The absence of a local newspaper meant little information about the candidates. Without a local newspaper, there are few opportunities to inform voters about the candidates or to hold a debate and to hear different views. In a vacuum, what’s left assumes greater importance. We are thinking about the Indy endorsement which the winning candidates received and skillfully used at the polls. Read Don Evans’ blog post that questions The Indy’s vetting process and knowledge of Chapel Hill here.
Name recognition and long time political connections played a big role and benefited the winning candidates. Brian Crawford and Jamie Stanford were not well-known despite their impressive record of service. Neither had ever run a campaign before.
Winning candidates outspent challengers. The winners had a larger campaign budget for campaign materials such as expensive mailings. Without a local newspaper, mailings have become the mail source of voter education.
Voters were not educated about candidates’ records. Many admitted as much at the polls, so when they were handed the Indy endorsement they felt they had something to go on.
A local newspaper would have drawn attention to the important role commissioners play and increased interest and potentially turnout. CHALT is interested in starting a local paper. If you want to help, contact us at info@chalt.org.
Only 20% of registered voters actually voted. There are nearly 106,000 registered voters in Orange County. For this primary, fewer than 20,000 voted. Less than 20%! Surely more than 20% care about our schools, law enforcement and the county budget.
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