North Carolina Early Voting Wait-Time Tracker

 By Mildred Robertson

In-person early voting began in North Carolina today, October 15, 2026 and runs through Saturday, October 31 at 3 p.m.  Election day, where you cast your ballot at your assigned precinct, is Tuesday, November 3rd. 

If you plan to take advantage of early voting, a time-saving method is to determine wait times at your designated voting site. In Wake County, North Carolina you can check wait times before heading out to the polls. Just click the link below. 

https://airtable.com/appAL6KsUEvshj4br/shrQkIIFla4bjdGzh/tbl0siEKfqhV1y6F8

For those outside Wake County, check with your local media or contact your board of elections to see whether a wait-time tracker is available in your area. 

Review Sample Ballot to be an Informed Voter

 By: Mildred Robertson

Voters nationwide will soon head to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2026 election. The choice between Republicans and Democrats is relatively clear-cut.  Most voters have already decided whether they favor a Blue Wave or prefer to maintain the status quo.

North Carolina is a battle ground state that will likely flip to blue this election cycle, as Democratic Senatorial Candidate Roy Cooper, faces off against Trump endorsed Michal Whatley, his Republican opponent.  High voter turnout is expected in this hotly contested race and will likely draw voters highly motivated by the top of the ticket. But that doesn’t mean they will come to polls informed about other ballot issues. Many have not considered their votes in non-partisan elections or referenda and city and county bonds; issues that impact their daily lives.

In North Carolina’s Wake County there are several issues voters need to be prepared to address when they enter the voting booth. For instance, there are 3 amendments in this election cycle that many will not consider until they flip over the ballot and read them for the first time.

The constitutional amendments on the Wake County Ballot that may be confusing for the electorate. At first glance, the issues may appear clear cut.  But a “yes vote” may miss some nuances that may not be readily identified by some voters.  For instance, North Carolina already requires voter ID to participate in the election. According to BALLOTPEDIA, a search encyclopedia of American Politics:

“As of 2024, state law required individuals using mail-in absentee ballots to include a photocopy of identification. State law provided for an ID exception form if the voter could not present ID, providing a reason such as the ID being lost or stolen, lack of transportation, disability or illness, religious reasons, experiencing a natural disaster within 100 days before the election, and more. For mail voters unable to attach a photocopy, the voter's driver's license number or last four digits of social security number could be substituted.”

The Constitutional Amendment would require the photo ID of all voters. Simply providing a driver’s license number or the last four digits of the SSI would no longer be sufficient.

Opponents say this measure is designed to disenfranchise voters by mail; making it more difficult for students, older people and people with disabilities to vote by mail in North Carolina. Republican proponents insist it is a commonsense security measure.

Another ballot measure is a constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).  This measure would permanently cap the rate at 3.5%, although North Carolina legislators passed a budget in July that already scheduled a drop from 3.99% to 3.49% effective 2027 -2029.

While this proposal may sound attractive to many voters, Democrats worry that the cap is unnecessary at this time and could limit the ability of the government to levy taxes, even when essential services are threatened without additional funding. Issues that might trigger the need for increased revenue include the need to fund government services to accommodate population growth.

Similarly, A constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increase by local governments could hamstring communities by a one-size-fits all solution. Rep. Maria Cervania, a Wake County Democrat and former County Commissioner says that “Bertie County is not Mecklenburg County,” and that it is dangerous to set limits that may stifle tax revenue growth for some local governments with differing needs.

While voters are focused on national issues, such as the makeup of Congress, and which party controls the state houses across America, local issues such as the state constitutional amendments and school bonds deserve just as intense a look as do these state-wide elections.

So, review your sample ballot. Examine the amendments and bonds and familiarize yourself with nonpartisan candidates on your ballot so you can make an informed decision about who will be governing your community. It is your community; make sure your choices are heard.

Inform yourself and then vote THE ENTIRE ballot.

Will Trump Overturn Voters' Will in Midterm Elections

 By Mildred Robertson

While voters seem acutely focused on rising food and fuel costs, equal attention should be paid to what may be America's best chance to change the country's direction: the 2026 midterm elections. Looking back to the 2020 election and the January 6th attack on the Capitol, it is clear that there are no limits Trump will not cross to maintain power. With only days to go before voters cast their ballots, the Trump administration seems focused on laying the groundwork to overturn the voters' will. 

It is likely no coincidence that Secretary of  Defense Pete Hegseth is firing generals, a group of individuals who might oppose the illegal use of the military to alter the outcome of the election. The administration is also re-establishing its relationship with Elon Musk, who has been accused of tampering with previous elections to benefit Trump. 

Local election officials who rejected the false claims that the 2020 election was stolen have already faced threats of being jailed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullins. Further, the federal government has attempted to take control of elections from the states, which is patently illegal under the constitution. 

ArtI.S4.C1.2.1 States and Elections Clause

Article I, Section 4, Clause 1:

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

It appears the administration, fearing a "Blue Wave," wants to seize control of ballots in order to control the narrative about who actually won the election. Many fear that false allegations about the election outcome may be promoted to stir unrest, or that state officials might refuse to certify election results, hampering the seating of duly elected officials. 

American voters must make a clear-eyed assessment of the looming danger. Voters must actively pursue methods to maintain the integrity of our Democracy and the right of each citizen to cast a vote to determine who will lead our nation. The best chance to avoid the likelihood of a corrupt election is to vote in numbers that cannot be denied. Margins must be such that vote tampering, corrupt practices, and voter intimidation can be counterbalanced. 

It really just comes down to your individual vote. You must be committed to vote, whether it is by mail, during early voting or in person on election day. You must be aware of the deadlines, and you must face all obstacles that may be placed in your path to hamper your efforts to vote. You must make sure you get to the polls and that your family members and friends get to the poll. Even if you are not enamored with your choices, you still need to make one. 

Attend candidate forums. Follow the news. Talk to community thought leaders. Request a sample ballot so that you are familiar with the candidates and the issues that appear on your ballot. Check your registration status prior to going to the polls and make sure you have a valid photo ID. If you are challenged at the polls or don't have the appropriate ID, ask for a provisional ballot. If that doesn't work call the election protection hotline to get help. 

When voting, make sure you read all the instructions carefully. Before submitting your ballot, double check that it is complete and correct. If mailing your ballot, make sure that the envelope is properly sealed and that any required witness signature is correct.  

This may be the most consequential election in your lifetime. Don't sit this one out. Be informed. Be prepared. 

VOTE! 

Trump's Attack on the Free Press Threatens Democracy

By Mildred Robertson

According to PBS NewsHour, this week Donald Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. He accused the outlets of false, unfavorable, and anti-Republican coverage, but gave no enforcement details. 

The Trump administration’s restrictions on press access raise a central democratic question: whether the government may limit journalists’ access in response to critical coverage. Retaliatory restrictions weaken First Amendment norms, reduce public access to independent reporting, and deepen distrust at a moment when voters need reliable information.

Among those reporters with whom Trump has clashed are Kaitlan Collins (CNN), who is known for asking uncomfortable follow-up questions; Jim Acosta (CNN) who refused to give up his microphone while asking about immigration; Kirsten Holmes (CNN) whom Trump accused of being fake news, calling her a "loud, boisterous person," and demanding that she "be quiet". Kelly O'Donnell (NBC News) stood up to Trump in the Oval Office and confronted him over his decision to ban competing news organizations from the executive branch complex. Numerous other news reporters and media outlets have come under attack from this administration for refusing to back down when asking the hard questions about Trump's policies. The administration currently is revoking press passes and denying West Wing access to any reporter representing CNN, MS NOW or Politico.

Although federal courts have consistently ruled against broad administrative efforts by the Trump administration to restrict press access he, nevertheless, warned other news outlets they might face similar restrictions.  Critics say this action violates the First Amendment which allows individuals the right to express their thoughts and opinions without government censorship or punishment. The Amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..."

The dispute between news outlets and the Trump administration raises broader questions about the role of the free press in American politics. Constitutional protection of the press is rooted in the need to inform the public, scrutinize government, expose abuse, explain policy, and check political claims. It also seeks to facilitate the presentation of competing views and to highlight unfair treatment of U.S. citizens. The Trump administration appears to intend to muzzle all media who choose to report on the facts as they see them, rather than regurgitating the talking points of the administration. 

While retaliation against media for criticism violates constitutional free speech norms Trump's efforts have resulted in a chilling effect on journalism and factual reporting by some U.S. news media outlets. Trump's attack on reporters and news outlets who refuse to report the administration's false narratives has already resulted in some media self-censoring in order not to antagonize him. Among those organizations is ABC and CBS/Paramount who admitted to self-censorship, legal settlements and programming shifts.

It appears that the United States has fallen in global rankings and lost its long-standing status as a "liberal democracy. This recent degrading of freedom of speech and of the press in the U.S. point to a severe and unusually rapid erosion of American democracy. In fact the Pew Research Center states that the Economist Intelligence Unit (the world leader in global business intelligence and market insights), classifies the country as a "flawed democracy." Experts say it is rare in modern history to see the pace of institutional decline currently being experienced in America.

The need to stop the decline of democracy is at the forefront of 2026 midterms. Americans have become acutely aware of the struggle this administration has with the truth. Pew Research states that 83% of Americans believe the U.S. government is suppressing important news from the public. However, they also distrust the news organizations and social media.  This skepticism has resulted in a highly fractured political landscape where citizens struggle to find the truth in the various messages with which they are bombarded. 

This is a particularly critical as voters wade through conflicting messages from this administration and news outlets to find the facts they need to vote their best interest in November. It is imperative that the media be free to research and report the facts as they see them, and then let the people decided what is the truth. That can't happen if this administration muzzles large portions of the free press, and only shares information with those who will positively promote the president's agenda. 

Independent journalism supports democratic accountability. When reporting is limited to positive views of political actors, the media is weakened and reporting becomes a disservice to the American public. Limited access can favor official messaging, and sustained pressure may deter reporting and deepen distrust. The lack of fact-based reporting results in a misinformed public and leads to poor public policy making. It also leads to a lack of trust by other nations and world leaders.

 

Cautionary Tale: Check Your Voter Registration, NOW!

By Mildred Robertson

My granddaughter turned 18 in July, 2026. One of the first things we did was visit the Wake County Board of Elections to register her to vote. She excitedly waited for her Voter ID to show up in the mail. And it did, this week. However, the last name on the voter ID card was not her last name.

We immediately headed to the Board of Elections to straighten it out. The clerk indicated that her form had been filled out properly, with her CORRECT name, and said they would start an investigation to see what went wrong. We were assured that her name was correct in the database, and that she would experience no problems when voting in the upcoming election. I took little comfort from that, and plan to make sure that we vote on October 15th, so that if there is a problem, we have time to rectify it before November 3, 2026.

I don't know if this was a nefarious attempt to disenfranchise my grandchild, or whether it was simply a clerical error. I await feedback from the Board of Elections to determine how this error occurred. If it happened to her, it is possible that it happened to other eligible voters; who knows how many. 

Regardless, if you don't want to just cast a vote, but for that vote to be counted you must remain vigilant during this election season. We know that one party in particular plans to make it as difficult as possible for some of us to vote.

No matter how many elections you've voted in, check to ensure you are still on the roll. Have a plan on how and when you will vote. Determine where your polling place is, and if you wish to vote early learn the various locations around your county where you can cast your vote. You can get all that information from your county board of elections. 

This election is too important for us to allow clerical errors, or malicious tampering to deny even one eligible voter access to the ballot box. Register. Plan. Vote in this primary election. 

Ensure Your Vote Counts on November 3, 2026

 By Mildred Robertson

As the 2026 midterms approach, many Americans will tune in to the political battle immediately following the Labor Day holiday. Voting should be easy, but the fact is that we may have to struggle to cast our vote in 2026. However, we cannot be daunted or intimidated as we work to ensure that our voices are heard.

The Trump administration has gone to great lengths to try to make the process as confusing as possible, eliminating voting locations, decreasing ballot drop-off sites, gerrymandering voting districts and attacking the mail-in ballot process. The goal is to inject confusion into the process in the hope that many voters, particularly minority voters, will be frustrated enough not to participate in the election.

That tactic, however, will not prevail if voters are proactive in their preparation for the November 3^rd election. Every voter should have a plan on how they will ensure that their vote is both cast and counted.

In North Carolina, a key state in this year’s midterm, election boards across the state will begin to mail out absentee ballots on September 4 to voters who requested them. In-person early voting runs from October 15 through October 31.  Voters will cast their ballots at their designated precinct on election day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All those options are open to every North Carolinian. Each of us should assume the responsibility of making sure we are prepared to cast our vote in a way that cannot be challenged.

Each voter should contact their county board of elections to ensure that their name is still listed as active. Reasons you may be suspended or purged from the roll is if you have moved since the last election. You also might fall into this category if your name has changed since you last voted. This is particularly important for women who may have changed their name due to marriage or divorce. If your name has been suspended or purged for any reason, you can submit an updated voter registration form through the DMV website or your county registrar.

Another tactic by the Trump administration is to eliminate or change voting locations. You may have voted at the same location for years and find that that location is no longer a voting site.  So, make sure when you check your registration that you also check your voting location. If you do end up at the wrong site on November 3, let the official know that you are not in your precinct and want to vote using a provisional ballot.  The best way to ensure that your vote is cast and counted is to have a plan:

• Know when and where you are going to vote.
• Know where the ballot drop-off locations are.
• Know where the early voting locations are.
• Plan your transportation to the voting location.
• If you are going to mail in a ballot, do so in a timely fashion to ensure that it will arrive in time to be counted.

You can go online for status notifications through BallotTrax, which is available 30 days prior to the election.

This may be the most consequential election of your lifetime. Make sure you are prepared. Make sure you are involved. Make sure your vote counts on November 3, 2026.

Gary Indiana Becomes Trump's Katrina

BUT THE MEDIA DOESN'T CARE

By Mildred Robertson

Gary Indiana, a predominantly Black community where roughly a third of residents live below the poverty line, is struggling back from an unprecedented storm on August 11 that left many without power or resources. The storm is reminiscent of Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 where a lackluster federal response left thousands of New Orleanians struggling to survive. While Gary residents don't have to contend with the prolonged flooding experienced by New Orleans residents, the lack of access to life's necessities post-disaster are similar. 

Unfortunately, the vivid pictures of flooding that dominated the airwaves during the Katrina disaster have not occurred during the Gary, Indiana storm. Apparently, downed trees and damaged power lines are not as gripping or captivating for the media, as the heart-wrenching photos that came out of New Orleans. But the pain of the Indiana residents is just as real. 

The August 11 storms brought winds up to 99 mph to Northwest Indiana, downing trees and power lines and initially leaving more than half of Gary without electricity. Some residents entered a third week without power, creating the urgent need for food, laundry, showers, phone charging, and other basic services.

NIPSCO, one of Indiana's largest natural gas and electric companies, says it has experienced about 374,500 customer outages since Aug. 11.  The prolonged power outage affected more than 38,300 homes and businesses in Gary and government response has been slow.  Power restoration for remaining customers was expected by midnight on August 25, 2026.

The lengthy restoration has fueled questions about NIPSCO's response and the resilience of Gary's power grid, especially as neighboring communities recovered. While Gary struggled, residents in nearby Indiana received a better response rate to the disaster. ComEd restored nearly all customers across the state line within days.

 As of Monday morning, about 3,878 customers remained without power because of the storms. While Gary has received federal help through FEMA's emergency declaration, direct assistance to residents; food, supplies, cooling and other necessities is largely coming from charities and local and state efforts.  The August 15 emergency declaration allows FEMA to support state and local emergency protective measures, but it does not automatically provide individual assistance directly to households.

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton met with U.S. Senator Jim Banks to discuss federal disaster assistance and recovery needs. Melton also spoke with President Trump and urged swift federal action for Gary residents and neighborhoods.

While the disparity in restoration of services is troublesome, Gary apparently experienced more severe weather than Indiana. The National Weather Service says the storm intensified as it moved into Northwest Indiana, with a 99-mph gust recorded at Gary/Chicago International Airport, a speed that falls within the range of Category 2 hurricane winds.

Gary residents have called out state leaders, including Gov. Mike Braun, who said over the weekend that it was unacceptable that NIPSCO was taking so long to restore power while Illinois communities across the border had already been restored.

This is bigger than a power outage in Gary, Indiana," Bernice King, civil rights organizer and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, said on social media. "It is part of a pattern. Black communities have too often been expected to endure conditions that would be treated as intolerable somewhere else."

Nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and public figures have stepped up to fill the void, providing meals, supplies, funding, and other aid to affected residents. Raydia Martin, assistant director of the Flourish Community Hub at Flourish Church in Gary, said volunteers and community groups have been an important part of the response. The Chicago Bears announced a $200,000 storm relief donation, split evenly between Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary. World Central Kitchen distributed about 4,000 meals in Gary and nearby Lake Ridge with help from local volunteers.

As the city struggles to get back on its feet, the nation should examine partisan politics in federal services. On August 20, Indiana submitted a major disaster request seeking additional individual and public assistance, including possible FEMA support for households affected by this disaster. Gov. Mike Braun petitioned the federal government for assistance in 54 counties after the severe storm decimated the state's power system. President Trump approved the request for 21 counties,  less than half that number.  

Eligible residents in the designated counties can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help cover immediate needs such as clothing and uninsured medical devices. Those affected should document damages and expenses and follow updates from the Indiana Department of Residents to find more information through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Recovery and Cleanup

·   The American Red Cross offers disaster recovery resources on shelter, cleanup, and flood recovery. Call 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.  Keep photos and videos of storm damage and save receipts for repairs, temporary housing, replacement items, and other disaster-related expenses. Residents who were affected should continue saving documentation, monitoring official updates, and using available state and nonprofit recovery resources as they await further federal assistance.