Debate Over Early Voting Site at Western Carolina University Continues
The Jackson County Board of Elections recently voted to remove an early voting site at Western Carolina University (WCU) for the 2026 primary elections, with a narrow 3-2 vote along party lines. However, due to the lack of unanimity, the final decision will be made by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
The vote, led by Republican Chair Bill Thompson, suggests closing the WCU site due to accessibility concerns and cost inefficiencies with two sites located less than two miles apart. “By law, we could have just one site in Jackson County,” Thompson stated, emphasizing that one site per 30,000 voters is required, yet the county currently maintains four.
During the meeting, both Republican and Democratic board members proposed their plans for the 2026 primary. Republicans, including Thompson, Wes Hanemayer, and Jay Pavey, suggested a new voting location at the parks and recreation building in Cullowhee, which they argue is more accessible for all demographics.
Democratic members Roy Osborn and Betsy Swift, however, insisted on retaining the WCU site at the Health and Human Sciences building, citing its accessibility, adequate parking, and ability to accommodate 150 people. Osborn noted, “Cullowhee has no public building large enough to allow all of the normal early voter and election day voters to cast their ballot except several buildings on the WCU campus.”
Public feedback was predominantly in favor of keeping the campus site, with many students voicing concerns about the safety and convenience of the proposed new location. Zacharia Hoppes, a WCU student, stated, “Taking away this location will turn into a logistical nightmare real fast. There will be a better voter turnout if you keep the WCU polling location.”
Why Does the Early Voting Site Matter?
Chris Cooper, a political science professor at WCU, highlighted that closing the campus site may not result in cost savings, as personnel costs remain consistent regardless of location. “The vast majority of these expenses for polling sites are personnel because they’re not actually paying for the site itself,” Cooper explained.
The WCU site has been pivotal since 2016, serving over 76,000 voters across five general elections and four primaries. Cooper’s analysis shows it attracts more diverse and younger voters, with a notable increase in youth turnout in Jackson County compared to the state after its establishment.
Additionally, the WCU site recorded the highest proportion of same-day registrations in the state for eight of the last nine elections, underscoring its importance in facilitating voter participation.
Similar debates over voting site closures are occurring in other counties, like Madison County, where officials voted to remove two of its three early voting sites. As Cooper warned, “If you live farther from a polling site, you’re less likely to show up and vote because it takes more time and more cost on your behalf.”
