Republican Ballot: NC Commissioner of Insurance -- Andrew Marcus, C. Robert Brawley, & Mike Causey

Prepare to be captivated as we scrutinize the high-stakes skirmish for NC's Insurance Commissioner position, where the Republican primary is setting the stage for a transformative battle. We've got the scoop on three distinct contenders: the reform-minded Andrew Marcus, public service veteran C. Robert Brawley, and the incumbent aiming for continuity, Mike Causey. Uncover the intricacies of their platforms, from Marcus' taxpayer championing and anti-fraud strategies to Brawley's consumer protection ethos and Causey's efficiency improvements.

By the end of our episode, you'll be well-equipped with a nuanced understanding of the candidates who are vying to oversee the state's insurance policies. Whether it's Marcus' pledge to combat external influences, Brawley's strategic focus on safer infrastructures, or Causey's battle against rate hikes, these narratives are essential for informed voting. Join us as we unravel the layers of policy, personality, and politics that will shape the future of insurance in North Carolina.

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

Transcript

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 0:11

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.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 1:51

This episode will cover the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance on the Republican ballot. You will have three options to choose from. You may vote for one. The three candidates are Andrew Marcus, C. Robert Brawley and Mike Causey. We're going to begin with Andrew Marcus' website, which is marcusfornc. com. That's marcusfornccom. It says Andrew Marcus, insurance Commissioner. A conservative fighter for the taxpayer. Vote Republican. Andrew Marcus for Insurance Commissioner. Meet Andrew. Andrew Marcus is a volunteer firefighter, prosecutor and committed conservative. He's never run for political office before, but he feels strongly called to fight for the people hurt by higher insurance rates and neglected by divisive, unproductive politics.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 2:40

In the Insurance Commissioner's office, he started his career as a prosecutor, where he worked hand in hand with law enforcement to achieve justice. He has worked as an insurance regulator and personally led investigations of insurance company misconduct which resulted in fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars on the companies who took advantage of their customers. Now Andrew serves as a volunteer firefighter and a lawyer in private practice. He is uniquely qualified to bring an outsider's perspective to the role of insurance commissioner. He has represented all sides in the insurance industry policyholders, small businesses, doctors, agents, hospitals and insurers.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 3:18

Andrew comes from 11 generations of North Carolinians, with one ancestor signing the Mecklenburg Declaration. He and his wife, sophie, have two sons and love to spend their free time doing anything outdoors. There's a quote from him saying from day one my top priority will be to protect consumers and keep costs low. No more political games, andrew's priorities. North Carolina's insurance commissioner should work for you, not the insurance companies or for political cronies. But that's not the case today, and that's why your rates are increasing year after year.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 3:51

It's time to hire a conservative fighter for the taxpayer. Here's my pledge to you Help you keep more of your money. Too many people are struggling to keep their heads above water thanks to harmful effects of Joe Biden's disastrous economic agenda. Increased prices are everywhere, including insurance rates. But Joe Biden isn't the only one to blame. North Carolina's home and auto insurance rates have increased more than inflation. Thanks to a commissioner who is more concerned about himself than you. He's allowed rates to increase with no transparency. I'll fight for better rates, especially for those hardest hit.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 4:27

Crack down on fraud and fraudsters. Insurance fraud drives up the costs on everyone else and scammers are increasingly more sophisticated in their attempts to defraud everyone. To save you money, I'll stand up for ratepayers and root out the fraud and abuse. As a former prosecutor, I won't back down to anyone. After natural disasters, con artists take advantage of vulnerable, hurting people, but not just then. Every hour of the day you're under attack by scammers. No one will be a better advocate to keep North Carolinians protected from scammers and con artists.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 5:01

Defend an independent state fire marshal. As a volunteer firefighter myself, I know that politicians don't understand the challenges facing those who put their lives on the line every day. I believe the state fire marshal should be a career firefighter who is familiar with the needs of firefighters, and the insurance commissioner should work with the state fire marshal to advocate effectively together. Specifically, that means funding workers' compensation for volunteer departments and advocating for a sound preemptive medical expense cancer fund. All firefighters in the state should receive NFPA 1582 physicals and true pre-cancer screenings. And I'll fight for non-profit fire departments to be combined back into local government retirement in order to boost better employee pools and longevity for those protecting rural areas.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 5:50

Investigate the Chinese Communist Party's influence. No insurance regulator has taken steps to investigate China's influence on the American insurance industry. The insurance industry is especially vulnerable to CCP Chinese Communist Party influence. Insurers hold vast amounts of data on businesses and individuals, including their most sensitive medical data. Publicly traded insurance have some insight, but little investigation has been done into the influence of the CCP on mutual and closely held insurers. I will investigate companies that do business in North Carolina and find out if the CCP has any influence over them. Release your choices. A free market benefits consumers, forcing businesses to compete for your money and trust. I'll fight to expand North Carolina's market, increase price transparency and simplify the red tape, and to make sure your trust isn't abused. I'll put my experience as a regulator and prosecutor to work for you, making sure every rate payer is protected from fly-by-night operations that won't exist. At the moment of crisis Crackdown on ESG, big Wall Street companies have pushed insurers to adopt ESG standards that only serve to push political agendas and increase rates on North Carolinians. I pledge to take action to crackdown on these companies where they impact in-state rates.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 7:11

There's a button where you can donate to his campaign if you feel so moved, but otherwise, that is the end of his website. I did a quick Google search on Andrew Marcus and nothing of note really came up on the first page. Looking at his information on ballotpedia, he does have campaign finance information for the 2024 election, which includes January 1st 2023 through December 31st of 2024. He has $4,784 in total contributions with nine unique contributors, one of which is himself. His expenditures have totaled $126 and he has a total of six unique payees. He did loan his campaign $25,000. Andrew Marcus did fill out ballotpedia's candidate connection survey so, if you're interested, there are about eight questions there with his responses.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 8:09

And moving on now C. to Robert Brawley, his website is RobertBrawley. net. It says Robert Brawley for North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance. A lifetime of service to North Carolina, committed to improving North Carolina's future. Robert Brawley's extensive knowledge of insurance policies and regulations, coupled with his commitment to consumer protection, make him an ideal choice for the position of Commissioner of Insurance. Why, Robert? This was written in September 15th of 2023.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 8:41

Welcome to the campaign for Robert Brawley for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. Why the Insurance Commissioner matters? Do you realize that the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner is one of the most crucial elected positions in our state. This office oversees and regulates insurance companies, mutual benefit associations, hmos and, more Essentially, it impacts every business calling North Carolina home. Did you know? The Insurance Commissioner has the authority to enforce the law, including the suspension or revocation of licenses for insurance agents and companies operating in North Carolina. This power helps maintain consumer safety and business ethics. The Insurance Commissioner's mission is to ensure fair pricing, protect insurance companies' solvency, prevent unfair practices and guarantee insurance coverage availability. It's a position that plays a critical role in our state government.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 9:33

Meet C Robert Brawley. C Robert Brawley, a true North Carolinian, has a remarkable background in both athletics and public service. As a former ACC Wrestling Champion and Lieutenant Colonel in the NC Army National Guard, he brings dedication and discipline to everything he does. With a degree in engineering operations from NC State University and a successful career that includes insurance agencies, construction businesses and more, robert is ready to bring his experience to the role of Insurance Commissioner. He served as a legislator in the North Carolina General Assembly for 20 years and received the National Legislator of the Year Award in 1995. His commitment to public service extends to his role as a Sunday school teacher and a church lay speaker for over 30 years.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 10:20

Campaign Priorities. Robert Brawley's campaign for North Carolina Insurance Commissioner focuses on several key issues Regulating insurance businesses to protect consumers and promote good business practices. Ensuring strict enforcement of insurance laws. Promoting fairness for both consumers and carriers. Maintaining fair competition in the insurance industry. Enhancing building code safety. Developing a more competitive rating system. Responsible in fair reporting on all accounts. Promptly addressing consumer complaints. Upholding the commissioner's duty to maintain fair pricing, protect solvency and ensure insurance coverage availability. Introducing insurance classes in high schools.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 11:03

Robert believes that the insurance commissioner's role is a substantial responsibility. With your support and his experience, he is ready to assemble the right team to serve North Carolina effectively. Get involved. If you're ready to work together for the people of North Carolina, reach out to Robert Brawley. Your support is vital to securing a brighter and safer future for our state. Together, we can make a difference. He has an advertisement for an upcoming Trey Taylor Country concert that he is sponsoring. The event will be held March 1st 2024 at 6.30 pm in the Moorsville High School PAC Auditorium. And that's in Moorsville, north Carolina. Why, robert?

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 11:44

Vote Robert Brawley for North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance? To strengthen our state's future. Experienced a steadfast commitment to safeguarding consumers and promoting transparency within the insurance industry. Experienced why the insurance commissioner matters. Do you realize that the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner is one of the most crucial elected positions in our state? This office oversees and regulates insurance companies, mutual benefit associations, hmos and, more Essentially, it impacts every business calling North Carolina home.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 12:14

The Insurance Commissioner is not just about insurance. They also serve as a state fire marshal, ensuring safety standards, grants for fire departments and more. It's a vital role that often goes unnoticed. Did you know that the Insurance Commissioner has the authority to enforce the law, including the suspension or revocation of licenses for insurance agents and companies operating in North Carolina? This power helps maintain consumer safety and business ethics. The Insurance Commissioner's mission is to ensure fair pricing, protect insurance company's solvency, prevent unfair practices and guarantee insurance coverage availability. It's a position that meets a critical role in our state government.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 12:54

Meet C Robert Brawley.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 12:55

C Robert Brawley is a true North Carolinian and has a remarkable background in both athletics and public service.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 13:02

As a former ACC wrestling champion and Lieutenant Colonel in the NC Army National Guard, he brings dedication and discipline to everything he does. With a degree in engineering operations from NC State University and a successful career that includes insurance agencies, construction businesses and more, robert is ready to bring his experience to the role of insurance commissioner. He served as a legislator in the North Carolina General Assembly for 18 years and received the National Legislator of the Year award in 1995. Always campaigning on Together we Can, his commitment to public service extends to his role as Sunday school teacher and church lay speaker for over 30 years Community driven, prioritizing policies that not only protect. Community driven, prioritizing policies that not only protected consumers but also empowered communities to thrive and make informed insurance choices. When you click the button, it takes you to meet Robert.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 13:57

Welcome to the official page of the Robert Brawley for North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance campaign. We are committed to serving the great state of North Carolina by advocating for fair, transparent and consumer friendly insurance practices. Our vision Our vision is simple yet profound to ensure that every North Carolinian has access to affordable, high quality insurance coverage. We believe that insurance should provide peace of mind and financial security to individuals, families and businesses across our state. Meet Robert Broly. Robert Broly is a candidate for North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance who brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a background in insurance and a long history of public service. The North Carolinian is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of North Carolina's residents. His track record of integrity, accountability and effective leadership makes him the ideal candidate for this role.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 14:48

Our commitment as a campaign the RB campaign are committed to transparency and accountability. We pledge to advocate for consumers we will tirelessly work to ensure that insurance policies are fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of the people in North Carolina. Promote industry integrity Robert believes in a thriving insurance industry that operates ethically and responsibly, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Support innovation Robert will actively explore and support innovative solutions to address emerging insurance challenges and an ever-changing world. Engage the community we value your input and engagement. Together we can shape the future of insurance in North Carolina. Get involved we invite you to join our campaign and help us make a difference. Whether you're interested in volunteering, contributing or simply staying informed about our progress, there's a place for you in our community. Thank you for your support and for sharing in our commitment to a better insurance future for North Carolina. Together, we can achieve a brighter, more secure tomorrow.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 15:48

The third reason for why Robert A love for NC, a tireless effort to improve the lives of its residents during his time. When you click on the Learn More button, it takes you back to the Meet Robert page, which I just went over. We can make a difference in North Carolina. Why vote for Robert? Robert Brawley's longstanding dedication to public service and his experience in the insurance sector make him a strong candidate for the role of Commissioner of Insurance. His track record of advocating for policies that benefit both consumers and the insurance industry demonstrates his ability to find balanced solutions. With Robert Brawley in office, north Carolina can expect a Commissioner who will work tirelessly to ensure fair and effective insurance practices for all residents. Clicking the Learn More button takes you back to the Meet Robert page, which I have already read. Latest articles Explore the Robert Brawley for Insurance blog for insightful updates on insurance policies and the campaign's vision for North Carolina. There is a Donate Now section that says insurance rates in North Carolina are out of control. The time for new leadership is now for North Carolina. There are buttons to donate and volunteer. That brings us to the end of Robert's website.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:03

Looking him up on Google, I did find a couple of articles from back in October of 2017. This one is from WRAL, but there were a couple that I saw. It says former state lawmaker sent to jail in Bailbond's company fight Former state representative Robert Brawley, who ran a long shot campaign for governor last year, was sentenced Friday to 15 days in jail on a contempt of court charge tied to a civil case brought against him by his business partners. The underlying civil lawsuit figures into a long-standing battle between competing elements of the state's bail bonding industry, which Brawley has been financially involved in. It says, among other things Brawley, an Irredell County Republican who spent some 20 years in the state house, was accused by his partners of forging documents and sharing company financial information with a competitor. Brawley's attorney in the case, stephen McCloskey, confirmed the contempt of court decision Friday but said he was limited to saying more by gag orders in the case.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 18:04

The article goes on to say Brawley served two stints in the General Assembly and he bucked party leadership during both of them. He had a public falling out in 2013 with then-house speaker Tom Tillis. That, among other things, focused on a 2012 law that would have given one group of bondsmen a monopoly to teach a state-required continuing education course. A judge eventually issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing that law and the legislature reversed it. It states that Brawley was either voted out of the House Republican caucus or voluntarily left it in 2014. In 2015, he announced his gubernatorial run against Republican governor Pat McCrory. Mccrory beat him with more than 80% of the primary vote. It says that Brawley also ran an unsuccessful race in 2004 to the head of state's Department of Insurance, which regulates the bail bond industry. Brawley has been in business for some time with some of the players who figured into the fight over the bail bondsman continuing education courses. Two companies, premiered judicial consultants and canon surety sued him over a litany of accusations, including fraud, libel misrepresentation and corporate maleficence. According to Mark Bibbs, an attorney for the group, superior court judge John O Craig III presided over Brawley's hearing that Friday and sentenced the former lawmaker immediately to an active sentence of 15 days in the Guilford County Jail.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 19:25

Looking up see Robert Brawley on ballot pedia. It lists his campaign. It does not list his campaign finance information. I tried looking that up on the state's website and I didn't see anything past mid-year of last year for his campaign finance reporting. Robert Brawley did fill out the ballot pedia's candidate connection survey in 2023 and answered three questions. If you're interested, you can learn more on that. It does have some information regarding his other runs for office, including his campaign contribution history leading up to from 1996 to 2012. See, robert Brawley did respond to our 2024 Voters' Guide for the primary election, so you can check out our Voters' Guide to see his responses there.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 20:19

Moving on to Mike Causey, he is the current North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. His website is mikecauseync. com. It says Causey Insurance Commissioner. Mike Causey, fighting for North Carolina consumers. There's an option where you can stay updated. His website reads about Mike Causey.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 20:40

Mike Causey is not just another candidate. He's lived the life and understands what is involved with the insurance industry. Mike Causey has 25 years of experience working in insurance. He is also a military veteran and understands the laws. Mike Causey is truly a man of the people. He's not about fame or status. He's just a man who cares about North Carolina and wants to make a difference in his community.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 21:04

More competition Mike Causey believes that more competition in North Carolina's insurance industry will provide lower rates for consumers and greater access to better products. Improved efficiency Mike Causey is making a difference in implementing needed reforms by cutting red tape, increasing transparency and reversing years of consumer frustration over insurance claims. Great accessibility Mike Causey is putting taxpayers first by making the commissioner's office more accessible, improving customer service and increasing access to quote real people unquote who resolve problems. Bureaucratic reform North Carolina is the only remaining state with a rate bureau. Mike Causey is helping reform antiquated bureaucracy that kills free enterprise and rewards bad drivers at the expense of good drivers, putting people first.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 21:56

As a candidate for commissioner of insurance, Mike Causey promised to put you and your concerns first, and he has done just that. Since taking office, mike has fought for North Carolina policy holders and consumers by opposing rate hikes on homeowners insurance and car insurance. He has cracked down on insurance fraud, saving policy holders and arresting more than 1000 people who were gaming the system, which cost all of us. Most importantly, commissioner Causey has opposed efforts to impose more government mandates and control over your health care insurance. Mike has supported efforts to pass Association health plans, which makes health care coverage more affordable and provides real competition in the marketplace.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 22:39

Citizen friendly service. Prior to Commissioner Causey taking office, consumers would call the commissioner of insurance's office and feel like they did not have a voice or any power over the insurance companies. Commissioner Causey's mission has been to make sure policy holders and consumers in North Carolina receive citizen friendly service. You need to know your commissioner of insurance is an advocate for you. It's about cutting the bureaucracy and the red tape. It's about standing up for the working men and women, making sure they have an ally who will go to the map for them, who will take on the insurance industry and hold them accountable.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 23:15

Fraud and abuse. Upon being sworn into office, commissioner Causey was astounded to learn the department only had 20 sworn law enforcement to investigate thousands of insurance fraud cases. The investigators were so overwhelmed that they weren't able to be effective. As commissioner, mike has worked with the state legislature to double the number of fraud and abuse investigators in the Department of Insurance. Criminals are now being investigated and prosecuted for gaming the system. Mike knows criminals must be held accountable, so there is a fair playing field for the hardworking men and women of North Carolina working with our fire departments.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 23:52

North Carolina's fire and rescue departments stand on the front line for public safety in our state. Prior to taking office, commissioner Causey was blown away by the number of local fire departments that had not seen in an official inspector, in some cases as long as 25 years. Hundreds of departments were being ignored. Commissioner Causey went to the state legislature and requested additional fire department inspectors then went to work. Over the past three years, a backlog of more than 500 department inspections has been cleared, making sure they have up-to-date inspections and certifications. The safety ratings of fire departments directly impact the amount you pay on your homeowner's insurance. The Department of Insurance is focused on improving safety ratings of fire departments that derail savings in many communities across North Carolina. He has some rotating pictures along with a few videos. One's entitled A Champion for Consumers, one's entitled Cracking Down on Fraud. There's a button where you can donate for his campaign if you feel so moved, and that is the entirety of his website. He does have a link for both Facebook and Twitter, which is now X.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 25:03

Mike Causey did fill out our questionnaire for the NC Deep Dives Voters Guide for the 2024 primary election, so you can check out his responses Doing a quick Google search of Mike Causey for Commissioner. There were two things that kind of maybe of import to some individuals, one of which was just posted yesterday, february 20th. One was Mike Causey's misclassified driver billed North Carolina nearly $14,000 for trips. Records say so. There were a few articles, but one of which was talking about his driver, roger Blackwell, costing taxpayers nearly $14,000 in hotel meals and other bills, including a nearly $1400 vehicle rental for a three-day conference in New Jersey. I get the impression through this article that Mike Causey chooses not to fly for whatever reason, and that he's driven to all the events, even those that are held in other states in our country. The Commissioner and North Carolina Department of Insurance officials did not respond to an email or phone request for comment about Blackwell's travel cost.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 26:15

According to this article, his travel records show that the Commissioner has not flown to work-related events out of state. In an NNO article, it said Cawsey said it's cheaper to drive, but he did not provide records and other information to back that claim. It looks like there were 15 out-of-state trips and eight in-state trips involving hotel stays from 2019 to last year, and the article says that the records may be incomplete, since Cawsey's travel records show Blackwell accompanied him on two out-of-state trips in 2018. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners did reimburse Blackwell for roughly $6,500 in hotel stays, meals and a car rental expense for six of those out-of-state trips and partially reimbursed him for a seventh. The travel records show the National Association of Insurance Commissioners charges each state annual dues, with North Carolina paying nearly $58,000 in 2023, according to the Association's annual budget. This article states that most Council of State officials do not have regular drivers, with the exception of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. According to the NNO, the Attorney General and State Superintendent of Schools have part-time drivers used on a limited basis, according to their offices. The article states that Causey hired a second part-time driver named Steve Myers, who was a retired state trooper last year and department officials have yet to agree to disclose his pay or higher date, but said last week he has not traveled with Causey for any out-of-state business.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 27:49

The other article that I saw that I know has been on a lot of people's minds recently is that the NC Insurance Commissioner rejects the 42% rate hike on homeowners insurance. This was posted on February 6th of this year. This article says that. Causey said in a statement I haven't seen the evidence to justify such a drastic rate increase on North Carolina consumers. The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents insurance companies, asked for an increase ranging from 4% in the mountains to 99% in some coastal counties. The Department of Insurance received more than 24,000 comments on the proposal. According to Causey, north Carolina consumers deserve a more thorough review of this proposal. I intend to make sure they get that review, causey said. Finance companies say inflation and damage resulting from climate change are boosting the cost of repairs. Causey has set a formal evidentiary hearing on the rate request for October 7th, but the two sides could come to an agreement before then. The article states.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 28:54

Moving on to ballotpedia, former Mike Causey. His campaign finance information is included for the 2024 election, from January 1st 2023 through December 31st of 2024. So far, he's received a total of $115,596 in contributions. He's had 219 unique contributors. Taking a look at the top contributors, it was interesting to see that the North Carolina Farm Bureau PAC Incorporated has contributed $6,400, and the All-State Insurance Company PAC has contributed $3,000, and the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina PAC has contributed $2,701. He has had a total of $42,143 in expenditures. The number of unique pays is 55. Mike Causey did not complete ballotpedia's 2024 candidate connection survey, but he did identify some issues as his top priorities for his 2016 election. So if you are interested in reading that, you can check out ballotpedia and search for Mike Causey, and that is all I could find online for these three candidates.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 30:10

Again, this race is for the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance. There are three candidates running for this office on the Republican ballot. You are eligible to vote for one of them. The three candidates again are Andrew Marcus C, robert Brawley and Mike Causey. Democracy is the 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 in 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 well-being, 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: 31:08

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: 32:20

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. 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 ncdeepdivecom.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 33:25

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.