President Barack Obama, his fellow Democrats and much of the political world descended on North Carolina? The city of Charlotte. Mon, 10 September 2012 14:08:45 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/9_3_12_undecided.php A cartoonist's take on the rarest species this election year. Mon, 3 September 2012 14:27:49 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/8_27_12_political_spotlight.php Once overlooked by presidential candidates, North Carolina now steps center stage in the race for the White House Mon, 27 August 2012 15:04:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/8_14_12_mars_rover.php A cartoonist's take on NASA's rover "Curiosity" discovering the far reaches of Election 2012 Tue, 14 August 2012 07:11:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=502 The majority of past vice presidents never became president. Instead, they served in the shadow of presidents then faded away as historical footnotes. Mon, 13 August 2012 17:03:36 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/8_13_12_judicial_pac.php The introduction of judicial PACs is troubling because it threatens the independence of the court and runs counter to the current system we have in place to elect judges. Mon, 13 August 2012 10:28:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=489 Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Saturday announced the selection of Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate at a rally in Norfolk, Virginia. Sat, 11 August 2012 10:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/8_7_12_veepstakes.php With presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s running-mate decision fast approaching, the media has made sure that the general public understands the earth-shattering importance of a vice presidential choice. Tue, 7 August 2012 14:49:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=470 A relatively small number of North Carolina voters went to the polls on Tuesday to decide nominees in a handful of statewide, congressional and legislative races. Wed, 18 July 2012 13:29:35 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/7_16_12_legislature.php Earlier this month, the N.C. General Assembly adjourned after some long nights spent wrapping up its business for 2012. Mon, 16 July 2012 19:23:59 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=462 From the fanfare surrounding Kennedy’s Hollywood Rat Pack in the election of 1960, to the lesser known “Star” Wars waged between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter in 1980, endorsements from celebrities in some capacity have become almost a necessity in presidential campaigns. Fri, 13 July 2012 16:01:36 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=462 Republican former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory continues to hold a lead over Democratic Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton in the race for North Carolina governor, according to results released Wednesday by Public Policy Polling. Wed, 11 July 2012 13:41:39 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=449 President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney continue to run neck and neck in North Carolina, according to new results from Public Policy Polling (PPP). Tue, 10 July 2012 13:18:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/7_3_12_runoff.php You might not know it, but North Carolina has an election coming up in a couple of weeks – July 17 to be precise. That is the date of a runoff vote following the May 8 primary. Tue, 3 July 2012 13:47:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=678 As the N.C. General Assembly wound down its work for the year, lawmakers took up a flurry of bills in a marathon session Monday that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Tue, 3 July 2012 11:15:27 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/6_28_12_hava.php A cartoonist's take on the N.C. legislature's decision to reject $4 million in federal funds that would have helped the state's election system in a year when North Carolina could see record turnout at the polls Thu, 28 June 2012 06:34:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=646 A press conference was held Wednesday afternoon at the N.C. General Assembly to rally support for a joint legislative resolution to overturn the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision of Citizens United v FEC. Thu, 14 June 2012 13:12:56 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=439 A new poll shows Republican Pat McCrory’s advantage over Democrat Walter Dalton remaining steady over the past month, even as ads attacking both gubernatorial candidates have hit the airwaves across North Carolina. Wed, 13 June 2012 14:46:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=432 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney leads Democratic President Barack Obama 48-46 percent in North Carolina, according to new survey results released Tuesday by Public Policy Polling. Tue, 12 June 2012 13:57:58 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/6_11_12_nixons_knee.php How a car door in North Carolina helped decide the presidential election of 1960 Mon, 11 June 2012 16:02:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/6_7_12_edwards.php From Jesse Helms to Terry Sanford, North Carolina’s level of success in generating legitimately electable presidential candidates has been lackluster to say the least -- that was, until John Edwards came along. Thu, 7 June 2012 11:34:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/6_7_12_campaign_storm.php For the first election season in a long time, our state is on the radar of both parties and major candidates at the beginning of an election year, which helps explain the early onslaught of TV ads. Thu, 7 June 2012 9:08:26 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/6_5_12_trump.php A cartoonist's take on the GOP's relationship with Donald Trump Wed, 6 June 2012 16:22:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=639 A North Carolina early learning advocacy group set up more than 400 life-size paper dolls outside the N.C. General Assembly Thursday morning in an effort to push the legislature to support early learning programs this session. Thu, 31 May 2012 17:18:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/05/31/top-5-fictional-presidents Of course, film and TV presidents have the luxury of being fictitious and thus not answerable to the electorate, which frees them up to make the impassioned speech or take the controversial stand. Maybe that’s what often makes them more entertaining than the real thing. Thu, 31 May 2012 13:49:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=617 Ten hours after the day’s session began, the N.C. House on Wednesday passed its version of a $20.3 billion state budget, 73-46. Thu, 31 May 2012 12:02:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/5_30_12_swing_state.php A cartoonist's take on the life in a swing state. Tue, 29 May 2012 23:42:01 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=600 A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, reform advocates and citizens gathered at the legislature on Tuesday to call for changes to how congressional and legislative voting maps are drawn in North Carolina. Tue, 29 May 2012 17:49:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=595 A group of North Carolina citizens visited the N.C. General Assembly on Wednesday to call for lawmakers to support a constitutional amendment overturning the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of Citizens United v FEC. Fri, 25 May 2012 11:08:04 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/5_18_12_superpac.php A cartoonist's take on the rise of Super PAC attack ads. Fri, 18 May 2012 17:01:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=406 Republican gubernatorial nominee Pat McCrory leads his Democratic opponent Walter Dalton 46-40 percent as their general election campaigns get underway, according to a new post-primary survey from Public Policy Polling (PPP). Tue, 15 May 2012 13:23:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=393 Several statewide and congressional elections were left unsettled at the conclusion of last week’s primary voting, sending the contests to a runoff in the dead of summer. Mon, 14 May 2012 15:19:35 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/5_9_12_primary_results.php In the midst of heated elections across the country, Wilkesboro native Zach Galifianakis will join Will Ferrell in the summer movie "The Campaign," a comedy centered on a fictional North Carolina congressional race. Mon, 14 May 2012 12:21:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/5_9_12_primary_results.php Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton emerged as the Democratic nominee for governor Tuesday night, beating out ex-congressman Bob Etheridge for the chance to take on former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory, who decisively won the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, North Carolina voters approved an amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. Wed, 9 May 2012 03:08:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=359 Watching the legislative process play out, it astounds me how right our Founding Fathers got it. Separation of powers, checks and balances, constitutional review -- concepts we learned in civics class -- are what keep us from corruption and tyranny. Wed, 28 March 2012 17:25:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=359 Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney garnered a decisive victory in the Illinois primary Tuesday night, beating his chief rival Rick Santorum by nearly 12 percentage points. Wed, 21 March 2012 13:08:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/3_15_12_partisan_politics.php Recent news out of Raleigh reveals that the Republican leadership in the N.C. General Assembly spent $675,000 on outside counsel to ensure that the new district maps they drew would not run afoul of the law. Some of those hired had worked in other states consulting on how to make the maps more favorable to the GOP. Thu, 15 March 2012 11:22:29 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=323 Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney led the field of four Republican presidential candidates with wins in six states Tuesday, but the frontrunner was unable to definitively emerge as the party’s inevitable standard-bearer. Wed, 7 March 2012 13:03:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=314 Former congressman Bob Etheridge holds a 7-point lead over Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton in the contest for the Democratic nomination for governor, with nearly half of voters undecided, according to survey results released Friday by Public Policy Polling. Fri, 2 March 2012 11:56:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=301 Candidate filing in North Carolina closed at noon yesterday and voters across the state need to be ready to face some very crowded ballots when they go to the polls on May 8. Thu, 1 March 2012 13:03:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/02/29/kanye-for-president/ The revolving door between Hollywood and Washington is old hat. Actors becoming politicians and politicians becoming actors is now a Firmly. Ensconced. Tradition. But noticeably absent from electoral success are crossovers from the music scene. Wed, 29 February 2012 13:47:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/2_29_12_discourse.php Solutions aren’t easy to come by. But there are things we can do to help turn the debate about the role of government away from a yell fest and back into a conversation. Wed, 29 February 2012 12:01:43 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=296 Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney got a boost for his presidential campaign with a one-two punch Tuesday night, winning Republican primaries in Arizona and his native state of Michigan. Tue, 28 February 2012 23:03:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=286 With Mitt Romney virtually assured of victory in today’s Arizona Republican primary, the eyes of the political world are on Michigan today as voters cast their ballots in the Republican primary. Tue, 28 February 2012 17:18:03 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/2_16_12_registration_errors.php Voter registration systems across the country are out of date, inefficient and rife with errors, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States. Thu, 16 February 2012 17:01:41 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/2_15_12_apt.php After 32 years, the Agency for Public Telecommunications (APT) announced that it will close its doors this spring. Folks might not know APT by name, but they are most certainly familiar with their work. Wed, 15 February 2012 16:49:24 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=270 Today is the official beginning of the 2012 election as candidate filing gets underway across North Carolina. Mon, 13 February 2012 14:03:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=264 After stumbling last week in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri, Mitt Romney got a boost Saturday from a caucus victory in Maine and a straw poll win at an influential conservative conference. Sat, 11 February 2012 22:23:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/2_10_12_abramoff.php Taking the stage at William Peace University on Thursday night, Jack Abramoff noted that it had been more than 25 years since he last set foot in Raleigh, then campaigning for President Ronald Reagan as chairman of the College Republican National Committee. Fri, 10 February 2012 13:19:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/2_9_12_retirement.php A cartoonist's take on the spate of Democratic retirements in North Carolina. Thu, 9 February 2012 11:22:13 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=257 Former congressman Bob Etheridge leads a field of Democratic gubernatorial candidates in a survey released Wednesday by Public Policy Polling. Wed, 8 February 2012 14:47:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=252 Former U.S. senator Rick Santorum had the biggest night of his presidential candidacy thus far on Tuesday as he pulled off a trifecta in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado. Wed, 8 February 2012 12:19:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/02/07/coach-k-for-governor/ As the Blue Devils and Tar Heels prepare to battle, and with the race for the Executive Mansion still up in the air, Public Policy Polling asks voters which current coach in the legendary rivalry would make the better governor. Tue, 7 February 2012 17:12:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=244 Just days after a decisive win in the Florida primary, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney swept to victory in the Nevada caucuses Saturday, strengthening his position as the frontrunner in the race for the GOP presidential nomination. Meanwhile, polls in upcoming state primaries show former U.S. senator Rick Santorum potentially primed for a big week. Sun, 5 February 2012 20:19:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=232 The first five weeks of 2012 may have been the most trying time for North Carolina Democrats since the party suffered historic defeats in the 2010 state legislative elections. Sat, 4 February 2012 16:02:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=225 It’s been a pretty quiet week on the airwaves for the Republican presidential candidates after Mitt Romney’s big win in Florida on Tuesday. And with Romney poised to win big in Nevada tomorrow, perhaps there’s not much of a need for a heavy advertising blitz in the state either. Fri, 3 February 2012 15:39:19 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/2_3_12_groundhog_pac.php A cartoonist's take on the shadowy feud between Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich Fri, 3 February 2012 12:24:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=585 Today, after just one term as minority leader, Hackney decided not to seek re-election. Thu, 2 February 2012 18:01:42 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/2_2_12_mcrory_strategy.php A cartoonist's take on Gov. Bev Perdue's decision not to seek re-election. Thu, 2 February 2012 07:12:49 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/2_2_12_storm.php It will be interesting to see the reaction of both the right and the left after a season of political spending unrivaled in our nation’s history. Perhaps there will be calls for reform. But one thing is for sure: it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Thu, 2 February 2012 07:03:55 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=219 Ten days after finishing a distant second to Newt Gingrich in South Carolina, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney won a resounding victory in the Florida presidential primary on Tuesday night. Tue, 31 January 2012 10:52:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=577 Just like amateurism in college sports, the notion that the General Assembly is run by citizen politicians is a farce. There is nothing part-time about public service in Raleigh. Tue, 31 January 2012 17:59:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=214 Survey results released today by Public Policy Polling (PPP) show Republican former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory leading a field of 13 potential Democratic rivals for the governor’s mansion. Mon, 30 January 2012 17:32:04 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=185 Florida can play an important role depending on the outcome tomorrow, but it is not likely to be decisive and end the race. What to look for from each of the candidates: Mon, 30 January 2012 16:27:52 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=208 The 2012 North Carolina political landscape saw a major shift this morning as news broke that Gov. Bev Perdue would not be seeking reelection this fall. Thu, 26 January 2012 16:38:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2012/1_25_12_new_years.php An animated take on the political year that was and the political year to come. Wed, 25 January 2012 20:03:47 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=181 With a come-from-behind win for Newt Gingrich and some big shake ups in the Republican nomination fight, we break down the results in South Carolina and look ahead to Florida on this edition of the “On the Trail” podcast. Mon, 23 January 2012 17:12:48 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=160 While the Electoral College might have made sense back in the day when communication was difficult and travel next to impossible, perhaps it’s high time we came up with a better plan. Thu, 19 January 2012 18:22:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/1_18_12_political_games.php In a hastily called, utterly opaque midnight session, Republican leadership in the N.C. House dropped a political hammer on the state teachers association as retribution for their opposition in a prior political squabble. Wed, 18 January 2012 18:37:39 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=144 According to the Charlotte Observer, President Barack Obama will deliver his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Wed, 18 January 2012 18:22:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/01/18/colbert-nation-and-citizens-united/ Stephen Colbert's absurd antics highlight the need to reform of a system that is, well, laughable. Tue, 17 January 2012 22:17:58 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/1_13_12_preregistration.php For the second year in a row, more teens chose to pre-register as unaffiliated voters rather than identify themselves with any of North Carolina’s three officially recognized political parties in 2011, according to data from the N.C. State Board of Elections. Fri, 13 January 2012 02:08:59 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2012/01/11/actors-turned-politicians-politicians-turned-actors/ In America we are enthralled by big-time Hollywood actors and our politicians, and sometimes those same actors make the leap from the glamorous world of acting to the cutthroat world of politics. Wed, 11 January 2012 16:46:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=138 With a comfortable win for Romney and a fight for second place, we break down the results in New Hampshire on this edition of the "On the Trail" podcast. Wed, 11 January 2012 11:09:32 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=132 A week after the Iowa caucuses produced a photo finish that remained uncertain until the early morning hours, Mitt Romney won the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary Tuesday night with his Republican rivals following far behind. Tue, 10 January 2012 23:57:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=127 New Hampshire Republicans are set to vote in the first-in-the-nation primary tomorrow, and over the weekend the candidates squared off in two separate debates. Mon, 9 January 2012 13:31:57 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/1_9_12_latenight_session.php The capital is abuzz with talk about the N.C. General Assembly’s midnight session. On Wednesday, legislators were called to Raleigh by the governor to discuss overriding her veto of a bill that would repeal the Racial Justice Act. Mon, 9 January 2011 12:14:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=116 Mitt Romney’s Republican rivals left him relatively unscathed in Iowa, choosing instead to attack each other in the final weeks leading up to last Tuesday’s caucuses. However, after Romney’s squeaker of a win in Iowa that appears to be changing. Fri, 6 January 2012 11:21:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=568 What began as a one-day special session to consider a single veto override vote turned into a late-night partisan fight illustrating deep divisions in the N.C. legislature going into an election year. Thu, 5 January 2012 16:59:32 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=110 With the Iowa caucuses coming down to an eight-vote margin, we break down the outcome in the Hawkeye State and what it means for the Republican presidential field with our new "On the Trail" podcast Wed, 4 January 2012 14:09:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=101 Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney narrowly led former U.S. senator Rick Santorum by just eight votes out of the 122,225 cast to claim first place in the 2012 Iowa caucuses Tuesday night. Tue, 3 January 2012 14:37:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=560 On Wednesday, the N.C. General Assembly will meet to consider overriding Gov. Bev Purdue’s veto of a bill that would change the way death penalty convicts can challenge their sentences. Votes to override vetoes are rare in North Carolina, partially because the veto is a relatively new component of the state’s politics. Tue, 3 January 2012 14:37:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=94 On Wednesday, the N.C. General Assembly will meet to consider overriding Gov. Bev Purdue’s veto of a bill that would change the way death penalty convicts can challenge their sentences. Votes to override vetoes are rare in North Carolina, partially because the veto is a relatively new component of the state’s politics. Tue, 3 January 2012 17:03:19 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2012/1_3_12_political_speak.php Wish as I may that our government officials spoke a language that was a bit more down to earth, they seem intent on perpetuating this new tongue. But there is hope. If enough of us learn their language they can’t use it to fool us. Tue, 3 January 2012 14:16:31 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=86 New numbers from Public Policy Polling (PPP) show Iowa as too close to call with the Republican presidential caucuses arriving Tuesday. Mon, 2 January 2012 10:02:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/12_31_11_polictionary.php As 2011 draws to a conclusion, the Polictionary returns to offer up some of the more notable and notorious words and phrases from the political year that was. Sat, 31 December 2011 16:56:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/12_27_11_facebook_revolution.php With key elections coming up in 2012 and political movements, such as Occupy Wall Street, developing not only in America but around the world, social media has become a vital outlet for many people -- especially young people -- seeking to engage in politics and democracy. Tue, 27 December 2011 16:03:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/12_23_11_congress_christmas.php A cartoonist's take on Santa's trip to the Capitol Fri, 23 December 2011 01:34:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=72 With two weeks to go before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses, recent front runner Newt Gingrich appears to have slipped to third place in most polls, behind Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, who seem to be in a statistical dead heat against each other. Thu, 21 December 2011 17:45:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/12_20_11_wishlist.php With the holidays upon us, here is an open letter to St. Nick with a few wishes for 2012. Wed, 20 December 2011 20:18:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=62 With the Iowa caucuses fast approaching on Jan. 3, Republican presidential contenders met in Sioux City Thursday night for their final debate of 2011. Here’s a quick look at how each candidate fared. Fri, 16 December 2011 09:47:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=54 With less than four weeks to go before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses, six of the remaining Republican presidential contenders appeared at Drake College in Des Moines for an ABC News/Yahoo debate Saturday night. Sun, 11 December 2011 00:23:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/12_7_11_gingrich.php A cartoonist's take on the rise of Newt Gingrich in the polls Thu, 8 December 2011 17:18:32 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/12_8_11_afford_to_be_lawmaker.php With the current “help wanted” ad we get good public servants almost by accident. Let’s focus on creating a job description that is worthy of the important work we are asking our elected officials to do. Thu, 8 December 2011 15:18:32 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=47 Ron Paul has officially hit the airwaves in Iowa with two TV ads--one positive and one negative. Tue, 6 December 2011 16:41:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=30 Former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain announced today that he would suspend his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Sat, 3 December 2011 16:02:35 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/trail/?p=13 Recent allegations of a 13-year extramarital affair seem to be inflicting severe damage to Herman Cain’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Fri, 2 December 2011 14:29:19 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/11_30_11_looming_gavel.php A cartoonist's take on the end of the N.C. legislative session Wed, 30 November 2011 18:29:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=532 At the end of this week’s three-day “mini session,” the N.C. General Assembly adjourned for the remainder of 2011 on Tuesday, concluding a legislative year that saw a six-month regular session, followed by a series of more limited shorter sessions. Tue, 29 November 2011 19:23:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_28_11_generation_obama.php The youth vote could play a significant role in deciding the outcome of election 2012. Mon, 28 November 2011 14:58:35 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_23_11_political_thanksgiving.php With Thanksgiving 2011 upon us, here are a few reasons for political figures in North Carolina and nationally to give thanks. Wed, 23 November 2011 19:27:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_21_11_teaparty_occupiers.php Everyone is concerned with the same coin, even if we see it from two different sides. Mon, 21 November 2011 22:14:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/11_21_11_gop_merrygoround.php A cartoonist's take on the rotating faces in the GOP presidential fight Sun, 20 November 2011 21:57:19 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_14_11_beyond_ballotbox.php The true magic of democracy, the real beauty in our system of government, is what happens after the election. After the thrill of the race is gone comes the hard work of governing. Mon, 14 November 2011 19:32:20 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2011/11/11/update-casting-election-2012-the-movie-2/ We may have the final cast for the fake film set. Fri, 11 November 2011 14:12:28 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/11_10_11_one_termers.php A cartoonist's take on a White House visit by formers presidents Bush and Carter Thu, 10 November 2011 11:09:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_9_11_election_results.php With the 2012 elections looming large on the horizon, almost half a million North Carolina voters went to the polls Tuesday for local contests across the state. At the same time, several key votes were decided in other parts of the nation, touching on such issues as collective bargaining rights, abortion and voter ID. Wed, 9 November 2011 12:57:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=525 On the 100th legislative day this year, North Carolina lawmakers returned to Raleigh Monday to take up corrections to new voting maps that erroneously left out thousands of citizens when drawing legislative and congressional districts. Tue, 8 November 2011 14:24:34 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_3_11_local_elections.php Throughout North Carolina we are about to elect local government officials who will have a tremendous impact on everything from where our kids go to school, to the amount of time we sit in traffic and the value of our property. Local candidates might not get their face on television, and probably won’t become household names, but their election is every bit as important as what is going on in the nation's capital. Thu, 3 November 2011 14:32:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2011/11/03/is-america-ready-for-a-mustache-in-the-oval-office/ Herman Cain’s seemingly out-of-nowhere leap to the top of the GOP heap prompts us to note that it’s been quite some time since a president has sported a mustache, as the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO proudly does. Thu, 3 November 2011 14:09:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/11_1_11_chapel_hill.php With municipal elections underway, it is more important than ever that college students recognize their civic duties. As part of the larger community, students are affected by the policies of the town or city where they live. Tue, 1 November 2011 14:01:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/10_18_11_colbert.php The issues of campaign finance reform featured on “The Colbert Report” will not, in and of themselves, restore our democracy. But with protestors on both the left and the right very concerned about bank bailouts and corporate power, perhaps it’s time all of us started paying attention to how our elections are financed. Tue, 18 October 2011 23:18:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/10_4_11_popular_vote.php By blurring the line between politics and entertainment we are left with a sub-par entertainment product and an even more atrocious governance structure. Tue, 4 October 2011 16:13:38 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/9_7_11_election_week.php We need to rethink antiquated notions of how and when our elections are held. Wed, 7 September 2011 12:23:18 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/8_24_11_atm.php In 2012, for perhaps the first time ever, North Carolina will comprehend what it feels like to be a true battleground state. Mon, 24 August 2011 14:11:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php Regan Gatlin discusses her recent article for The Voter Update Magazine, looking at the attitudes of young voters as the 2012 election approaches. Plus we speak with Sam Spencer from the Young Democrats of N.C. and Jonathan Bandy from the N.C. Federation of Young Professional Republicans. Wed, 10 July 2011 11:09:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/8_8_11_congress_immunity.php With more than eight out of 10 citizens unhappy with their leaders in Washington, one would expect mass turnover come the next election. But in reality, at least 80 percent of incumbents will likely remain in office after the 2012 election. Mon, 8 August 2011 16:28:42 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/8_3_11_debt_ceiling.php A cartoonist's take on race to beat default. Wed, 3 August 2011 12:23:38 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/7_29_11_new_generation.php With the 2012 presidential election already on the horizon, I wanted to check in with the generation of young voters who first made their mark on politics in 2008. Fri, 29 July 2011 17:41:22 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=515 To run for Congress in North Carolina, candidates are not required to live in the district they aim to represent. But where they live could greatly impact their election chances. Fri, 29 July 2011 13:33:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=510 The N.C. General Assembly gave final approval to new congressional and legislative districts Wednesday. The redistricting plan now awaits federal approval before being implemented for the 2012 elections. Thu, 28 July 2011 09:18:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/7_27_11_redistricting_poll.php A majority of North Carolina voters are concerned about political gerrymandering and favor giving redistricting authority to an independent body, according to a new poll commissioned by the N.C. Center for Voter Education. Wed, 27 July 2011 14:21:27 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=502 Does the current redistricting process truly conform to the “one person, one vote” standards required by the federal government? Wed, 27 July 2011 13:33:18 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/7_26_11_gerrymander_line.php Right now, with politicians drawing the lines, the results of many of next year’s elections are already a foregone conclusion. Tue, 26 July 2011 13:04:47 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=490 What was ostensibly an informational meeting of the N.C. House and Senate Redistricting Committees Thursday often times seemed an opening salvo in a possible court battle over new voting maps for North Carolina. Thu, 21 July 2011 23:08:27 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/7_20_11_redistricting_selfportrait.php A cartoonist's take on this year's legislative redistricting in North Carolina Wed, 20 July 2011 12:34:41 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=481 The draft redistricting plans released by the General Assembly have garnered plenty of attention, both positive and negative, from across North Carolina. While we can never be sure what will happen in a given election year, on paper the districts seem to favor the Republican Party. Tue, 19 July 2011 13:47:56 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=475 As state lawmakers returned to Raleigh Wednesday to begin a special legislative session, a group of North Carolinians gathered outside the General Assembly to voice their opposition to a bill that would require voters to present a state-issued photo ID when casting a ballot in person. Wed, 13 July 2011 22:24:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=468 Draft redistricting maps for the North Carolina House and Senate were released yesterday, and by all accounts they look to be very friendly for the Republican Party. Since Republicans are controlling the process for the first time in modern history it was widely expected that the new district maps would help shore up the massive gains they made in the 2010 elections. Wed, 13 July 2011 16:01:59 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/7_12_11_true_north.php Republicans in the General Assembly are in some unfamiliar terrain, coming into this year’s session with full control of the legislature for the first time in 140 years. Tue, 12 July 2011 15:17:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/7_8_11_redistricting_rorschach.php A cartoonist's take on the partisan debate over new voting maps Fri, 8 July 2011 17:11:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php We get an inside look at redistricting with Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg), chair of the N.C. Senate Redistricting Committee. Plus Damon Circosta, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, talks redistricting reform. And Brent Laurenz from the Jones Street Chronicles breaks down the political impact of the Republican-drawn maps. Thu, 7 July 2011 14:34:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/6_28_11_watchdog_changes.php Rethinking the role of our political watchdogs is a good idea. An even better idea would be not to rush these changes through at the same time all sorts of other election laws are being considered. Tue, 28 June 2011 20:41:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=460 Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue on Thursday vetoed House Bill 351, which would have required North Carolina voters to present a state-issued photo ID when casting a ballot in person. Thu, 23 June 2011 17:13:41 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/6_18_11_veto_override.php A cartoonist's take on the override of Gov. Perdue's budget veto Sat, 18 June 2011 13:38:05 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=443 The N.C. House on Thursday voted 62-51 to concur with the state Senate on a bill requiring photo identification to vote in North Carolina, sending the measure to Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue for her signature or veto. Thu, 16 June 2011 14:09:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=429 About 14 hours after the N.C. House voted to override Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of a proposed $19.7 billion state budget, the N.C. Senate followed suit on a 31-19 vote. Wed, 15 June 2011 17:24:43 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=422 Just minutes after midnight Wednesday, the N.C. House voted 73-46 to override Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of a $19.7 billion state budget. Wed, 15 June 2011 13:19:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/6_14_11_televise_legislature.php While no one would expect a state public affairs network to become "must-see television," a robust journalism community, community activists and everyday citizens could all play their part in keeping an eye on Raleigh. Tue, 14 June 2011 17:18:19 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=417 Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue on Sunday vetoed a budget passed by the Republican-controlled N.C. legislature, setting up a potential veto override vote in the General Assembly this week. Sun, 12 June 2011 21:09:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=404 The N.C. House on Thursday approved a bill that would require North Carolina voters to present a photo ID to vote. Fri, 10 June 2011 15:18:08 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/6_8_11_voter_id.php A cartoonist's take on a proposal to require photo ID to vote in N.C. Wed, 8 June 2011 19:48:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/6_3_11_corporate_candidate.php A cartoonist's take on a recent ruling that corporations can give money directly to candidates Fri, 3 June 2011 16:47:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=392 A group of North Carolina mothers set up a lemonade stand across from the legislature on Wednesday to raise revenue for the state budget and to raise awareness of proposed cuts that they say would hurt the state’s education system. Wed, 1 June 2011 20:19:31 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/5_31_11_corporate_cash.php Just because corporations are a helpful invention in our economy does not mean we should hand them the keys to our democracy. Tue, 31 May 2011 17:57:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/5_27_11_jobless_left_hanging.php A cartoonist's take on the stalemate over extending unemployment help to some 46,000 North Carolinians Fri, 27 May 2011 16:57:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/5_25_11_rushmore_v2.php It has been 84 years since construction began on Mount Rushmore, so is it time to update the iconic memorial? Wed, 25 May 2011 12:29:18 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2011/05/24/update-casting-election-2012-the-movie/ It’s time to update our casting picks for "Election 2012: The Movie." Mon, 23 May 2011 16:54:12 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/5_23_11_budget_cuts.php A cartoonist's take on the legislative debate over state budget cuts Mon, 23 May 2011 16:54:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/5_18_11_back_to_future.php Fondness for the '80s doesn't stop with fashion and film. According to a recent poll from the N.C. Center for Voter Education, North Carolina voters wouldn't mind having two prominent '80s politicians back in office as well. Wed, 18 May 2011 23:28:33 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=379 The N.C. House on Wednesday voted 60-58 to give final approval to House Bill 658, which would reduce the state’s early voting period by one week. Wed, 18 May 2011 23:04:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=362 Despite the historic Republican victories in the 2010 elections, voter registration numbers in North Carolina have remained pretty consistent since May of last year. Tue, 17 May 2011 12:39:49 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/pop/2011/05/13/american-idol-scotty-mccreery-gets-a-new-fan-in-the-n-c-house/ The frenzy over Garner-native Scotty McCreery‘s run on “American Idol” came to the N.C. General Assembly on Thursday, and left one lawmaker with a case of foot-in-mouth syndrome. Fri, 13 May 2011 10:13:21 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=350 After an hour-long debate on the matter, the N.C. House on Thursday gave tentative approval to a measure that would reduce the state’s early voting period by one week. Thu, 12 May 2011 17:59:59 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=340 Here is their list of what the new Republican legislative pledged to accomplish in the session's first 100 days, along with the progress they have made. Fri, 6 May 2011 12:57:41 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=334 A three-hour debate culminated with the N.C. House giving final approval to its version of a two-year state budget on a 72-47 vote Wednesday. Wed, 4 May 2011 22:09:23 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=297 More than 11 hours after beginning a daylong session dominated by debate over some 40 proposed amendments, the N.C. House tentatively approved its version of a 2011-2013 state budget on a 72-47 vote. Wed, 4 May 2011 02:54:49 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=300 After nearly 10 hours of debate over proposed amendments to the N.C. House budget, tensions rose when Rep. Edgar Starnes (R-Caldwell) brought forward a last-minute amendment Tuesday evening that would have repealed the state’s public financing program for appellate court elections. Wed, 4 May 2011 01:00:57 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/5_2_11_war_on_voting.php Given some of the recent bills proposed in the N.C. General Assembly, there seems to be a "war on voting." Mon, 2 May 2011 11:24:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts What is it like to be a new legislator at a time when the state faces a massive $2 billion budget shortfall, among other challenges? To get some insight, we speak with Rep. Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), serving in his first N.C. House term. Fri, 29 April 2011 17:09:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/4_28_11_presidents_poll.php North Carolina voters are most likely to want former President Ronald Reagan and former Gov. Jim Hunt back in office today, according to a new poll commissioned by the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Thu, 28 April 2011 13:48:22 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/4_21_11_redistricting_poll.php North Carolinians from across the political spectrum are concerned about legislators drawing their own districts, according to a new poll commissioned by the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Thu, 21 April 2011 08:55:13 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/4_19_11_knowledge_power.php It’s good to have our politicians know things about the subjects on which they legislate. We want competence and expertise. But as citizens, we had better learn enough to keep up with them, lest they use their knowledge to pull a fast one on us. Tue, 19 April 2011 22:09:32 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=293 At a rally organized by the nonpartisan Democracy North Carolina at the N.C. General Assembly on Wednesday, citizens voiced their opposition to House Bill 351, which would require voters to show a photo ID when voting in person. Thu, 14 April 2011 13:08:14 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=287 While convened for a rare meeting in its old chamber in the N.C. Capitol Building, the N.C. Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to pardon Gov. William Holden, who in 1871 became the first U.S. governor removed through impeachment — in that very same room. Tue, 12 April 2011 20:17:53 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=280 The state will commemorate the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Halifax Resolves today, which were an important part of the movement among the colonies advocating separation from Great Britain. Tue, 12 April 2011 10:08:34 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=268 On Thursday, a contentious debate over raising the cap on charter schools in North Carolina turned into a partisan squabble over the manner in which the new Republican majority runs the N.C. House. Fri, 8 April 2011 13:21:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/4_4_11_politicians_draw_districts.php Ultimately, the responsibility for redistricting should rest with an independent body, not the state legislature. The Republican leadership in the House and Senate has rightly called for such a commission in the past. Here’s hoping they are true to their word now that they hold the reins of power. Mon, 4 April 2011 16:08:35 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/4_1_11_basketball_politics.php Passions run high this time of year, and not just in the Legislative Building in Raleigh. Put a Duke fan and a Carolina fan in a room together and you will probably get a more heated debate than any committee room on Jones Street. And much like today’s politics, it seems that no amount of screaming or yelling will change anybody’s mind. Fri, 1 April 2011 15:42:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php We speak with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling to gauge the strengths and weakness of potential Republican White House contenders. Fri, 25 March 2011 17:56:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=225 There has been some intrigue on Jones Street this week as a proposed pardon of Reconstruction-era Gov. William Holden looked as if it would sail through the N.C. Senate Tuesday morning, but by the end of the day Wednesday it was seemingly dead. Thu, 24 March 2011 15:01:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/3_22_11_shortchanging_voters.php Strict laws already appear on the books to stop voter fraud. Yet these laws do not seem enough for some who propose a new photo ID requirement that in the end may open the door to voter misinformation and possibly cause intimidation at the polls through legislative mishandling and bureaucratic bungling. Tue, 22 March 2011 17:18:32 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=213 Supporters and critics of a proposed photo ID requirement to vote packed the N.C. House Elections Committee Tuesday for a two-hour public hearing on the issue. Wed, 16 March 2011 14:09:47 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=202 Monday night, House Bill 351 (“Restore Confidence in Government”) was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly, about 18 hours before a scheduled public hearing on voter ID. Tue, 15 March 2011 13:52:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php Should it be easier for more political parties to get on the North Carolina ballot? House Bill 32 (Electoral Freedom Act of 2011) would do just that. Brian Irving from the Free the Vote N.C. Coalition makes the case for why opening the door to more parties -- and choices -- is a good thing for voters. Fri, 11 March 2011 17:56:09 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/3_7_11_hollywood_democracy.php If you were to buy Hollywood’s take on our democracy, everything gets done by one hard-charging personality. In reality, our government works not because of individuals taking a lonely and courageous stand, but of many people coming together to solve problems. Mon, 7 March 2011 17:22:56 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=189 A look at how the 2010 Census data will affect North Carolina's congressional districts. Mon, 7 March 2011 16:55:09 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=172 Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue’s office announced her veto of House Bill 2 (“Protect Health-Care Freedom“) Saturday afternoon. The measure would have joined North Carolina to a multi-state challenge of a federal mandate requiring most citizens to have health insurance. Sat, 5 March 2011 17:09:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=165 In the wake of November's vote, Republicans now share credit and blame with Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue for North Carolina's economic fortunes, which is by far the most important issue weighing on voters -- especially those who count themselves among the independent ranks. Fri, 4 March 2011 16:27:43 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=165 Yesterday we took a look at how the new Census figures will impact the 50 N.C. Senate seats, and today we turn our attention to the N.C. House of Representatives. Fri, 4 March 2011 14:22:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=156 Now that North Carolina has the 2010 Census data in hand the state legislature will start to tackle redistricting to create new district maps that reflect the state’s shifting, and growing, population. Thu, 3 March 2011 16:52:34 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/3_3_11_country_direction.php More than six in 10 North Carolina voters say the country is on the wrong track, according to a poll exploring attitudes on money, courts and politics, commissioned by the Justice at Stake Campaign and the N.C. Center for Voter Education. Thu, 3 March 2011 9:42:14 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/2_23_11_judicial_poll.php An overwhelming majority of North Carolina voters say campaign contributions to judicial candidates can influence the outcome of court cases, according to a new poll commissioned by the Justice at Stake Campaign and the N.C. Center for Voter Education. Tue, 23 February 2011 9:42:14 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/2_22_11_photo_id.php For most of us, we don’t have to think about the trips we take to do things like vote. But in a healthy democracy, most of us isn’t enough. Tue, 22 February 2011 8:44:03 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=122 Gov. Bev Perdue today vetoed Senate Bill 13 (Balanced Budget Act of 2011). Tue, 22 February 2011 5:18:49 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/jones/?p=109 Word on Jones Street is that some North Carolina lawmakers are close to introducing a bill that would require voters to show state-issued photo identification when going to the polls. Mon, 21 February 2011 3:17:32 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/2_7_11_combative_analogy.php So what does it matter if our political language is a bit rough or our elections are equated with sports? Mon, 7 February 2011 11:22:03 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php We speak with Dr. Andrew Taylor, a political science professor at N.C. State University, to get insight into the changes and challenges in the legislature. Fri, 28 January 2011 11:22:03 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/1_24_11_corporate_speech.php Those who enter the political fray can choose to demonstrate a measure of maturity, forbearance, common sense and courtesy. And those on the sidelines can demand such decency from the people courting our vote or our remote control. Mon, 24 January 2011 20:33:45 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/1_22_11_preregistration.php More teens opted to pre-register as unaffiliated voters rather than ally themselves with any of North Carolina’s three officially recognized political parties last year, according to data from the State Board of Elections. Sat, 22 January 2011 20:13:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/1_11_11_decency.php Those who enter the political fray can choose to demonstrate a measure of maturity, forbearance, common sense and courtesy. And those on the sidelines can demand such decency from the people courting our vote or our remote control. Tue, 11 January 2011 16:01:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/1_10_11_civil_discourse.php In the aftermath of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, both sides of the political spectrum should rethink the tone of our nation's political debates. Mon, 10 January 2011 10:11:32 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2011/1_7_11_gavel_pass.php A cartoonist's take on the change of power in the U.S. House. Fri, 7 January 2011 07:03:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2011/1_5_11_political_points.php As the new year dawns with a persistent economic struggle, a tea-party-infused Congress, a new majority in the N.C. legislature and a nascent presidential race, here are 10 political questions for 2011. Wed, 5 January 2011 11:03:47 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_31_10_polictionary.php As 2010 draws to a conclusion, the Polictionary returns to offer up some of the more notable and notorious words and phrases from the political year that was. Fri, 31 December 2010 10:17:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/12_30_10_new_year.php A cartoonist's take on the challenges awaiting in 2011. Thu, 30 December 2010 21:13:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/12_23_10_santa_visit.php A cartoonist's take on the partisan claims to know what Americans want. Thu, 23 December 2010 13:43:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_21_10_no_house_gain.php North Carolina will neither gain nor lose a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, based on 2010 census data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Tue, 21 December 2010 19:19:32 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_20_10_youth_vote_3.php The youth vote returning to its historical levels can be attributed to how much time and attention, or lack thereof, campaigns and candidates devoted to this typically underrepresented demographic. Mon, 20 December 2010 17:43:46 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/12_17_10_cutting_fat.php A cartoonist's take on the budget challenges awaiting in 2011. Fri, 17 December 2010 13:01:59 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_16_10_perdue_redistricting.php Gov. Bev Perdue on Wednesday urged state lawmakers to create an independent redistricting commission, set fixed session lengths and increase legislative-branch transparency. Thu, 16 December 2010 02:56:47 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_14_10_special_interest_fog.php As we watched the campaign season unfold last month, we could have used some help from old St. Nick. Tue, 14 December 2010 14:01:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/12_8_10_irv_recount.php More than a month after voting ended in North Carolina, the only statewide race still without a winner looks headed for a recount. Wed, 8 December 2010 17:15:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_29_10_gop_pledges.php From taxes, to health care, to the environment, during this year’s campaign season the GOP made a point of highlighting what they would do differently. But the biggest fix Republicans could make next year wouldn’t be what they do, but how they do it. Mon, 29 November 2010 20:13:49 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_19_10_civic_health.php North Carolina performs below the national average when it comes to several areas of civic engagement, with the lone exception of voter turnout, according to a report released last month. Fri, 19 November 2010 21:52:11 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/ How does North Carolina fare when it comes to our civic health? How can more citizens -- especially young citizen -- engage in their communities? We speak with Kelley OBrien, director of the N.C. Civic Education Consortium, to get insight into the 2010 North Carolina Civic Health Index. Plus, we hear some candidates for the official theme song of Election 2010 Wed, 17 November 2010 16:22:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_15_10_mudless_election.php In contrast to the nasty court contests in other states, here in North Carolina we have been experimenting with an alternative that has removed much of the negative advertising, bitter tone and increasingly partisan warfare that plague those judicial elections. Mon, 15 November 2010 23:11:03 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_10_10_judicial_dropoff.php A higher share -- 75 percent -- of ballots cast this year included a vote for the N.C. Supreme Court, compared with the 71 percent of ballots in 2008 that included a vote for that year’s N.C. Supreme Court race. Wed, 10 November 2010 22:07:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/11_9_10_election_hangover.php A cartoonist's take on the challenges that await this year's election winners. Tue, 9 November 2010 18:59:01 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/ A century later, the GOP has reclaimed the N.C. General Assembly after an election that also swept Republicans to control of the U.S. House and brought them gains in the U.S. Senate. For insight into the results, we speak with Dr. Andrew Taylor from the political science department at N.C. State University in Raleigh. Plus, voices at the polls on Election Day 2010. Fri, 5 November 2010 20:18:51 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_4_10_silly_season.php Pundits often call the week before an election silly season. On those final days before ballots are cast rumors run rampant, unsubstantiated charges fly and tawdry TV ads flood the airwaves. Thu, 4 November 2010 18:03:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_4_10_looking_to_48.php Cutting-edge political junkies and in-the-know bloggers have moved on to where the real action is: ’48. That’s right, 2048. It’s totally up in the air. Thu, 4 November 2010 16:52:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/11_3_10_gop_sweeps.php For the first time since 1898, Republicans will hold a majority of seats in both the N.C. House and N.C. Senate when lawmakers return to Raleigh in January. Wed, 3 November 2010 14:01:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/10_28_10_youth_vote_2.php A look at factors contributing to the rate at which young Americans vote. Thu, 28 October 2010 22:21:32 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/10_28_10_donor_transparency.php A cartoonist's take on the slew of groups launching attack ads this campaign season. Thu, 28 October 2010 17:48:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/10_27_10_youth_vote_1.php An overview of where youth voting is today, focusing on youth turnout rates in recent presidential and midterm elections. Wed, 27 October 2010 23:33:14 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/10_27_10_const_amend.php This election, North Carolina voters face the question of amending the state’s constitution to bar convicted felons from running for sheriff. Wed, 27 October 2010 21:11:56 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/10_18_10_homework.php There are resources available to voters who want to know more about the candidates than what can be found in a shallow ad. Mon, 18 October 2010 17:03:58 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/10_4_10_back_up_plan.php This fall North Carolina is experimenting with a backup plan called “instant runoff voting.” Mon, 4 October 2010 15:37:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/9_20_10_messenger_behind_message.php If the groups begind political ads aren't willing to tell us who they are, why should we listen to them? Mon, 20 September 2010 21:01:57 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/9_6_10_reality_of_voting.php While it is exciting to see reality television’s version of democracy played out for our entertainment, our real democracy may be suffering because of it. Mon, 6 September 2010 22:01:57 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_23_10_judicial_changes.php A new report from several national organizations says that the times are changing when it comes to judicial elections. Mon, 23 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_9_10_washington_wait.php Being a state official is hard enough on its own, but it is even harder when the federal government doesn’t pull its weight. So it was refreshing last week when our state moved forward on at least one of the items Washington, D.C., can’t seem to check off its to-do list. Mon, 9 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/8_3_10_campaign_noise.php A cartoonist's take on the rising decibels of election season. Tue, 3 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_2_10_perdue_citizens_united.php Today at the State Capitol, Gov. Bev Perdue signed into law North Carolina’s response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning state and federal limits on corporate spending in elections. Mon, 2 August 2010 22:41:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php Will the Republican Revolution of 1994 replay in 2010? For insight, we speak with Dr. Andrew Taylor, chair of the political science department at N.C. State University in Raleigh. Wed, 28 July 2010 17:05:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_26_10_get_what_pay_for.php The result of the current camaign money chase is that government -- which should be of, by and for the people -- falls prey to the golden rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” Mon, 26 July 2010 14:17:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/7_21_10_oil_slinging.php A cartoonist's take on partisan bickering in the wake of the BP oil spill. Wed, 21 July 2010 16:01:41 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_16_10_face_in_the_crowd.php Of all communication advances, it may be television that has proven the most potent -- and perilous -- when it comes to marshalling popular will. That is the message of director Elia Kazan and screenwriter Budd Schulberg in their astonishingly prescient film "A Face in the Crowd." Fri, 16 July 2010 17:49:51 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_14_10_rush_to_adjourn.php The frenzy that is the last day of session isn’t the product of individual legislators or even one political party. There is a systemic problem with how the General Assembly is set up. Wed, 14 July 2010 14:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/7_13_10_growing_gap.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's looming $3 billion budget shortfall. Tue, 13 July 2010 11:34:13 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_30_10_kagan_confirmation.php A cartoonist's take on Elena Kagan's confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court. Wed, 30 June 2010 14:31:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_29_10_dispassion.php It took until the 18th month or so of his presidency, but it seems that the attack resonating with the chattering classes is that Obama is scandalously, outrageously, perhaps unforgivably ... calm. Tue, 29 June 2010 15:29:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_28_10_cooler_heads.php The trouble is that once upon a time there was a season for campaigns followed by a season for governing. Now, with a 24-hour news cycle and the perpetual need for fund raising, it’s a permanent campaign. Mon, 28 June 2010 14:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_23_10_obama_juggling.php A cartoonist's take President Obama's multitasking challenges. Wed, 23 June 2010 12:14:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_16_10_pillowfight.php A cartoonist's take on the state of 2010 politics on both sides of the Carolina border. Wed, 16 June 2010 11:29:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_14_10_runoff.php The fraction of registered voters who will carve out some time on June 22 to vote, or who cast a ballot using the early voting system, hold a considerable amount of sway in this election. It’s time to consider ways of changing the election process so more of us will get involved. Mon, 14 June 2010 13:21:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/runoff_6_7_10.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's Democratic runoff contest for the U.S. Senate. Mon, 7 June 2010 15:05:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_1_10_budget_writing.php On a recent Monday evening North Carolina budget writers saw firsthand many of the faces that tell the real story behind the often-abstract numbers adding up to a $19 billion state budget. Tue, 1 June 2010 22:33:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_31_10_short_session.php Time has come for a complete overhaul of the rules around legislative sessions. Mon, 31 May 2010 21:15:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/revenue_gap.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina budget struggles and revenue gap. Tue, 25 May 2010 19:30:57 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_17_10_inner_beauty.php It isn’t grand architecture or unique design that makes the place great. The genius of the legislative building is its functionality. Mon, 17 May 2010 18:21:14 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php What accounted for just 14 percent turnout in North Carolina's primary and what do the results mean for the general election this fall? We speak with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling to find out. Plus, with the Tea Party making waves, another beverage-based movement is percolating on the political scene. We speak with Davis Hall to get the inside scoop on the Coffee Party USA. And we hear a special report on youth voting from JulieAnn McKellog, Kate Hoolahan and Mike Lee from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism. Fri, 7 May 2010 20:12:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_5_10_primary_results.php Just 14 percent of registered North Carolina voters went to the polls for this year’s primary election, according to State Board of Elections. Wed, 5 May 2010 18:11:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_3_10_redistricting.php A "perfect storm" is brewing here in North Carolina. It's election season and this is the year of the census. Both of these factors lead straight to the politically dynamite topic of redistricting. Mon, 3 May 2010 19:35:41 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_3_10_primary_concerns.php This is primary election week in North Carolina, although it’s possible you may not have noticed. Mon, 3 May 2010 14:40:27 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_26_10_matchmaking.php With election season in full swing, candidates seeking a relationship of a different order could learn much from the world of 21st-century romance. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:11:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_7_10_reform_poll.php An overwhelming majority of North Carolina voters are concerned by the role of special interest money in state politics and support bold reforms to the campaign finance system, according to a new poll from the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 23:55:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_5_10_signs.php Spring is in full swing in North Carolina. Along with the blossoming flowers and newly sprouted leaves comes another ubiquitous seasonal presence: the political yard sign. Mon, 5 Apr 2010 22:28:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/3_22_10_granny_d.php Doris Haddock, who went by the name Granny D, set out from Los Angeles in 1999 and walked 10-20 miles a day -- for more than a year. Along the way she gathered support for campaign finance reform. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:17:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/3_8_10_march_madness.php Watching ESPN or CNN you will notice that both the political pundits and basketball gurus make their pronouncements with a striking degree of certainty. Sun, 7 Mar 2010 22:07:20 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_22_10_democracy_diet.php Like the diet of just one food, government reform won’t work if we do just one thing. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:03:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_8_10_campaigns_begin.php While the hoopla and pageantry of the Super Bowl are impressive, there are even more dramatic contests emerging throughout North Carolina. In these competitions the winners won’t get showered with Gatorade or mobbed by adoring fans, but a win gives you the opportunity to govern. Mon, 8 Feb 2010 23:17:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_4_10_national_security.php The 'activist' Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC obliterates a century of work to protect against corruption in American elections. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:35:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/sen_brown.php A cartoonist's take on Scott Brown's election to the U.S. Senate. Mon, 1 Feb 2010 23:31:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_26_10_democracy_inc.php Determining the ‘winners’ in the Supreme Court case of Citizens United v. FEC is not as simple as right v. left Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:27:42 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_25_10_corporations_people.php How a Supreme Court ruling could open the floodgates to corporate cash in elections Mon, 25 Jan 2010 24:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_11_10_birthplace.php Should the Constitution be amended to allow foreign-born citizens to run for the White House? Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:12:21 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_11_10_brain_at_ballotbox.php In a recent study from Princeton University, a psychologist could predict election results over 70 percent of the time by flashing photographs of the candidates and asking study participants whom they thought was more competent. With nothing more to go on than a brief glimpse of opposing candidates and no regard for policy differences, experience levels, etc., people were making up their minds on who should serve as our leaders. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:51:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/1994.php A cartoonist's take on the GOP's New Year wish. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:01:28 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_29_09_polictionary.php With 2009 coming to an end, here are a few terms and phrases that were among the most prominent and peculiar in the political year that was. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:16:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_28_09_new_years.php While most New Year's resolutions have to do with eating better or exercising more, it’s not just our physical bodies that need improvement. Our body politic could also resolve to do better. Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:30:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_21_09_pigskin_politics.php When it comes to the high-stakes game of money in politics, not even college football is immune. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/lieberman_publicoption.php A cartoonist's take on Sen. Joe Lieberman chasing the public option away. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:22:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_14_09_keep_gov_honest.php While the honest-services statute might need some fine-tuning, it has been instrumental in putting away some bad apples that are spoiling the reputation of the rest of our public servants. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:55:55 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_11_09_two_parties.php The Republican and Democratic parties are on divergent paths. Which will emerge victorious in the long run? Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:27:31 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/senate_healthcare.php A cartoonist's take on the health-care battle in the Senate. Tue, 1 Dec 2009 13:51:47 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_30_09_thankful.php Despite several high-profile political scandals and the increasingly divisive and sometimes cruel tone in our civic life, there is much to be grateful for in Tar Heel politics. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:28 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_16_09_money_talks.php Money talks and raising money early says that you are a contender. But instead of focusing so heavily on what the total amount raised says about a campaign, what else could money say if we were willing to listen? Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:31:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/election_day_deserted.php A cartoonist's take on rock-bottom turnout at the polls. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_10_09_mark_hanna.php In 1896, the modern American presidential campaign was born. The midwife was coal and iron magnate Mark Hanna. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:17:25 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_2_09_catch_doing_right.php Right now, it’s easy to catch our elected officials doing something wrong. Let’s make it just as easy to catch them doing something right. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:12:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/wild_fundraising.php A cartoonist's take on the ongoing campaign money chase. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/10_19_09_gift_ban.php How a new ban on gifts to executive-branch employees can protect public trust in state government Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:15:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/democratic_majority.php A cartoonist's take on the internal party strife stifling health-care reform. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:03:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/10_5_09_making_courtroom_a_classroom.php While our Legislative Building and governor’s mansion welcome visitors, our courtrooms are rarely seen by anyone other than the lawyers, clerks and judges who work there. Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:10:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_22_09_myth_of_civility.php Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst didn’t signal the death of civil political discourse, but was just another bitter chapter in the nation’s long history of partisan rancor. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:05:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_21_09_democracy_not_glamorous.php Local elections lack the fanfare of national contests, but have just as much at stake Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:07:05 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_8_09_corporate_speech.php How a Supreme Court case focusing on an anti-Hillary Clinton movie could radically change the campaign money chase Tue, 8 Sep 2009 20:07:05 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/8_28_09_supers_for_pres.php Which superhero would make the best president? Here’s a quick take on a few of the leading contenders. Plus, cast your vote in our poll. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:04:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/8_24_09_letter_to_afghanistan.php In light of the recent vote in that country, this is an open letter to the people of Afghanistan. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:47:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/unamerican.php Both sides of the political aisle should stop questioning the 'American-ness' of their opponents. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:32:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/rising_decibels.php It seems like the volume has been turned up in our political discourse lately. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:35:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/lawmakers_deserve_credit.php As the General Assembly adjourns for the year after more than six months in session, let us pause and say a word of thanks to the 170 members of the state legislature. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/frankenstein_budget.php A cartoonist's take on the struggle to craft a budget nobody likes. Thu, 6 Aug 2009 18:40:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/convincing_elected_reform_elections.php Part of the work I do is to advocate for reforms that would improve our election system. It’s interesting work. Not only are questions of election law increasingly complex, but working with elected officials to change the rules that were in place when they got elected makes for an interesting dynamic. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:30:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/improving_business_of_government.php What the people's business can learn from big business Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:00:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/voterowned_saves_money.php A settlement reached this week between the insurance industry and the Department of Insurance reverses a 9.4 percent rate increase, bans all further increases into 2011 and requires insurance companies to return $50 million to consumers with interest. This positive news for North Carolina drivers is due in part to the state's 'Voter-Owned Elections' program. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/lemonade_stand.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's budget shortfall. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/sotomayor_senate.php A cartoonist's take on the spectacle in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/confirmation_charade.php Instead of talking about what those policy views are, the senators ask questions about fidelity to principals of judicial restraint, and the prospective justice artfully dodges any questions about substantive policy matters that happen to come her way. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/public_financing_goodwin.php Last year’s presidential campaign was in great part about hope. But what many North Carolinians may not know is that a pilot voter program quietly re-instilled hope in our elections and the power of the people over special interests. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/adams_jefferson.php How the rivalry of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams paralleled the rise of partisan fissures in the U.S. Thu, 9 Jul 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/john_franklin.php While the people who knew him have been mourning the passing of John Hope Franklin all spring, it is in the wake of a most recent Supreme Court decision that the wider world will feel the sting of his absence. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/lobbyday.php The issue of money in politics prompted about 120 North Carolinians from across the state to gather at the General Assembly on Wednesday for a citizens lobby day organized by the nonpartisan N.C. Voters for Clean Elections. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/money_conflict.php How a Supreme Court ruling and the furor at N.C. State show the discomforting role of money in the decision making of public officials Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/caperton.php Reform advocates say decision confirms importance of N.C. judicial public financing Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/court_funding.php How inter-branch cooperation can save tax dollars and improve government efficiency Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/pre_registration.php Bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to 'pre-register' to vote Mon, 25 May 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/fair_elections.php Bill would create publicly financed congressional campaigns Mon, 11 May 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/reform_supreme.php Five proposals for improving the nation's highest court Mon, 11 May 2009 08:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/you_run.php Five easy steps to launch your campaign Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/big_business.php On one hand, those of us who can’t afford a large donation grumble about the disproportionate influence that big money has on campaigns. On the other hand, a very small minority of Americans is essentially footing the entire bill for political campaigns. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:56:02 GMT