Just like any region, the opinions of Appalachians range across the political spectrum. Two topics came up the most: honesty and healthcare.
“Healthcare is a big issue right now,” says William Johnson of Whittier. “We tried universal healthcare with Obamacare and that just kind of went belly up.”
Johnson is looking out for how Congress can compromise to improve the current healthcare system.
Carrie Beth Livingston says that her number one issue is climate change.
“I have young children and I really worry about their future,” says Livingston of Asheville. “I feel like the way that we are just barreling toward an environmental dystopia is just unethical and irresponsible.”
The six state constitutional amendments on the ballot this election are also top of mind for Johnson. He’s a fan of the additional right to hunt and fish on the ballot. However for others, the constitutional amendments are an example of dishonesty in politics.
“If you’re not a lawyer then you won’t understand them,” says Deborah Freedman from Tuckaseegee. “You should vote no because it’s just a way to manipulate people and we’ve been manipulated enough over the past two years.”
Freedman is concerned about violence in the country as well. Western student Laura Casas also brought up the recent massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue. Casas was born in this country but her family emigrated here from Mexico. She worries about her family members who are not citizens.
“I’ve never been to Mexico…I can’t imagine. If they have to be sent back. That will be terrifying for them. I don’t speak Spanish,” says Casas. “Especially with this rise in hate crimes and what just happened in Pittsburgh. People are targeting those minority groups – they don’t know if you are a citizen of not.”
First-time voter Sydney Gioquinto of Franklin is excited for her voice to be heard. Improved standardized testing and corruption are two top issues for her.
“I desire to have a godly official in power who will stand up for what is right,” says Gioquinto.
When asked if he thinks there will be a red wave or a blue wave, Richard Tichich of Waynesville says he doesn’t buy into a trend one way or the other.
“I think that with a two party system there is always going to be a wave one way or another so I don’t think too much about that,” says Tichich. “But I do think there should be some checks and balances.”
Julie Shaw of Franklin agrees. She says she’s been voting since 1976. This year, however, she is looking to shake things up.
“Being new to Franklin, I’m noticing that there is an old boy contingent in place of people who have been serving term after term after term and I think we need some change. So I will not be voting for any incumbents,” says Shaw.
Jack Sholder of Asheville says that his dog Bo is very happy that he has already voted. If you haven’t voted yet, polls across North Carolina will be open from 6:30am to 7:30pm on November 6th.
Find your closest local precinct at your county board of elections website.
