In this Issue of Hey Cherokee County…

✅ Election Day Is Tuesday: Contested Local Races, Three Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot

✅ Andrews to Unveil New Christmas Tree, Kicking Off Holiday Festivities

✅  A Sneak Peek at Heritage Park's New Pavilion

Cherokee County Events

November 6th

November 9th

November 11th

November 20th

November 21st

December 4th

December 5th

December 18th

December 19th

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and Cherokee County voters will head to the polls to decide on several contested local races, along with federal, state and judicial offices and three proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution.

Three Statewide Constitutional Amendments

All North Carolina voters will be asked to vote For or Against each of the following proposed amendments:

1. Photo Identification for Voting

This proposed amendment would expand the North Carolina Constitution's existing photo ID requirement from in-person voting to include all methods of voting. State law already requires voters casting absentee ballots by mail to provide photo identification or qualify for an exception. The amendment would make that broader requirement part of the state Constitution, rather than leaving it solely in state law.

2. Maximum State Income Tax Rate of 3.5%

This proposed amendment would lower the maximum income tax rate permitted by the North Carolina Constitution from 7% to 3.5%.

3. Limits on Property Tax Increases

This proposed constitutional amendment would require the state to establish limits on how much local governments can raise property taxes. The amendment itself does not set those limits. Instead, state lawmakers would determine the specific restrictions through future legislation, including any exceptions that might apply.

Contested Cherokee County Races

Several local offices have multiple candidates on the ballot.

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners

Cherokee County Board of Education

Uncontested Cherokee County Races

Several local candidates appear on the ballot without a listed opponent:

The ballot also includes two candidates, Colby Davis and Jamie Lance, for two positions on the Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. This nonpartisan contest also provides space for write-in candidates.

Federal, State and District Races

Beyond county offices, Cherokee County voters will also select candidates for several federal, state and regional positions.

Federal races include the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives District 11, while state legislative races include North Carolina Senate District 50 and North Carolina House of Representatives District 120.

Judicial races include North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 1, three North Carolina Court of Appeals seats and three District Court Judge seats in District 43.

Voters will also select a district attorney for Prosecutorial District 43, although only one candidate appears on the sample ballot for that office.

Election Day Is November 3

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned Election Day polling locations rather than the early voting site.

Voters who are in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

North Carolina voters are generally required to show an acceptable photo ID when voting in person, although exceptions are available.

Residents can find their assigned polling place and review their voter information through the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

This overview is based on the Cherokee County sample ballot for Murphy South precinct and the North Carolina State Board of Elections' statewide referendum list.

The town of Andrews will unveil a new 14-foot Christmas tree Nov. 20 during its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, kicking off two days of holiday celebrations that will continue with the 11th annual Christmas on Main Street the following day.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place at Hall Park, where the new tree, standing more than 15 feet tall with its star, will serve as the centerpiece of the celebration.

The tree cost approximately $12,000 and was purchased through donations from area organizations. It marks the first time Andrews has had a Christmas tree of this kind.

The Nov. 20 celebration will also feature a live reindeer, giving children and families another reason to attend the holiday kickoff.

Festivities will continue Saturday, Nov. 21, with the 11th annual Christmas on Main Street, featuring a day of holiday shopping, food, music and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Craft vendors will line the street, offering handmade gifts and other items for shoppers looking to get an early start on Christmas shopping.

Families can visit the Holiday Kidzone, featuring a trackless train ride and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A food court will operate throughout the day, offering hot chocolate, baked goods, peanuts, popcorn and other refreshments. Picnic tables will provide seating for visitors to enjoy their food while listening to live entertainment on the event stage.

Together, the two events will give residents and visitors a full weekend of holiday activities as Andrews welcomes the Christmas season.

Work is moving along on the new pavilion at Heritage Park in Andrews.

The pavilion will feature public restrooms, a concession area and covered seating, making the park even better for ballgames, tournaments, community events and family gatherings.

We'll have more to share as the project gets closer to completion.

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