This week’s question: Filing for 2026 elections takes place from Dec. 1-19 in North Carolina. Even before you know all of the candidates, which way do you see yourself voting in Cherokee County races?
- Mostly for incumbents. We’re on the right track in many areas.
- Mostly for challengers. We need change in many areas.
- About half of each. We need newcomers and experience.
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“Incumbents because I think most of them are Republicans. They also have more experience. I won’t vote for incumbents with the board of commissioners, but I’d vote for other incumbents regarding other candidates and issues based on their experience.”
Lisa Shaffer, Hanging Dog
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“The ones with the most common
sense, the ones who are gonna do some
good. I’d vote about half and half. I’d vote for the ones who are the best of the bunch, and it doesn’t matter who it is, but who will do the most. Whoever is the best for the position.”
Chuck Bowers, Ranger
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“A mix of both. Some of them need to go. There are some that I’d pick, and some that I’d kick. Some of them have just been there too long, and it’s time for a change.”
Connie O’Dell, Beaver Dam
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“The new people, everything new, because they say they’ll do this and that but they do nothing. They turn their backs. People need to be replaced, just switch everybody, but I do like (President Donald) Trump.”
Victor Crepo, Murphy
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“You always have to go with a little bit of both because people need new ideas to
go with the old. You have to be open minded. There are some old ways that still
work, and there’s some old ways that don’t work.”
Jimmy McCarter, Hayesville