Republican Ballot: NC Superintendent of Public Instruction -- Michele Morrow & Catherine Truitt

Discover the critical distinctions in educational policy and leadership philosophies as we examine the Republican primary for NC's Superintendent of Public Instruction. Feel the pulse of NC's future as we spotlight the compelling race between Michele Morrow and Catherine Truitt, offering an insightful analysis of their platforms. Morrow, with her commitment to academic focus, school safety, and fiscal responsibility, sharply criticizes the current superintendent's policies, while Truitt's breadth of experience—from the classroom to legislative halls—underpins her dedication to closing achievement gaps and boosting literacy.

Engage with the complexities of educational reform as we break down the contentious issues shaping this election. Hear firsthand how Morrow's campaign is challenging the status quo, advocating against Critical Race Theory and for stronger parental rights in education. Meanwhile, Truitt's narrative unfolds as a seasoned educator and policy maker, striving to improve reading proficiency and student engagement. Their contrasting views on discipline, school safety, and curriculum standards paint a vivid picture of what's at stake for students and parents in NC. Join us, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to cast an informed vote.

Michele Morrow & Catherine Truitt

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

Transcript

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 0:10

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.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 1:50

In this episode we will be delving into the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Republican ballot. You will have two candidates running for this office Michele Morrow and Catherine Truitt. We're going to begin with Michelle. Her website is Morrow4NC. com. It's M-O-R-R-O-W, the number four NCcom, and it says Michelle Morrow, north Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. A trusted and proven conservative, Michele Morrow is the only candidate in the race for the state superintendent of public instruction with a proven record of winning the fight for conservatism. There are buttons where you can donate, join and contact her if you see fit. She says Make academics great again. Michele's three-point plan for a brighter tomorrow Scholastics.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 2:50

Thanks to state and federal policies, north Carolina schools prioritize teaching children racially divisive and sexually explicit content instead of reading and math. Our current system rewards individuals who embrace these ideologies. Instead of encouraging healthy competition, academic excellence and personal responsibility, we are depriving our students of their constitutional right to a sound basic education. Just 35% of our fourth graders are reading on grade level. One out of four eighth graders in North Carolina are proficient in math. 26% of eighth graders are proficient in reading. North Carolina schools ranked 42 out of 50 on K-12 science scores, according to Scholaroo. Michele will end DEI and critical race theory teacher training on day one. Teachers will be trained on evidence-based pedagogies for teaching math, science and reading. Michele will strengthen learning partnerships with community colleges and businesses in each district to provide associate-level classes and internships in every high school Safety.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 3:55

Fear of violence and fear of harassment is robbing too many children of their right to receive a sound basic education. Teachers cannot teach and students cannot learn amid discord and distraction. There are no consequences for swearing at, defying or ignoring instructors. It is not uncommon for students to physically assault teachers, bus drivers or their peers with impunity. School staff and students should never be fearful in our schools and disorder cannot be tolerated. Catherine Truitt has done nothing to support classroom discipline and school bus security. Her emphasis on quote social and emotional learning end quote has compounded the problem, as teachers are discouraged from disciplining misbehavior, which is leading to an increase in anxiety, confusion and conflict. Michele's priority is to make schools the safest buildings in the state. Michele will prioritize spending on student resource officers, video surveillance and weapons detection systems in every school. Based on the 2021 safety audits, Michele will advocate for criminal background checks for all school staff. As superintendent, Michele will hold public town halls with parents, teachers, bus drivers, principals, religious leaders, law enforcement and juvenile justice experts. This will uncover the most effective policies for our districts. As superintendent, Michele and her team will deploy a common sense, discipline and safety plan Spending.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 5:18

Michele knows that North Carolina's public education system must be fueled by a fiscally conservative, free market and competitive environment. North Carolina's education system needs sound fiscal policies and practices to deliver academic results and support teachers and school staff. Michele will work with financial experts and legislators to streamline our spending to focus on teacher recruitment and training, student resources and infrastructure. We must put academics first. As a result of Catherine Truitt's partnership with progressive programs and her mismanagement of taxpayer funds, north Carolina's most important department is at risk. Recent audits of North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction have revealed $230 million in COVID funds were unaccounted for, a staffer sent $167,000 to email scammers and CEDPI missed the federal reporting deadline for $732 million. $8.2 million grant disbursements were misreported to the feds. On day one, Michele will bring in an outside forensic accounting team to track down every dime of the missing classroom money. Taxpayers' money will go to underfunded schools that desperately need resources and support and to the staff who work directly with our students day in and day out. Michele will identify, decrease or terminate wasteful programs at the state level and end contracts with organizations that cannot demonstrate a direct, consistent, positive impact on student success and staff retention. We will partner with local farmers, grocery stores and nonprofits to serve our school communities, to lower costs, support local businesses and enhance unity within our districts.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 7:00

Meet Michele, meet Michele Morrow. Wife, mother, nurse, educator, advocate. Michelle is known throughout North Carolina for working with voters and elected officials to pass bills that protect parental rights and girls in sports. She has 16 years of classroom homeschooling experience and she has expertise in developing robust high school curricula for civics, history, science and English to meet the diverse learning needs of students. As a nurse, Michele managed a health clinic in the most rural area in the lower 48 states and worked in an emergency department in Texas.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 7:34

As a missionary in some of the poorest areas in Mexico, she mentored youth and educated families to enhance their self-sufficiency and improve their mental, physical and emotional health. In Michele's view, all children possess unique strengths and talents to bring to the community. She believes it is North Carolina's education leaders job to create policies and remove barriers that will help develop these attributes. This will put every child on a path to critical thinking and prosperity. She does have a video that plays, and then she goes into family. First, Michele is a devoted wife and mother to five wonderful kids. She spent most of her childhood in upstate New York and moved to Charlotte, north Carolina, when she was a sophomore in high school. Michelle met her husband, stuart, on a mission trip to Mexico and, after marrying, the couple spent four years serving in Mexico City, where three of their children were born. Michele and her family lived in Mexico for several years while working as missionaries.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 8:29

Compassionate nurse, michelle received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked for several years caring for critically ill patients in the ICU. Michele moved to Texas and managed patients in the emergency department. Like all nurses, Michele worked under pressure and had to make decisions, using critical thinking to quickly put knowledge into practice. By using her solid analytical skills, she was able to collect information, evaluate the facts and come to rational conclusions about how to improve the quality of patient care Service to children. Michele and Stuart were foster parents in Austin, texas, before moving to Colorado to run a Christian family and youth camp. Her responsibilities included serving as camp nurse and mentoring young women. Her family moved back to North Carolina nine years ago when she began teaching high school biology, chemistry, spanish and civics in local co-ops. Michele's children attended public, private and homeschool over the past 19 years. Her experience with each system gives her a unique perspective to bring to the Department of Instruction Effective educator. Throughout her career in education, Michele developed young people into responsible citizens by developing their integrity, courage, compassion, character and responsibility. Her experience includes classroom teaching and program development. While serving as director of a Wake County education network, Michele's work was grounded in high quality teaching and learning, family and teacher empowerment, evidence-based practices and student preparation for college and career pathways.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 10:03

Why, Michele? This is an ad that is paid for by the committee to elect Michele Morrow Vote North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Republican primary candidates March 5th. On the left there is Michele Morrow and Her beliefs and Catherine Truitt, and what they have suggested Catherine believes in or has done so first it's critical race theory, crt. On Michelle Morrow's side it says leader of statewide groups that exposed and defeated CRT in schools. Speaker at school board meetings opposing CRT and porn in schools. Worked with lawmakers to write bills. On Catherine Truitt's side it says approved social studies standards with CRT. Pushed CRT for disabled preschoolers. Hired state equity officer says advanced classes are racist. Offers CRT teacher trainings.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 10:55

For the next category, parental rights. On Michele Morrow's side it says led statewide petition needed to get lawmakers to draft bill. Lobbied the public for two years to convince lawmakers to pass North Carolina Parental Rights Act. On Catherine Truitt's side it says delayed implementation of parents' rights bill after it passed. Used progressives to write policy for schools. Pushing sex surveys without parents' consent Under school safety. On Michele Morrow's side it says support school officers over social workers to fight crime. Will enact fair, common sense, discipline policies, background checks for all school staff. On Catherine Truitt's side it says enacted discipline policies based on race allows accused slash, convicted pedophiles to maintain teaching licenses. No oversight for district emergency plans Under fiscal responsibility. On Michele Morrow's side it says limited government slash, fiscal conservative, calling for outside audit to track down misappropriated millions. On Catherine Truitt's side it says tripled size of DPI staff then gave 60% raises, failed two audits in a row, misappropriation of $230 million or more.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 12:10

Endorsements. On Michele Morrow's side it says endorsed endorsements by conservative school boards. On Catherine Truitt's side it says Thom Tillis's candidate, moving to Michele Morrow's endorsements. She is proudly endorsed by Clarence Henderson, a civil rights leader, john K Amanchukwu. He is a pastor, auditor, speaker and educational activist. She is endorsed by the Surrey GOP. She is endorsed by iVoterGuide in North Carolina. She's been endorsed by the Hornets Nest Republican Men's Club by a co-sponsorship with the Mecklenburg GOP and Union GOP and it gives a percentage there. Michelle Moro has 57%, catherine Truitt has 33%. She's been endorsed by Luka for the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction and that's lukalatinosunited. com. She's been endorsed by North Carolina Grassroots Government for 2024, the Beaufort Observer, carolina Teachers Alliance.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 13:15

Ctavotes. org Stand for Healthcare Freedom endorses Michele Morrow. She's also been endorsed by Angie Todd, an Onslow County School Board member, who's conservative. Louis Rogers, also Onslow County Conservative School Board member. Pauline Bruno, a Moore County Board of Education. Robert Levy, from More County School Board member, who's conservative. Larry Pittman, a conservative former NC House rep. Laura Blackwell, a Cabarrus County School Board member, who's conservative. She's been endorsed by police officer Anthony Thomas classical conversations. Home school leader. Robert Bordens. She's been endorsed by Chrissy Pratt, who is in the Guilford County Board of Education. Don Digmann, a conservative member of the Catawba County School Board member. Reba Beck from the Clay County School Board member, who's conservative. Michelle Teague, a conservative School Board member of Catawba County. Tim Settlemore, another conservative School Board member of Catawba County. Keith Locklear, a conservative School Board member in Beladen County. And David Moore, a County Commissioner in Polk County.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 14:28

She does have some videos that you can watch if you go to her website. They are entitled why I'm Running Open Borders Endangers NC Schools. Michelle's On Uvaldi Report. Michele and Wayne DePre discuss CRT. Michelle's Common Sense Assessment. Michelle Grassroots Reformer.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 14:46

She has some news articles here. I'll just read through the headlines, but you can visit them if you so choose. Why do convicted pedophiles still have NC teaching licenses? Thom Tillis endorses Catherine Truitt. There is no greater tragedy than an untimely death at the hands of a criminal. Michele Morrow is honored to receive the endorsements of conservative School Board members. Close our borders, save our North Carolina children, families and schools. Press release. Republican North Carolina School Superintendent candidate endorses Donald Trump. Endorsement alert. Dr James Lindsay endorses Michelle Moro, the most important job in North Carolina and another endorsement alert. There are buttons where you can donate, volunteer and contact her if you would like. She does link a Facebook page, instagram and Twitter slash X account.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 15:37

Looking her up on Ballotpedia, it says that she was born in Nashua, new Hampshire. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her career experience includes working as a nurse, grassroots activist, homeschool educator and high school biology, chemistry, civics, spanish and health teacher. Morrow and her husband were missionaries in Mexico for four years. She has also been the head nurse of a wilderness camp where she was responsible for training the staff in First Aid and CPR.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 16:05

Morrow has been affiliated with the following organizations Liberty First. Grassroots Conservative Coalition of North Carolina. Freedom Works. Education First Alliance. Carolina Teachers Alliance. Wake GOP North Carolina Asia American Coalition. Color Us United. Hispano's Delcer. Frederick Douglass Foundation. Hslda. Pavement Education Project. Western WAKE Republican Club. Christian Perspective Representatives. Protect Children's Health Coalition.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 16:34

Looking at her campaign finance, according to Ballotpedia, this is the North Carolina Campaign Reporting Schedule for the 2024 election, ranging from January 1st 2023 through December 31st of 2024. She's had a total of $9,611 in contributions with 40 unique contributors. She has had $4,954 in expenditures, with 28 unique payees. She did fill out the Ballotpedia's Candidate Connections Survey, so there are about eight questions here. If you're interested in those answers, you can check out Ballotpedia. Michele Morrow did not respond to my attempts to reach her regarding the North Carolina Voters Guide that I put together. Looking her up on Google, nothing out of the ordinary showed up on the first page of a Google search.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:25

Moving on to Catherine Truitt, her website is cathrinetruitt. com. It says Catherine Truitt, state Superintendent, former classroom teacher. Every decision we make about education in North Carolina must begin with one simple question in mind Is this what is best for our students? Catherine, you have the ability to join her team. Meet Catherine. Since her first days as a classroom teacher, catherine Truitt's priority has been students. Ensuring that students have an opportunity to receive the best education possible is a driving force in her day-to-day work. She recognizes that today's students are tomorrow's workforce and remains committed to readying graduates for college or career. As North Carolina State Superintendent, truitt's work is focused on improving the state's public schools, expanding innovation and creating new opportunities for students to learn, grow and successfully transition into the post-secondary plans of their choice.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 18:21

Truitt's service and education began as a high school English teacher, where she spent 10 years in the classroom at both the high school and middle school levels. Her last three years in the classroom were spent at West Johnston High School, where she taught English to 11th and 12th grade students. It's this classroom experience that Truitt draws from when considering how to best equip students, engage parents and invest in teachers. In 2012, truitt joined the International Center for Leadership and Education, where she worked as a school turnaround coach with underperforming school districts. She collaborated with principals and superintendents to craft plans to close achievement gaps while developing whole district transformation initiatives. Truitt also served as a coach for teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade, helping them develop strategies to foster student engagement and cultivate learning. In 2015, truitt was given the opportunity to apply her experience as a teacher and coach to help shape education policy in North Carolina when Governor Pat McCrory appointed her as his senior education advisor In the governor's office. She coordinated policy for all dimensions of public education and helped lead the development of strategic state education policy goals for ages 0 to 20. Most recently, truitt served as Chancellor of Nonprofit Western Governors University, north Carolina. As Chancellor, she was focused on increasing access to higher education for the 1.5 million North Carolinians with some college but no degree, truitt collaborated with community colleges, hospitals, school districts and economic development programs to ensure that state workforce demands were being met. Prior to joining WGU and C, truitt served as Associate Vice President of University and P-12 partnership at UNC General Administration, helping strengthen the educator pipeline and supporting public colleges of education.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 20:11

Truett is a 1994 graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She received her master's in education from the University of Washington in 1997. She and her husband, jeff, an attorney and captain in the US Navy Reserves, live in Cary. They have one daughter in college and a son and daughter enrolled in Wake County public schools. The button for her accomplishments does not work. It goes to a 404 error for page not found or support. It brings you to a link where you can donate to her campaign if you would like. Instead of more one size fits all solutions from Raleigh, it's time to empower our teachers and principals to make the right decisions for individual students. She has some tweets that she's put out. If you're interested, you can check those out. The accomplishments button at the top of the page does work and it says in my first months on the job, I worked with the General Assembly and Governor's Office to pass Senate Bill 220, the Reopen Our Schools Act.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 21:07

Proudly supported and helped in the drafting of the original House Bill 324, the Anti-CRT Bill. Unfortunately, governor Cooper vetoed this legislation. But my department continues to ensure that we recognize the equality and rights of all persons. Through our partnerships with the General Assembly, we continue to implement policies that ensure we are working towards a highly qualified teacher in every classroom across the state. Proudly supported and worked with our General Assembly to ensure that the school choice options continue to move forward in North Carolina and that parents are always in positions to make the decisions that are best for their children. And she references the 2021 budget. 2022 is the year of the workforce. At my department, we are working to ensure all North Carolina high school graduates are college and career ready with the skills necessary to succeed in our state and global economy. With a passage of the Excellent Public Schools Act Senate Bill 387, my department and I am leading the effort to train every single pre-K through fifth grade teacher in a phonics-based approach through the science of reading. This will be a game changer for public education and we expect to see immediate results for our students. Expand the collaboration and partnerships between our schools and our four-year colleges, community colleges, the business community, hospitals, local workforce boards and IT centers.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 22:25

Elementary reading scores improved again in North Carolina. Elementary school students are reading at a better level today than a year ago. According to new data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, since the enactment of a standardized early literacy assessment beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, reading scores in North Carolina for grades one through three have outpaced national peers by more than two to one. Dpi reported read more and that links to a Carolina journal. Elementary reading scores improved again in North Carolina that was put out on December 11th of 2023. It also says compared to 2021-2022 school year, 9,308 fewer students received a label of quote reading retained. This year, students are considered reading retained if they are not proficient in reading by the end of the third grade. The article also states the results weren't all positive. However, in keeping with pandemic era school issues impacting minority students, the most reading proficiency achievement gaps remain among black, hispanic and Native American children compared to whites and Asians. For example, 12% more blacks students received reading scores indicating they need intensive intervention compared to white students. The numbers are even worse for Hispanic and Native American students, at 18% and 22% respectively. It says that we have much to celebrate, but we must also focus on supporting the children who have not quite caught up, said Amy Rine, director of the office of learning at the Department of Public Instruction, in a statement. With the letters, learning approaching full implementation and as teachers continue to differentiate their instruction based on individual student needs, we expect these numbers to keep improving.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 24:07

In her news tab the elementary reading scores improve again and NC article is there again. And then there are a number of other articles. I'll just read you their titles. Truett speaks to the committee on education and the workforce in July 27, 2023. Truett no aggregate samples and a run toward, not from accountability. That was done. July 27, 2023. North Carolina K through three early literacy skills exceed the rest of the country May 9th of 2023. Superintendent says change would undermine the intent of Title IX. That article was written May 9th of 2023. Then there are a few more pages of news articles, highlights from around the state. There are some pictures here with some captions, one of which says Superintendent Truitt was Senator Tillis, state Senator Lee and local leaders from across North Carolina discussing best practices for school safety and student mental health.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 25:02

Superintendent Truitt testifying before Congress about North Carolina's response to pandemic recovery after prolonged school closures. Testifying in front of the General Assembly's Governor Ops Committee, where she discussed what DPI is doing to address hearing loss from the COVID shutdowns. Spending time with NFL and NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs, they had the opportunity to discuss how North Carolina can expand unique partnerships that provide educational opportunities to our most vulnerable populations. Receiving the North Carolina School Psychologist Association Legislative Award. Visiting with UNC Pembroke Dean of Education, dr Lori Floyd. Visiting NCGOP Vice Chair Susan Mills School in Sampson County. Tacky Christmas sweater day in Ash County Public Schools.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 25:50

Onto her endorsements she's been endorsed by Dan Forrest, former Lieutenant Governor, charlie Miller and Bill Rabin, brunswick County Conservatives. Jason Sain, conservative State Rep, brad Overcash, conservative State Senator, john Bell, conservative State Rep, kevin Corbin, vicki Sawyer and Joyce Croik, Sponsors of the Fairness in Women's Sports Act. Kristen Baker, primary Sponsor of the Protect Our Students Act. Erin Pare, conservative State Rep. Ralph Hays, conservative State Senator, destin Hall, conservative State Rep Dave Craven, conservative State Senator Ed Goodwin, conservative State Rep, virginia Fox, conservative US Rep, wayne Sasser, conservative State Rep, robeson County. Conservative Senator Danny Britt, representative Jared Lowery and Representative Bretton Jones. She's been endorsed by Partners for Educational Freedom and, lastly, she's been endorsed by Steve Troxler, the current Agriculture Commissioner, who is up for reelection this year. She does have a Facebook and a Twitter or X account and there are links where you can donate to her campaign if you would so like.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 27:00

Looking up Catherine Truitt on Google search, I did not find anything out of the ordinary. Looking at Ballotpedia, it says that she was born in Cincinnati, ohio. She earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1994 and a Master's degree from the University of Washington in 1997. Her career experience includes working as a Chancellor for Western Governors University, north Carolina High school teacher, a turnaround coach, an education advisor for former Governor Pat McCrory, an Associate Vice President for P-12 Partnerships and the University of North Carolina's General Administration. Truitt has served as a board member for TLC for the Severe and Profoundly Disabled and for the Nurse Family Partnership of North Carolina.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 27:43

Her campaign finance information for the 2024 election, which is January 1st of 2023. Through December 31st of this year, she's had a total of $206,602 in contributions from 177 unique contributors, including the North Carolina Republican Council of State Committee and the North Carolina Red Pack. She's had $36,371 in expenditures with a total of 67 unique payees. Catherine Truitt has not competed. Ballotpedia's 2024 candidate connection survey, but she did fill it out in 2020. And this would have been for the same race, so there are a number of questions there that she answered four years ago. Catherine Truitt did not respond in my attempts to have her participate in the North Carolina Voters Guide, so we do not have her responses in that. And that concludes everything that I was able to find online regarding the Republican ballot for the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 28:45

For the two candidates who are running for this office, michele Morrow and Catherine Truitt. You are eligible to vote for one of these candidates when you go in to vote. 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: 29:33

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 and 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. Make sure you check out all the other relevant episodes for the 2024 primary election at wwwncdeepdivecom, apple Podcast, spotify, Audible or wherever you currently listen to your podcast. 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.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 31:11

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 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.