Republican Ballot: NC State Senate District 13 - Vicki Harry & Scott Lassiter

Join the journey as Amanda Benbow Lunn unravels the intricacies of the Republican NC State Senate District 13's primary race. This episode promises to arm you with the knowledge needed to navigate the platforms of Vicki Harry and Scott Lassiter, transforming you from a casual observer into an informed voter ready to take on the upcoming primary election.

Listen closely as we trace Vicki Harry's path from motherhood to the frontlines of local government, analyzing how her experience as a former teacher and business owner shapes her views on vital issues like the economy and education. Then, the spotlight shifts to Scott Lassiter, whose dedication to community service and his innovative take on non-regulatory advocacy reveal a leader deeply connected to his roots in public service and environmental conservation. No stone is left unturned as we dissect their campaign strategies, endorsements and the distinct visions each holds for the future of North Carolina. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to these pivotal candidates and the passion driving their quest for a seat at the Senate table.

Vicki Harry & Scott Lassiter

NC Deep Dive’s Voters’ Guide for the 2024 Primary Election

Ballotpedia

WRAL’s Voters’ Guide

Raleigh News & Observer Voters’ Guide

INDY Week’s Candidate Questionnaire

Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees

 Voter Information
--Register to Vote
--Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
--Election Information
 --Election Day Voting FAQs
--Absentee by Mail FAQs

Closest Early Voting Locations
February 15th-March 2nd

W.E. Hunt Recreation Center in Holly Springs

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

2024 Primary Election Early Voting Bus Route Guide

 ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Transcript

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 0:09

Hello friends, thanks for joining me and the NC Deep Dive. I am your host, Amanda Benbow-Lunn, and we are delving into the 2024 primary election. Each episode will cover a different race that will be on your primary ballot this election. When you go to vote, you will be handed a ballot based on your address and party affiliation. If you are unaffiliated sometimes also referred here as independent then you will have your choice of which party's ballot you would like to vote. Please note that you are only able to cast one ballot and that there are no primary ballots for the Green Party or the no Labels Party. Moreover, candidates for the general election in November who do not have a primary challenger will not appear on your primary ballot. They get a pass directly to the general election. Due to time constraints and the plethora of candidates, and my belief that having as much information as possible is of vast importance, our primary election segment will consist of me covering one race at a time, as time allows, and going over each candidate's website and what I can find on a simple Google search, in case it is easier for you to take in information this way. If you are short on time, you can check out our NC Deep Dives Voters Guide for the 2024 primary election, found pinned to our Facebook page or on this episode's show notes at www. ncdeepdive. com. It will be an easy way to access each candidate's website and research the candidates on your own. If that's a better use of your time, without further ado, my friends, let's dive in. Starting with the NC State Senate race for District 13, we have two candidates, the first of which is Vicki Harry, the second of which is Scott Lassiter. We are going to go ahead and start with Vicki Harry Doing a Google search. Really, the only thing of importance that I saw was her campaign page. Taking a look at that, which is Vicki with an I Vicki Harry, the Y VickiHarryNC. com shows a picture of her in front of the General Assembly building and says for families and freedom.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 2:27

As a mother, grandmother, former teacher and small business owner, vicki has years of experience that have prepared her to serve the people and families of Southern Wake County, senate District 13. She has three priorities listed, the first of which is the economy, and it states Biden economics isn't working for America or the families of Wake County. As a business owner, I understand the challenges of signing the front of a paycheck and have firsthand experience with how the failed policies of the Biden administration have impacted small businesses and our families. For our families to thrive, we need a robust economy. As your next state senator, I will strive to cut taxes, reduce regulations and provide businesses with the breathing room they need to create well paying jobs. For education, she says. As a mother, grandmother and former educator, education holds significant importance to me. What we teach our children will shape the trajectory of our nation. I support parents' right to choose the best education option for their family. Tax dollars should not fund divisive rhetoric in our public schools. Our schools need to prioritize the basics. As your next state senator, I will address these issues and restore control of our schools to the parents. Her third priority is infrastructure, where she states Southern Wake County and many other areas of North Carolina are experiencing rapid growth. To keep pace with this expansion, we require innovative solutions to enhance our infrastructure. This involves securing funding for road projects and ensuring our municipalities have the resources necessary for adequate public safety. There are some pictures of her and her husband and their grandchildren and a blurb about Vicki Harry, and it states Vicki Harry is a wife, mother, grandmother and small business owner who embodies a life filled with diverse experiences and a commitment to her community.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 4:24

Born and raised in Maryland, she attended Towson State University, where she earned a degree in community health education. After graduating, she taught health education at a public middle school and coached basketball. Vicki and her husband, paul, married in 1988. In 1997, vicki and her family relocated to North Carolina where she continued to teach, which has always been one of her passions. Vicki taught a variety of subjects, including chemistry, yearbook, math, bible and history at Wake Christian Academy for seven years. During this time, she not only coached basketball for four years, but also served as the director of development, coordinating fundraising banquets, volunteers and events. Her passion for community and entrepreneurship took a bold step when she ventured into the world of business. In January 2013, vicki opened Thanks-a-latte Coffee and Gift Boutique in Holly Springs, north Carolina, and later expanded with a second location in Andrew in December of 2022.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 5:24

Beyond her professional endeavors, vicki's heart for service reached global proportions. She embarked on numerous mission trips, serving on evangelism teams, medical teams and speaking for women's ministry teams in Ecuador, italy and Austria. This global perspective reflects Vicki's commitment to making a positive impact on lives both near and far. Vicki and her husband Paul have three married children and nine grandchildren, ranging in ages from nine to two, all living close by in Wake County. Committed to our community, she writes like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is headed. I often think about my nine beautiful grandchildren and the world we will leave behind for them.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 6:07

In order for North Carolina to continue being a prosperous state, we need honest leadership in Raleigh, leaders who possess integrity, humility and passion. We need leaders who prioritize our families and defend the freedoms we hold dear. In 2013, when I started my company, it was a thrilling and challenging experience. Every day I am grateful I took that leap of faith. Over the years, I have firsthand experience with the impact of regulations, inflation, supply shortages and other challenges on an otherwise growing and successful business. Like many other entrepreneurs and business owners, we were forced to close our doors during the COVID pandemic and quickly shift our operations. Unfortunately, many North Carolinians are still suffering the consequences of those shutdowns and our children have paid a heavy price. School closures have led to learning loss and our children are now behind. More than ever, it is time to get our state back on track.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 7:02

Through my shop, I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from our community here in Wake County. Every day I interact with community members, including mothers, teachers, doctors, engineers, students and many others. Each of these individuals deserves a strong and vibrant North Carolina. As your next state senator, I promise to think of your family as I do my own. I pledge to meet the challenges of our state head-on and to create open and honest dialogue. I humbly ask for you to vote Vicki on Tuesday, march 5th, for families and freedom Vicki.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 7:33

She also lists her endorsements. So the endorsements for Vicki Harry include Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, who is running for governor this year, holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie, representative Erin Pare and she has a quote here that Erin said there's no question that Vicki is, hands down, the right person for this job. Vicki is a local small business owner, former teacher, mother, grandmother and wife. She is smart, tough, conservative and very qualified. This is a winnable seat for Republicans in 2024, and Vicki is the only candidate that can win in November. She was also endorsed by AFP North Carolina and she is supported by Senator Vicki Sawyer, senator Amy Galley, representative Erin Paray and Senator Joyce Crawley.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 8:25

Looking up on Ballopedia, vicki did not answer their questionnaire and they did not have her financial contributions listed there. I was able to look up her financial contributions via the North Carolina State Board of Elections website and she loaned $1,000 to the campaign. She has received $425 in aggregated contributions from individuals and that looks to be contributions of about $25 or less and then contributions from individuals. She is looking at a total of this election of $10,903.95, for a total of $12,329.12 this election. I did somewhat of a quick search. She did not fill out the questionnaire survey for Indie Week. I had reached out to her for the NC Deep Dive Voters Guide. I never received a response from her about that and WRAL does have some information, but that was pulled pretty much from her website.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 9:34

Moving on to Scott Lassiter, his website is votescottlassiter. com. The very first page says Dr Scott Lassiter, north Carolina Senate, district 13, including communities in Apex, cary, fairview, fuquay varina, Garner, holly Springs, Knightdale, raleigh and Swift Creek. Wake Soil and Water District Supervisor. Scott Lassiter is running for the North Carolina Senate, where he will attack problems, not people. Your contribution is an opportunity to help Scott spread his message of common sense, optimistic conservatism. There is a press release that announced his campaign and that he was going to be running for this office and it says for immediate release December 4, 2023, wake Soil and Water Supervisor, scott Lassiter, files for NC SNP.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 10:25

Lifelong Wake County resident, public school assistant principal and current countywide elected official, scott Lassiter, has officially filed for NC Senate, district 13. Lassiter was the first candidate to file for any office at the Wake County Board of Elections. The district includes areas of Apex, cary, fairview, Fuquay Varina, garner, holly Springs, raleigh, swift Creek, willow Springs and other unincorporated parts of Wake County. Lassiter previously served four years on the Apex Town Council before his election to the current post as Wake County Soil and Water District Supervisor. He has volunteered extensively in his community as his HOA president, a member of the board of directors for Kids Together Playground and as the president and founder of the Lassiter Education Foundation for the benefit of at-risk students. Lassiter also ran briefly in a primary for the NC House in 2022, but suspended his campaign after a court-ordered redistricting plan placed him in a district with another qualified Republican candidate already running. Lasseter has already garnered many supporters in the community, including that of former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 11:30

Lassiter said I've seen firsthand how important it is to get these policies right and how destructive they can be when it's done wrong. I've had to tell a parent that their child was a victim of a drug overdose. I've taken the blows in our school system, both figuratively and literally. I've been in charge of infrastructure development. I've championed job growth and seen how economic opportunity changes the trajectories of entire families for generations. He continued. My family has called this area home for over 100 years and I am proud to continue with the same passion for responsible government in the North Carolina Senate that I've had serving in both municipal and county governments. He has a countdown to the election which the March 5th primary is fast approaching and we're ready to win, it says. And the current countdown is 17 days, four hours, 54 minutes and seven seconds, though this is the early voting period, so you can vote early between now and March 2nd. His platform values you believe in.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 12:29

Scott is a lifelong Wake County resident who believes in the great people here. He has the experience, education and the dedication to collaboratively work to solve problems and protect our growing country. He firmly believes that our community's best days are ahead. As a proven fighter, scott believes that government's role is to serve the people, not the other way around. Unfortunately, he has seen too many of today's leaders become beholden to a few powerful individuals and ignoring the needs of their constituents. He won't stand for that. Scott knows that the legislature needs cleaning up and he's laser focused on amplifying the voice of ordinary hardworking people in the North Carolina Senate.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 13:06

Transparency Scott believes that transparency from all elected and appointed government officials is crucial and serves as the cornerstone of democratic governance. The work of legislators should be done in the open, similar to other government bodies. Communications between constituents, lobbyists and legislators should be subject to public and press inspection. Scott knows that transparency by elected officials serves to increase their accountability, improve the public's trust in their government and can prevent corruption. He looks forward to working with an informed electorate that is participatory and promises a responsive and professional culture for all from his office, regardless of ideological differences.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 13:47

Serving the community, scott believes in servant leadership. Professionally, as a public school administrator, he walks shoulder to shoulder with his students, parents and staff to ensure common goals are accomplished. Personally, he's committed to his family, faith and community. As a former elected town councilman for Apex and now Wake County soil and water supervisor, scott knows what it takes to foster partnerships and create positive results, united by a common goal. Scott is a public servant and understands that holding office is hard work and that the stakes are high for his community. With Wake County urbanizing at a rapid rate, scott will support policy programming and resource allocations that ensures the opportunity for success is within reach for everyone. Scott has worked to support the family farmer, increase efforts in agricultural, technical and environmental education and clean up illegal dumping when he's been soil and water conservation district supervisor. He also believes that the government can't solve every problem alone. He knows our community's strength is everyone's responsibility and will seek to partner with business leaders, universities, schools and municipalities in supporting policies that are best for district 13.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 14:57

Public education Scott believes North Carolina's schools should be the pride of the nation. He knows firsthand that in order to make that happen the state has to do more to fund the recruitment and retention of the best talent to serve our students. Those professionals have to be equipped with excellent curriculum resources, fairly compensated and given the respect they deserve, whether they be a bus driver, a teacher, a nurse, a custodian or the principal. Schools have to be a safe place for students to learn and for staff to work. Scott knows counselors, social workers, administrators and school resource officers have their place. But he won't shy away from the real problem for some of our students A lack of parental involvement and support. Traditional public schools hold a special place in Scott's heart. He knows the vast majority of school children in North Carolina will attend public schools and their success directly contributes to the success of our state. He also understands that every child is unique and parents, not politicians, should have the ultimate say in a child's education. That's why Scott wants to empower traditional public schools with charter school-like flexibility and give parents options to best serve their students.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 16:03

Scott knows that educators must be compensated at a level that attracts the best and brightest and that keeps them in the field. If they are effective. Teachers need to be able to teach students. Teachers need to be able to teach and students need to be able to learn. Scott believes discipline is required for that to happen. Scott has a problem with students who aren't passing basic competency standards being routinely promoted to the next grade level only to fall further behind. He believes students should be taught the truth about America that it is not without flaws but remains the best hope for freedom, democracy and opportunity in the world. As a former American history teacher, he's done just that and empowered students to make their world a better place. He sees students being labeled with pseudo-disabilities and given excuses to fail that are outside of their control, instead of being challenged to reach their full potential. Scott knows that each child, regardless of color, creed, national origin, socioeconomic status or any other categorization, is uniquely capable in the right environment. Understanding that North Carolina and Wake County continue to attract high-paying careers, scott wants to ensure that our students graduate with the skills necessary to access them.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:11

Infrastructure the government has some basic functions. However, scott has seen some policymakers spend so much time attempting to solve every societal issue that they forget their primary responsibilities. Infrastructure is chief amongst them. Transportation systems like roads, highways, ports, rail lines and airports are hugely important to our state and community. North Carolina was once known as the good road state. Today, that almost sounds like a joke when you see the traffic and congestion in our district. Roads and other infrastructure must be improved before they become clogged from new development. Not years later, scott is ready to get back to the basics to ensure that we have excellent transportation systems, access to safe and affordable utilities and properly maintain public property.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:55

Scott believes that infrastructure isn't limited to physical resources. He understands that human resources have to be supported to Public safety. Professionals like firefighters, emts and police are deserving of our support and appreciation. Our community wouldn't function without roads, sewers, power or bridges, and it certainly wouldn't function without public safety professionals there to answer our calls. Investing in our public servants compensation package, training and equipment won't just be a talking point for Scott. It will be a priority Economic opportunity.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 18:27

The economic issues facing Wake County are different from those facing other parts of the state. We have job openings, but we have to make sure they are attainable for those already living here. Our young people need opportunities waiting for them when they graduate. Schools, community colleges and our universities must partner with employers to ensure that students have the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. Scott is concerned that as our property values rise, so do our property taxes. He wants to ensure that municipal and county taxing authorities are truthful with their citizens when property values are reassessed and increased. That increases a homeowner's tax bill. This slight of hand trick goes on far too often and allows elected officials to raise your taxes with limited accountability. Scott fully believes that it's not the government's place to create jobs or choose winners and losers in business. Instead, he wants the government to foster an environment where innovation is rewarded and success is accessible to all.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 19:23

About Scott Upbringing and Family. Scott was born at Wake Med in Raleigh and raised in Apex, north Carolina. He attended Apex Elementary, middle and High Schools. His parents are both Wake County natives and from Raleigh, and Henry Ronnie Laster from Garner. Scott's brother lives near Holly Springs. Education Scott graduated from NC State with a bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in secondary social studies education. While teaching social studies at East Wake Middle School, scott attended night school at NC Central University and earned a master's degree in school administration. He obtained his educational specialist license from NC State and successfully defended his dissertation, earning his doctorate in educational leadership from NC State in December of 2023. Professional, scott holds an NC superintendent's license, principal license and a professional teaching license. Scott enjoyed his years in the classroom, but has moved on to a role where he can have more influence over the entire student body as an assistant principal in the Wake County public school system. Previously, he worked as a teacher and administrator at comprehensive middle schools in North Raleigh and Nightdale before being tapped to help open WCPSS's newest and most innovative alternative middle school in 2018, a position he currently holds. Scott was also a founding partner in a technology startup company located in Cary Government Experience.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 20:46

Scott is the vice chairman of the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. He's also a president of the Area for Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. That includes Wake, johnston, durham, granville, vance, franklin, halifax, nash Wilson and Edgecomb counties. Scott served as an Apex Town Councilman for four years, from 2011 to 2015, where he chaired the budget and planning committees and was the liaison to the Parks Department. He was a Parks, recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Commissioner from 2006 to 2011. Scott has been a board member and is currently the president of the McGregor Downs Homeowners Association. He serves as the WCPSS Division of Principles and Assistant Principles liaison to the North Carolina General Assembly. Scott serves on the board of directors for Kids Together Park for children of all abilities in Cary. Lastly, he is the founder and president of the Lasseter Education Foundation, a registered nonprofit that supports at-risk area students with extracurricular fee support and scholarships. Environmental Advocacy Scott recognizes that the Board of Supervisors for the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District has a tough job. The Board of Supervisors does not have regulatory authority, thus advocacy is paramount. Scott works to develop collaborative and collegial relationships among landowners, farmers, homeowners, government agencies, school and businesses to support, incentivize, encourage, fund and educate on the important topic of soil and water resource conservation Trust.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 22:24

Scott is not a professional politician, but he is a professional public administrator. His education and experience in leadership, collaboration, communication and fiscal management of public funds help him daily in his elected role. Scott believes in holding public servants accountable and isn't afraid to stand up for what is right. He is a strong coalition builder who knows how to get things done. Interest Scott enjoys time with his family, friends and his rescue dog, ace. He loves spending time outdoors, whether it be active or passive recreation. He feels at home on a golf course, mowing a field on a tractor or just wandering a path. He is an avid reader of nonfiction and is fascinated by the lessons that can be learned from extraordinary leaders like President Lincoln. Scott loves education and is confident that through knowledge and teamwork nearly all problems can be solved. And he has pictures in a photo gallery here Endorsements. So Scott is proud of the endorsements and support he's received from elected officials and community leaders featured here, but he's most excited about earning your vote on Election Day.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 23:27

If you're interested in endorsing Scott, please let him know and you can click the button. But he is endorsed by former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, who's retired. The NC Highway Patrol he's also retired from. He's endorsed by former Congresswoman Renee Elmers, a Republican in North Carolina. He's endorsed by Colonel Alan Swain, a US Army retired Republican congressional candidate, past chairman of the Wake County GOP and founder of North Carolina Asian American Coalition. He is endorsed by Colonel Mark Cavalero of the US Marine Corps he's also retired. He's also former GOP candidate for NC Senate, former Wake GOP first vice chair. He is endorsed by Commander Ron Smith of the US Navy he's also retired, and he's also former candidate NC of the NC House, north Carolina Judicial Standards Commission member. He's endorsed by Molly Sears, who's a registered nurse who's retired. She's also the wife of late Holly Springs Mayor, dick Sears.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 24:33

Scott Lassiter is endorsed by Brooke Matthews. He's a Harnett County, north Carolina commissioner and deputy superintendent for Harnett County Schools. He's endorsed by Phil Matthews, garner Town Councilman, a former Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman and Vietnam veteran. He's endorsed by Robert Broly, former North Carolina House representative, gop candidate for the current NC Commissioner of Insurance and author. He's endorsed by Kerry Town Councilman Jack Smith. He's been Kerry's Town Councilman from 1989 to the present and he's also former US Army Calvary Captain. He's endorsed by CWA Political Action Committee police officer Antony Thomas, general JR Gorum, retired National Guard of North Carolina, north Carolina, commissioner of Juvenile Justice, town of Curnersville Alderman. He's an author, motivational speaker, first African American general in North Carolina National Guard history. He's endorsed by Staff Sergeant Retired Charles Eggleston of the US Army. He's a Purple Heart recipient, bronze Star recipient, iraq Combat Veteran, NFL Hall of Heroes inductee, blue Star Families Board member and advocate for improved treatment of injured service members at Walter Reed Hospital.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 25:48

He's endorsed by Grass Roots North Carolina, a premier advocacy group for the Second Amendment and the Rights of Law abiding gun owners. Actually, it says, though this organization does not endorse last year earned a perfect 100% score and their top four star rating on gun rights issues. He is endorsed by the Coolidge Project, the Calvin Coolidge Project. It's a conservative, grassroots organization seeking to promote the ideals of free markets, liberties, civility, self-discipline, morality and a peaceful American presence in the world to inspire timid hearts and minds to fiercely defend individual freedoms. And lastly, he is endorsed by Carolina Teachers Alliance. Carolina Teachers Alliance Votes is a political action committee of the Carolina Teachers Alliance, the foremost advocacy and professional group representing educators in North Carolina and South Carolina. Their vision is an unbiased, academically sound education for all children. Cta Votes is dedicated to endorsing and supporting candidates who they believe will prioritize protecting public education from political and social agendas.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 26:58

He does have an event coming up. It's the Embers Live and Concert. It's live music, light food, drink and you can meet Scott Lassiter, who's running for NC Senate, district 13, and enjoy an evening of beach music. It's February 21st 2024. Doors open at 6.30 at McGregor Downs Country Club. It is free with RSVP.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 27:20

He does have some videos and again the press release that I read earlier. The videos one is on Scott's latest ad on public safety and rising crime in our community. Another is you can view it for a nuanced and thoughtful discussion about Scott's vision for NC, hosted by Brian Smith, former paratrooper, local businessman of IWatch, security owner and a part-time podcaster. Scott is excited to announce his candidacy for the North Carolina Senate. There are places where you can contribute and contact him as well. There's a store and then there are resources and education. He lists out election resources about soil and water districts, drinking water information, federal programs, legislative website, wake County Soil and Water, state programs, parks and open space, links in the various municipalities and education foundation.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 28:13

To talk more about the Lassiter Education Foundation, one of the things that I saw just looking him up on the first page of Google was that he named and sued House Speaker Tim Moore in an alienation of a affection lawsuit, claiming that their affair destroyed the Laster's marriage. He also claimed that House Speaker Tim Moore traded sex for political favors. They ended up settling out of court. Looking at Ballopedia, he did answer the questionnaire there, so that's ballotpedia. org and you can look up Scott there. That says that he's a member of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District in North Carolina. He assumed office on December 7th of 2020. His current term ends on December 2nd of this year.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 28:57

Leaning into campaign finance information, ballotpedia did have his information there and it says the 2024 election. From January of last year to December 31st of this year, he has had a total of $10,665 in contributions. Number of unique contributors is 36. The total expenditures is $7,384. And the number of unique pays is 20. And then he also put a loan in for himself for $50,000 as well.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 29:30

And again, he did answer. If you scroll down towards the end of the ballotpedia, there's a candidate connection survey. He did answer all of those. Are a number of questions there, so I'm not going to read through all of them. You can if you'd like. He did participate in our North Carolina deep dive voters guide. He actually answered within the first 24 hours, so that was pretty cool to see how responsive he was. There is information on WRAL's voter guide for him as well. I am not seeing Indy's 2024 primary election voter guide for North Carolina Senate District 13. It says this is a Republican primary. The candidates are Vicky Harry and Scott Lassiter. Indy Week is not making an endorsement in this race. Scott did answer the candidate questionnaire for Indy Week. There are 13 questions here that he's answered, so he has been responsive. You can definitely look up that information. But that brings to an end what I found on a basic Google search for both Vicky Harry and Scott Lassiter for North Carolina State Senate District 13.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 30:36

Democracy is a foundation of all we hold dear. We are better as a community, state and nation when we all take part in our civic duty by being informed and casting our vote. The candidates and offices on your ballot can have a major impact on our everyday lives and can have real consequences. They create and enforce our laws, invest in our future wellbeing, fund all the things like our schools and roads, ensure we have safe drinking water and food to put on our tables and advocate on behalf of those they represent, hopefully keeping in mind both the little and the big picture of it all.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 31:15

Early voting is now going on and will continue through Saturday, march 2nd. Our closest early voting locations will be the WE Hunt Center in Holly Springs and the Hilltop Needmore Town Park and Preserve in Fuquay Varina. The main primary election will be held on Tuesday, march 5th. If you vote that day, it's best for you to go to your designated polling place or else some of the races you are eligible to vote for may not show up on the ballot they have available to give you During early voting. Each area in Wake County has all the possible ballots. For Wake County Election day, they will only have the ballot that corresponds directly to that particular precinct. Please remember you now need to bring your photo ID. If you happen to forget or have had some extraordinary circumstance happen, you will have a few different options provided to you, but it will be best and easiest and most efficient to bring it with you. If, for some reason, you haven't registered to vote yet, you may register and vote at the same time during early voting at any one of the sites. March 2nd will be the last day to register to vote for this primary election, and that brings this episode of the NC Deep Dive to a close.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 32:26

Make sure you check out all the other relevant episodes for the 2024 primary election at www. ncdeepdive. com, apple Podcasts, spotify Audible or wherever you currently listen to your podcasts. I will be including helpful links for each candidate and voting in general on our website's show notes, including our NC Deep Dives Voters Guide for the 2024 primary election. We were blessed to have many candidates take the time to share their thoughts and speak to voters within Southern Wake County. The Voters Guide is arranged by party affiliation and organized in such a way to make it relatively easy to find the races or candidates you might be interested in. All candidates' websites are linked, if I was able to find one. I also consciously chose to arrange the Voters Guide starting at the end of the ballot.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 33:15

So often we are aware of the larger races, yet don't hear much about, or take the time to learn about, the smaller races. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or topics you'd like to share, you may contact us via social media or our email at ncdeepdive@ gmail. com. Thank you for engaging with this episode and becoming a more informed citizen. Democracy is a team sport. Together we make democracy work and our communities a better place to work, play and live. Your vote matters. Your voice matters. You matter. Until next time, my friends Namaste. The love and light in me sees and honors the love and light in you.