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Candidate Art Sherwood Slams Effort by Watauga GOP to Suppress ASU Student Voting

Editor’s Note: This is a press release from the campaign of N.C. Senate candidate Art Sherwood. Leading up to general election, HCPress.com will publish releases that local and regional candidates send our way. 

Art Sherwood, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina State Senate District 45, today slammed efforts by Republicans in Watauga County to suppress voting by Appalachian State University (ASU) students and faculty.

On Tuesday, the Republican majority of the Watauga County Board of Elections favored an early voting plan that excludes the Plemmons Student Union, which is the favored site of the Democrats.

amsInstead, Republicans Bill Aceto and Nancy Owen voted for a plan that proposes using Legends on the campus of Appalachian State over the student union, which Democrat Stella Anderson proposed. Because the decision wasn’t unanimous, the State Board of Elections will be tasked with adopting a one-stop site.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, SGA President Jalyn Howard stood up and spoke, “We only recommend the student union. I don’t see anywhere else on campus that will be suitable. I don’t think there is any other solution to this problem – the administration and the students have said: ‘The student union is it.’”

Sherwood said, “I concur with Jalyn. What the Republicans on the Watauga County Board of Elections are trying to do is suppress the votes of ASU students and faculty. This is just part of the ongoing assault upon our most basic civil liberty by Governor Patrick McCrory and the Republicans controlling the North Carolina General Assembly. They have conducted a relentless assault upon voters’ rights over the last several years.”

Sherwood continued, “One of the main reasons I filed for office was so that I could help eliminate voter suppression and gerrymandering.” He continued, “I support open and convenient access to polling places for all voters. I strongly oppose and will work to eliminate burdensome requirements designed to suppress voter turnout. I will work tirelessly to stop gerrymandering by supporting the establishment of an independent commission to draw congressional and General Assembly districts. I also support term limits, campaign finance reform and easing ballot access for third parties.”

Sherwood remarked, “Now that this matter is in the hands of the State Board of Elections, I hope they honor their mandate to protect voters’ rights and the integrity of the electoral process. ASU students and faculty have spoken. The student union worked in the primary. The only reason the Republicans have for wanting to change the location is fear – fear of the younger generation that seeks to do away with the regressive policies implemented by the GOP in Raleigh.”

North Carolina State Senate District 45 includes Allegany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties. Sherwood is a resident of Caldwell County.