North Carolina

Thousands of N.C. felons are now able to vote as Election Day nears

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2022

Thousands of N.C. felons are now able to vote as Election Day nears

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Days into early voting and two weeks out from Election Day, there’s a brand new group of voters that can be casting their ballots for the very first time.

Hundreds of felons, who gained the suitable to vote in North Carolina earlier this 12 months, are headed into their first election.

52-year-old Amir Shabazz, who spent 31 years behind bars, mentioned he’ll register to vote and vote for the primary time in his life on Monday.

“Tens of 1000’s of individuals like me…now have restored rights,” he mentioned.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections mentioned in July, a North Carolina superior court docket reversed the ruling that denies felons who’re serving probation, post-release supervision or parole the suitable to vote.

It means now, Shabazz is amongst 56,000 felons within the state who now have the suitable to register to vote, and may vote so long as they’re out of jail or jail.

“Beforehand the regulation in North Carolina was you couldn’t vote till you had accomplished your probation, parole or post-release,” Kathleen Roblez, an lawyer with Ahead Justice, mentioned. She personally labored on the lawsuit to overturn the state felony disenfranchisement regulation.

“When you may have 56,000 people who find themselves disproportionately Black who’re being disenfranchised, who should not being allowed to take part in an election…so it’s actually essential for us that everybody has their voice,” Roblez mentioned.

“If I’ve served the time, paid my debt to society as they are saying, then society owes me that proper,” Shabazz mentioned.

Any voter nonetheless must be a U.S. citizen, be at the least 18 years outdated, and will need to have lived within the state at the least 30 days previous to the election.

Mecklenburg County elections director talks security and safety forward of midterm election

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North Carolina

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

Published

24 minutes ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour on Monday.

The event offered visitors a unique opportunity to pose for photos with Santa and interact closely with the farm’s animals.

The farm also featured a large mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa. Luanna Baldwin, a mother from Canton, expressed her delight with the experience.

“This was a great outing to take the girls for some Christmas magic,” Baldwin said. “They’ve been asking to see Santa, write a letter specifically, so that was super fun.”

At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour, which concluded on Monday, Dec. 23.

WLOS via CNN Newsource

In addition to the alpacas, the tour allowed guests to feed and pet various other farm animals. Farm Manager Ashley Edwards highlighted the joy the event brings to visitors of all ages.

“We have people come in who are in their 60s, 70s, and above who have never touched a chicken before, and I’m able to provide that kind of happiness to their hearts to their soul, and I think it’s great,” Edwards said. “This is a memory people aren’t going to forget.”

Winchester Creek Farm has been hosting the Santa Tours for the past six years. Although this year’s event has ended, the farm offers tours throughout the year.

Winchester Creek Farm operates as a year-round working farm, raising animals primarily for the fiber produced by their coats.

SEE ALSO | Schools closed for winter break: Family fun things to do

Featured video is ABC11 24/7 Livestream

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North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.

The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.

Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.

Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.

For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.

WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.

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North Carolina

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina – CBS News

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After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.