The general election is just one year away, but North Carolina voters will have a major impact on federal, state, and local races when they vote in just six months. That’s because the General Assembly and governor have moved up North Carolina’s primary election from May to March 15. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson analyzes the change, who it helps, who it hurts, and the nuts and bolts impact on elections officials and campaigns. He also discusses the debate over new affiliate party committees and explains what they are. Speaking of election law, critics of North Carolina’s recent election law changes, including a new voter identification requirement and a decrease in the number of days of early voting, are playing politics rather than raising legitimate complaints about voter suppression. That’s the assessment of J. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a recent featured speaker at Campbell University Law School. Adams explains why he believes Democrats are misusing civil-rights lawsuits to bolster their party’s electoral fortunes. Then we turn to education policy, a key area addressed by state legislators. Too many public school students graduate without adequate skills to succeed in the work force or in higher education. That’s the basis of legislation pushed this year by Sen. Chad Barefoot, R-Wake. You’ll hear details of his bill designed to ensure all graduates have a better grasp of basic skills. That’s followed by a look at North Carolina’s recent tax reforms, which have boosted the state’s economic competitiveness. Jonathan Williams, vice president for the Center for State Fiscal Reform at the American Legislative Exchange Council, explains how major reforms adopted since 2013 have boosted the Tar Heel State in comparison with its neighbors and states across the country. And finally, we dig into facts and myths about why some public school teachers leave North Carolina each year. Is it because the legislature is now controlled by Republicans, or are there other reasons at play? John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Education Studies, Terry Stoops, discusses what we know and what we don’t know.
Battleground Status Grows as N.C. Moves Up Primary
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