Good morning. Today, voters take early voting for granted.
But in 1999, when North Carolina’s legislature legalized early voting, the idea that someone could cast a ballot in person at a convenient location, weeks before Election Day, was a new thing here. And the Republicans were afraid of it, claiming the Democrats would use early voting to steal elections. For years the GOP fought early voting and tried to restrict it.
Twenty-five years later, the Republicans got over their allergy to convenient, 21st-century voting. Now they use early voting to beat the Democrats.
Welcome to CityView Today. Today, in CityView and The Assembly, I take a look at how the Republicans learned to stop complaining about early voting and start using it to win elections. We also bring you the latest news: the not-for-profit electricity cooperative Lumbee River EMC increased its rates by almost 10% for 2025; Spring Lake commissioners and officials discussed the town’s policy priorities for the upcoming years; and as always, Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. writes his Friday column with notes from the week.
Thanks for reading,
Paul Woolverton
Senior Reporter
How N.C. Republicans Learned to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Early Voting
GOP lawmakers predicted 25 years ago that Democrats would use early voting to steal elections in North Carolina. This year, they rallied voters to embrace it to secure victory for Donald Trump.
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More from CityView
NEW: Lumbee River EMC increases rates for 2025
The not-for-profit electricity cooperative said the near 10% rate increase is necessary to keep ‘finances strong’
NEW: Spring Lake officials flesh out town’s policy priorities for upcoming years
Commissioners identify infrastructure, utility services, community wellbeing as key issues
NEW THE KIRBY FILE: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office receives 9th award from international credentialing group for law enforcement standards
Bill Kirby Jr.’s Friday notes column
Events
FRIEND FRIDAY: SENSORY SENSATIONS
- Where: Main Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington
- When: 10-11 a.m. today
- What: Join us for a special craft program!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 5-9 p.m. today
- What: Step into an immersive walk-through wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays that will transport you into the heart of the season.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY IN DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE
- Where: 7 Market Square, Fayetteville
- When: 6-6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6
- What: Feel the holiday magic in Downtown Fayetteville! Gather with us for carols, a holiday reading, and the breathtaking Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the City of Fayetteville.
Obituaries
Donna Julian Reich
Donna Kay Julian Reich, 72, of Fayetteville, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Ramona Brown
Ramona Brown, 61, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday Nov. 24.
Bruce Dana McClelland
Bruce Dana McClelland, 75, of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2.
Until tomorrow!
🟢 I’m looking forward to seeing the movie Wicked this weekend, and A Christmas Story at The Gilbert Theater downtown.
🎄 Fort Liberty soldiers ranked E-6 and below can pick up a free Christmas tree from 8 a.m. until noon today at Smith Lake in the Trees for Troops program.
~ Paul
