Git’cher Early On!

Plus, all of the negative campaigning, push polling and GOTV calls and canvassing that will likely hit your TV, radio, telephone and doorstep over the next couple of weeks? The earlier you vote, the less any of that stuff matters.

I noticed that Shuler isn’t on the Democratic sample ballot. Makes sense, seeing as how he’s running unopposed and everything, but it would have been interesting to see how many people voted “No Preference”.

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Thanks, Gordon! In Henderson County you can vote early at the Elections Office off Spartanburg Highway, and I’ll check into what other locations are available (for those us near Buncombe and Transylvania Counties, that’s not exactly convenient). If I find out that there’s other locations, I’ll post them here.
I appreciate the heads-up!

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Oh yeah – The News & Observer’s Under the Dome website has profiles for most of the statewide candidates and other notable NC political figures like… um… Andy Griffith?

As far as the nominees for the “non-partisan” Court of Appeals Judge on the back-side of the ballot go, these links will either go to Google searches or their actual websites if they exist.

Jewel Ann Farlow (Republican, endorsed by the NCGOP)
Dean R. Poirier (Republican, endorsed by the NCGOP)
James A. Wynn (incumbent, Democrat)

Sam J. Ervin, IV (Democrat, current Utilities Commissioner and grandson of “Senator Sam”)
Janet Pueschel (Republican, former Wake County Clerk of Court)
Kristin Ruth (Democrat, Wake County District Court Judge)
John M. Tyson (Republican, incumbent, endorsed by NCGOP)

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Um – I didn’t know, so I assume a lot of you don’t either. Here’s what the NC Insurance Commissioner does:

The General Assembly created the North Carolina Department of Insurance in 1899. Licensing and supervision of insurance companies were previously delegated to the Secretary of State’s office, but a group of insurance agents felt a specific state agency dedicated to overseeing the insurance industry was needed. Lawmakers agreed, and the Department of Insurance was established on March 6, 1899.

Now, more than 100 years later, the Department of Insurance provides valuable services to the people of North Carolina by regulating the insurance industry, licensing insurance professionals and others, educating consumers about different types of insurance, handling consumer complaints, and much, much more. The Department also houses the Office of State Fire Marshal, which is responsible for a host of other services that improve North Carolinians’ daily lives. With some 400 employees and 20 divisions, much of what the Department of Insurance does directly affects you as a citizen, though you may not realize it.

You probably think the Department regulates insurance companies and agents — you are correct, we do. Any insurance business in this state first must be approved by the Commissioner, and companies and agents must meet rigorous standards before they receive a license to do that business. But did you know we also provide other services not directly associated with insurance? Some of the things we do that may surprise you include:

- licensing bail bondsmen

- overseeing motor clubs and collection agencies

- protecting consumers from fraud and illegal behavior with a staff of sworn law enforcement officers in our Investigations Division

- educating North Carolinians about safety issues such as child safety seats, fire protection, natural disaster preparation and other family safety issues

- interpreting the state’s building codes and suggesting new and improved codes to further protect citizens

- obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage for all state-owned buildings, including such items as the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington and the campuses of the state university system

- assisting the elderly and others with Medicare and Medicaid questions through our nationally recognized Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program

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Thanks Arratik for the Henderson County info, and that directory link!!

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I was the 75th person to vote on the first day, in the new Biltmore Square Mall satellite location.

Just for reference, the polling place is located on the west end of the mall, across from Lenscrafters. I made the mistake of parking near the Garfield’s entrance. Ah well. The walk was refreshing.

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