Western North Carolina voters turned out in strong numbers across municipal races this year, deciding contests that will shape local recovery, infrastructure and growth for years to come. 

In Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, ballots featured a mix of incumbents and newcomers in competitive races that reflected both the challenges and the momentum of a region still rebuilding from repeated disasters — a region where voters think they’ve now chosen the right people to move it forward. 

To the Editor:

We are halfway through the 2025 municipal elections for Waynesville, Canton and Clyde, which will significantly influence the leadership of these towns. Unfortunately, low voter turnout continues to threaten these municipal elections.

In-person early voting ends Saturday, Nov. 1, but voters will have one last opportunity to cast their ballots on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 4.

Same-day registration is only available during the early voting period. Voters cannot register to vote on Election Day. 

To  the Editor:

After learning that N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger was considering further redistricting in North Carolina, I sent the following petition to Rep. Mark Pless, Sen. Kevin Corbin, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd on October 10. I encourage all N.C. residents to educate themselves about this issue and communicate with their representatives: 

In-person early voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters can vote in-person at their county board of elections and are able to register to vote the same day if necessary. 

Hours of operation can vary among polling places. Voters can find their polling place and the operating hours by checking voter registration at vt.ncsbe.gov. 

This cycle, Canton’s ballot carries the weight of five hard years. A global pandemic. Tropical Storm Fred in 2021. A mill closure in 2023 that upended municipal finance. Hurricane Helene in 2024. The next four years will test the town’s ability to finish flood recovery, modernize water and sewer, help redevelop the mill site and keep taxes predictable while still paving streets and paying bills. 

Like many municipalities this year, Franklin will have competitive races on its ballot, as five people are running for three council seats and two men will square off to see who will be the town’s next mayor. 

Voters had a chance on Sept. 25 to attend a forum featuring each of the candidates, during which they were asked questions that allowed them talk about their backgrounds and some of the most pressing issues facing the town.

Municipal elections will soon take place across North Carolina, so now is a great time to check your voter registration status and register if necessary by Oct. 10.

Voters have many options for registration — in-person at your county’s board of elections office or the local DMV, alongside online registration with a valid North Carolina driver license. 

For most of its history, Webster’s elections have been sleepy affairs. At times, there weren’t even enough people willing to step forward and serve. This fall, that dynamic looks much different. 

“I’m really excited to see the number of people in this race,” said Dale Collins, an incumbent Webster commissioner who won his last race as a write-in with just 14 votes.

Both major parties in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District have for years been plagued by political instability. 

Chairs come and go, strategies collapse as quickly as they form while rank-and-file party faithful are left scrambling.