For BUNCOMBE COUNTY (see page 15)

Transcription

1 For BUNCOMBE COUNTY (see page 15)

2 About This Guide This Guide features candidates for federal, state and local elec ons in Buncombe County. It is sponsored by two non-profit groups that are not affiliated with any poli cal party: Democracy North Carolina and Common Cause NC. The Guide provides vital informa on about the rules for vo ng and answers to ques ons sent to candidates. For ques ons about this Guide, call A PDF copy is at NCVoter.org. Learn more about the candidates at NCVoterGuide.org and vote411.org. Have Your Say The ballot box is the one place where we are all equal, regardless of race, income or geography: one person, one vote. People ac ng together have changed government policies to improve their lives and stop threats to their community. Use your power! The candidates who win will make crucial decisions affec ng every aspect of your life but YOU help decide who wins! Proposed Amendments to the NC Cons tu on will also impact your future (see p. 15). Review Your Ballot You can go online to see your ballot before you vote; go to demnc.co/distr and follow the instruc ons. You can also see your Elec on Day polling place at this link. And you can use it to see if you are registered at your current address. If not, use same-day registra on during Early Vo ng to update or register anew. See the box on page 6. Do I Need an ID to Vote? Because of a court ruling, you do not need to show an ID to vote except in 2 situa ons: (1) If you use Same-Day Registra on, you ll need to show a document listed in the box on page 6. (2) If there was a problem with verifying the informa on on your registra on form, you ll need to show either a document listed in the box on page 6 or any current photo ID. Why I m voting because a judge will be elected to the NC Supreme Court this year and I want somebody who cares about equal rights for all! - Becky Carver... because too many of my ancestors died for me not to be using my right to vote! - Kristen Marion... because I didn t have an ID to vote in 2016 and now there s an amendment on the ballot to bring back a strict photo ID. No! - Janice Franklin... because I see vo ng isn t just about who goes to the White House. Who goes to Raleigh affects my college tui on! - Aus n Padilla What s Inside Supreme Court, Court of Appeals.... pages 3-6 U.S. House of Representa ves.... pages 7-8 North Carolina General Assembly. pps 9-11 Candidates in Local Elec ons....pps CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS... page 15 How to Vote by Mail.. page 4 How to Use Same-Day Registra on.. page 6 Early Vo ng Loca ons & Hours.. page 8 2

3 NC SUPREME COURT - Vote for 1 of 3 Candidates Judges are powerful! They re first in this Guide to make that point! They decide everything from the cost of electricity to who gets the death penalty. One of the 7 seats on the State s top court is up for election in BARBARA JACKSON Party: Republican Experience: Jus ce, NC Supreme Court; Judge, NC Court of Appeals; General Counsel, NC Labor Department; Associate, Private Prac ce; Associate General Counsel, Governor s Advocacy Council (GACPD); Associate General Counsel, Governor Jim Mar n; Research Assistant, Jus ce Burley Mitchell Occupa on: Associate Jus ce, Supreme Court of North Carolina Favorite endorsements: Chief Jus ce (ret.) Burley Mitchell; Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry; NCGOP Personal statement: Fairness, impar ality, integrity, and a commitment to the rule of law all are essen al characteris cs of a good judge. I ve worked hard to live up to each of these principles, gaining invaluable firsthand experience, which is why I m seeking re-elec on. As the only candidate in this race with judicial experience, I understand that this is not an entry level job. More info: Jus cejackson.com CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) ANGLIN Party: Republican Experience: Graduate of Wake Forest University and Elon University Law School. A small business owner in solo prac ce at all levels of civil, criminal and family trial courts in both state and federal courts for 7 years. Occupa on: A orney 3 Favorite endorsements: I am running to stand up for an Independent Judiciary, so I am not seeking any endorsements. Personal statement: I m running as a Republican to give a voice to the many Cons tu onal Republicans who are appalled at the assault on the rule of law, and the checks and balances of our Cons tu onal Republic that is happening every day. Secondly, to point out the mistake of being the only state in 100 years to make our judicial elec ons par san. More info: Anglin4Jus ce.com ANITA EARLS Party: Democrat Experience: Execu ve Director, Southern Coali on for Social Jus ce, ; UNC Center for Civil Rights, ; Lawyers Commi ee for Civil Rights, ; Deputy Assistant A orney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Jus ce Department ; Ferguson, Stein firm, Occupa on: A orney Favorite endorsements: North Carolina AFL-CIO, Equality NC, North Carolina Advocates for Jus ce Personal statement: I have been a civil rights a orney for thirty years, figh ng for equal jus ce and fair representa on. As a mother and grandmother, I understand challenges families face and have worked to protect the rights of hard-working people. We must have a fair court that protects everyone no ma er their race, gender or how much money they have in their pockets. More info: Earls4Jus ce.com

4 NC COURT OF APPEALS - 3 SEATS ON THE BALLOT Judges on the NC Court of Appeals hear appeals of criminal and civil cases heard in local District and Superior Courts. Three of the 15 seats are up for election. Candidates below are in the order they appear on the ballot. Court of Appeals - SEAT 1 - Vote for 1 ANDREW T. HEATH Party: Republican Experience: Husband, father, and public servant; Superior Court Judge; Served as Chair of the NC Industrial Commission; As State Budget Director, led the Office of State Budget and Management. Occupa on: Superior Court Judge Favorite endorsements: Former Supreme Court Jus ce and Chairman of North Carolina State Ethics Commission George L. Wainwright, Jr.; Former North Carolina Lt. Governor Jim Gardner; NC Republican Party Personal statement: I am a fair and impar al judge who respects the Cons tu on and the law, and who values access to jus ce and equality under the law. It has been an honor to serve North Carolina as a Superior Court Judge, and I look forward to serving on the Court of Appeals. More info: HeathForJus ce.com JOHN S. ARROWOOD Party: Democrat Experience: NC Court of Appeals, Judge, , 2017-present; NC Court of Appeals, Research Assistant/Staff A orney/senior Staff A orney, ; Private Prac ce A orney, , , Occupa on: NC Court of Appeals Judge Favorite endorsements: NC Advocates for Jus ce; Equality NC; Sierra Club Personal statement: I pledge to administer jus ce equally and without favori sm to any li gant or to the State. My experience on the Court of Appeals, as a Superior Court Judge, together with my over 26 years in private prac ce, and prior work as a research assistant and staff a orney at the Court of Appeals, makes me uniquely qualified to remain on the Court. More info: KeepJudgeArrowood.org How to Vote by Mail (Absentee Voting) 4

5 Court of Appeals - SEAT 2 - Vote for 1 JEFFERSON G. GRIFFIN Party: Republican Experience: District Court Judge, Wake County; JAG Officer (CPT), NC Army Na onal Guard; Assistant District A orney, Wake County District A orney s Office; Private Prac ce, Criminal defense and Civil li ga on; NC Central University School of Law; UNC Occupa on: Wake County District Court Judge & JAG Officer (CPT), North Carolina Army Na onal Guard Favorite endorsements: North Carolina Republican Party; Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Jus ce Burley B. Mitchell Jr. Personal statement: North Carolina deserves a Judge who is dedicated to upholding the Rule of Law and our Cons tu on. My diverse experiences as a Judge, Soldier, prosecutor, and prac cing a orney provide a perspec ve that will benefit all North Carolina ci zens when I am on the Court of Appeals. More info: JeffersonGriffin.com TOBIAS (TOBY) HAMPSON Party: Democrat Experience: Wyrick, Robbins, Yates & Ponton, LLP, (2007- present) Appellate A orney; NC State Bar Appellate Specialist since 2011; Pa erson, Dilthey, Clay & Bryson, LLP ( ) A orney; NC Court of Appeals ( ) Law Clerk Occupa on: A orney Favorite endorsements: North Carolina Democra c Party; NC AFL-CIO; Former Supreme Court Jus ce Patricia Timmons-Goodson Personal statement: The Court of Appeals needs a judge with the right experience an appellate specialist. I have 16 years of experience in our 5 appellate courts, star ng as a law clerk at the Court of Appeals then strengthening my experience by handling hundreds of appeals in private prac ce. I will bring a strong work ethic, integrity and appellate exper se to the Court. More Info: TobyHampsonForJudge.com SANDRA ALICE RAY Party: Republican Experience: I ve got 27 years legal experience including 14 years judicial experience. I have more judicial experience than every NC Court of Appeals candidate combined. I m a former Assistant District A orney and a orney in private prac ce. Occupa on: District Court Judge Favorite endorsements: NC Troopers Associa on; NC Fraternal Order of Police Personal statement: When any Judge talks to you, they should tell you of their love and trust in our United States and North Carolina Cons tu ons. I believe, as our Cons tu on says, in the Sovereignty of the People not the poli cians and bureaucrats. I want to serve on your Court of Appeals to preserve the selfevident rights our Cons tu on guarantees. More Info: SandraAliceRay.com VOTER ASSISTANCE Anyone may receive help to vote from a family member, defined as parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, spouse or in-law (parent, sister or brother). A voter with a physical or reading disability (including language difficulty) may receive help from anyone except their employer s or union s agent. A voter who a ests that they d need physical assistance to reach the vo ng room may vote at the polling site in a vehicle (curbside vo ng).

6 Court of Appeals - SEAT 3 - Vote for 1 CHUCK KITCHEN Party: Republican Experience: Licensed as a orney in North Carolina for 38 years, including 30 years as a county a orney. I am currently in private prac ce represen ng par es in State and Federal trial and appellate courts. Occupa on: Private A orney Favorite endorsements: NC Republican Party; Alamance Sheriff Terry Johnson; NC Federa on of Republican Men Personal statement: In order to make a good appellate judge, you must have extensive experience both trying cases and handling appeals. I am the only candidate who has both, including successfully defending Sheriff Terry Johnson against the US Department of Jus ce. I have also filed more than 100 briefs and pe ons in the appellate courts. More info: KitchenForCourtOfAppeals.com MICHAEL MONACO, SR. Party: Libertarian Experience: Monaco & Roberts, PLLC: A general service law prac ce that handled a wide spectrum of legal issues for clients. Occupa on: A orney Endorsement: None submi ed Personal statement: The purpose of the court is to be objec ve and independent, especially in disputes between the branches of government. These good governance cases can present conflicts to the other candidates who are associated with the dominant par es in North Carolina poli cs. These dominant par es have engaged in par sanship in recent years, and we need to be vigilant to keep judiciary independent. More info: nc-monaco-2018.com ALLEGRA KATHERINE COLLINS Party: Democrat Experience: Campbell Law Professor of Judicial Wri ng and Appellate Advocacy; Appellate advocate in NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court; Appellate Reporter at NC Supreme Court; Clerk on the Court of Appeals to Judge Linda Stephens Occupa on: Law Professor and Appellate A orney Favorite endorsements: NC Democra c Party; NC AFL-CIO Personal statement: I have focused my career on appellate law and judicial process in our appellate courts. With my experience, exper se, and dedica on to the law, I will be a judge who renders fair and accurate decisions. My experience and exper se mean I will do this job well; my passion for this work means I will con nuously strive to do it be er. More info: AllegraCollins.com Last-Minute Rescue: Same-Day Registration If you miss the October 12 deadline to register, you may use same-day registra on during Early Vo ng at an Early Vo ng loca on. See sites/hours in the box on page 8. Ask the elec on official for a registra on form, show an iden fying document listed below, and vote all on the same day. You cannot use this procedure on Elec on Day. The iden fying document you show must be one of these with your name and current address: a NC driver s license; any other government photo ID; student photo ID along with a school document showing the student s address (e.g., a campus housing list, invoice, or le er); a u lity bill (cell phone, electric, cable, etc.); bank statement; or payroll stub; or a document from any government agency (a bill, permit, le er, etc.) 6

7 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The U.S. House adopts laws with the U.S. Senate and President. The 435 House members are elected by district across the U.S. Vote for 1 candidate depending on the District you live in Congressional District 10 or 11. U.S. House - District 10 PATRICK McHENRY Part of Buncombe County is in Congressional District 10 and part is in District 11 DAVID WILSON BROWN U.S. House - District 11 CLIFTON B. INGRAM, JR. 7

8 MARK MEADOWS PHILLIP G. PRICE EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE for Oct. 17 to Nov. 3 Buncombe Co. ci zens may go to any of these 11 EARLY VOTING Loca ons 8

9 NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY The General Assembly has 50 Senate and 120 House members who adopt laws and the state budget, make or approve appointments, and oversee local governments. They all represent districts for 2-year terms. Look at the map for your district or go to demnc.co/distr PARTS OF BUNCOMBE CO. PARTS OF BUNCOMBE CO. ARE IN NC SENATE ARE IN NC HOUSE DISTRICTS 48 & 49 DISTRICTS 114, 115 & 116 NC Senate - District 48 NC Senate - District 49 9

10 NC House - District

11 NC HOUSE District 116 NC HOUSE District 115 You can take a list inside the poll to help you remember your choices. Try to vote the whole ballot, top to bottom. 11

12 BUNCOMBE CO. COMMISSION - 3 District Seats The County Commission adopts the budget for schools and other agencies, and regulates land use, transportation, housing and many vital services. The county is divided into 3 Districts; find your district at demnc.co/buncdist. County Commission - District 1 County Commission - District 2 12

13 County Commission - District 3 OTHER COUNTY CONTESTS & UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES 13

14 BUNCOMBE COUNTY SHERIFF - VOTE FOR 1 The Sheriff is Buncombe County s chief law enforcement officer, manages the county jail, and interacts with the District Attorney and other justice system officers. The current Sheriff is not seeking reelection. 14

15 A Threat You Can Stop! NC governors, judges, and civil rights leaders urge you to vote against the Amendments REFERENDUM CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AMENDMENTS (cont.) Fill Judicial Vacancies Constitutional amendment to (The descriptions below change the process for filling leave out key parts of the judicial vacancies that occur actual Amendments) between judicial elections from a process in which the Governor Right to Hunt and Fish has sole appointment power to Constitutional amendment a process in which the people of protecting the right of the the State nominate individuals people to hunt, fish, and to fill vacancies by way of a harvest wildlife. commission comprised of For Against appointees made by the judicial, executive, and legislative Rights of Victims branches charged with making Constitutional amendment recommendations to the legisto strengthen protections for lature as to which nominees victims of crime; to establish are deemed qualified; then the certain absolute basic rights for victims; and to ensure the legislature will recommend at least two nominees to the enforcement of these rights. Governor via legislative action For Against not subject to gubernatorial veto; and the Governor will Income Tax Constitutional amendment to appoint judges from among reduce the income tax rate in these nominees. N.C. to a maximum allowable For Against rate of seven percent (7%). Board of Elections For Against Constitutional amendment to Photo ID to Vote establish an eight-member Constitutional amendment Bipartisan Board of Ethics and to require voters to provide Elections Enforcement in the photo identification before Constitution to administer voting in person. ethics and elections law. For Against For Against

16 Democracy North Carolina Not affiliated with any party 1821 Green Street Durham, NC Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Durham, NC Independent Voter Guide, Special for Buncombe Co. 3 WAYS TO VOTE IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY Voters in Buncombe County will elect judges, lawmakers, the sheriff and other officials, who will make decisions that affect virtually every part of your life but you decide who wins! Read the candidates views in this Guide, then make your choices. At the end of the ballot, you are asked to vote FOR or AGAINST several controversial Amendments to the NC Cons tu on. The descrip ons on the ballot are NOT the same as the Amendments. Be sure to read about them on page 15. Your vote is crucial! NO PHOTO ID NEEDED TO VOTE You ll be asked to state your name and address and sign in Questions? Call the hotline! OUR-VOTE 1. EARLY VOTING: Oct. 17-Nov. 3 Vo ng early in person is the best op on. Definitely use Early Vo ng if you have moved or need to update your voter registra on. See page 8 inside to find Early Vo ng mes and places for Buncombe County. 2. IN PERSON ON ELECTION DAY On Elec on Day, Tuesday, November 6, go to your own precinct s polling place. Polls are open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. If you re in line by 7:30 pm, you will be able to vote. If you go to the wrong polling place and don t have me to get to the right place, ask about using a provisional ballot. To find your precinct s poll, go to demnc.co/distr or call the Board of Elec ons at MAIL-IN ABSENTEE VOTING Any registered voter may use this method; no special reason is needed. See the box on page 4 of this Voter Guide or go to demnc.co/mail for details for how to vote by mail.