Reproductive rights? Education? Voting integrity? Local voters share the issues that matter most to them

Reproductive rights, economic concerns, whether the U.S. should be more involved in foreign policy especially in Gaza – these are just a few of the key discussion points of national concern for candidates during the 2024 Election.

As the candidates focus on major talking points, WRAL News wanted to hear from local voters and see what issues are personally impacting people in the Triangle area.

We visited polling sites during Early Voting to ask, "Why are you voting today? What issues concern you most during this election?"

As a non-partisan question, voters did not need to express who they were voting for or which party they were affiliated with. Everyone from first-time voters to long-time voters shared personal concerns they hope to see addressed by the newly-elected leaders.

What issues concern NC voters most during Election 2024?

Local voters shared concerns over many issues they said they felt personally impacted by. Reproductive rights was a major concern shared my many, as well as funding for the public education system and teacher pay.

Several locals, both in-person and on social media, also shared concern for the overall state of our democracy.

Reproductive rights, healthcare, abortion

"Some of the issues I care about are women's rights and reproductive rights. I'm a woman myself, so I care about that, and I care about us being able to have a choice in our decisions and not letting other people make those decisions for us," said Kristen Sesay, who was voting for the first time alongside her proud parents.

"Women's rights. Rights to healthcare and abortion in the state that are being stripped away from us," said Jordan Ridge, who also stressed the importance of voting as a way of ensuring your voice is counted – and helping make sure everyone's voices are heard.

"I'm a first-time voter," said Diksha Krishnaswamy. "Issues that I'm passionate about are reproductive rights and teacher pay, as well. The right for women to choose what to do with their bodies."

"I've also gotten very passionate about trying to win back or defend women's right to choose about their own bodies. I used to work as a hospital chaplain, and I remember having patients who were in really difficult situations that under laws that are being proposed, they would not be able to be treated in our hospital," said Dylan.

"Abortion. Having my bodily autonomy preserved for myself and other people with uteruses," said Sarah.

Teacher pay and equal access to education

"Getting our public education fully funded with the Leandro plan," added Dylan, who said aside from reproductive rights, he cared deeply about the education system.

Another voter, very passionate about education and equality, also brought up Leandro, saying, "Without good education for all, you don't have equality. We're still fighting for Leandro. I think if we look across the demographics in North Carolina there are counties that are not fitted, if you will, like some of the other counties with a higher tax base -- and that's not fair to the children."

"I'd like to see more teacher pay raises," added Krishnaswamy," Because I feel they are not paid enough for the value they bring."

Eva, a first-time voter and pre-law/political science student at UNC, said her experience phone banking and canvassing taught her, "Most voters really care about healthcare and housing and day-to-day tangible things in their lives."

Voting accessibility & a divided country: Concern over the state of democracy

"I care about democracy, and I don't want people infringing on that and making rules to make it harder to vote. Some politicians are trying to make it difficult for people to vote in the name of 'election integrity,' as they call it. Politicians shouldn't meddle in that," said Chris.

"Just the protection of the democratic system. I'm concerned there's an effort to begin to take a restrictive approach on how people can vote, how accessible it is, especially to people who aren't as privileged. And I think there's a lot of voting based on fear and misinformation right now. A return to a more rational and civilized kind of political discussion. Over the past few years, I've learned to appreciate civility with people with whom I don't agree. I'd like to see things return to that. I miss people I never thought I'd miss!" said Steve Volstad.

"I definitely thing transparency is a big one," added Eva. "Being clear about the issues you stand for. I know we live in a very partisan era. I feel like just reaching out to voters and being honest and genuine, and not being to invested in special interest."

"I wanted Joe Biden to know that I did not want to vote for him. I'm a democrat, and I do not want to see Donald Trump in office. I want Biden to know what he's doing is alienating a lot of his voting population. I'm not feeling listened to as a voter, someone who did vote for him the first time. That's something I don't feel like we should continue to do if we are going to call ourselves a democracy," said Sarah.

Foreign policy: Concern for Gaza

"The biggest thing on my mind is the war in Gaza and trying to send a message there personally of I feel like this is, frankly, a massacre. We should be doing more to prevent Palestinian deaths. That's at the forefront of my mind," said Garlan.

Laws targeting the LGBTQIA+ community

"There's also a lot of laws being passed, especially against the trans community. Especially targeting transgender children, and that's something very near and dear to my heart," added Garlan.

Responses from social media: Economy, immigration, reproductive rights

Many on social media also shared concern over the state of the current U.S. government, the voting process, lack of transparency and an overall sense of division within the country. Many said they are voting with a primary desire to 'save democracy.'

The desire to 'preserve democracy' was a concern shared, even by voters with party affiliations in opposition to each other.

'Saving democracy:' A concern for the entire state of U.S. government & voting

"Saving democracy, which means some specific things, like saving the pillars of secular society, especially "+'universal free public education' to show the people that we are much more alike and share common interests," said Barry E., who also said on the local level he'd like to get rid of local politicians he views as being pro-developer and anti-automobile. He said, "They care about attracting new residents more than taking care first of our own."

"Saving democracy," said Stefanie M.

"Saving democracy. The erosion of women’s reproductive rights, voting rights, and even civil rights. The gridlock in Congress...The takeover of our school boards, libraries, and even the Supreme Court by the religious right and MAGA forces. The lack of separation of church and state. The dismantling of checks and balances. Voter apathy even as we see our country’s institutions in true danger. The fear of people to discuss politics because we might anger someone…or even get shot! ...It all has to be addressed at the local level first, and so many voters don’t realize how very important local races are … or even who is running for what," said Deb. D.

"I almost always vote, but this election has me hoping we can preserve whatever democracy we have left. If we could honor the ideal of keeping church and state separate, that would make me happy," said Chantelle M.

"For me, all the above topics are ones I think are important. I spent two weeks behind the Iron Curtain (when there was one), so I know what it's like for people not to live in a democracy. It was an absolute nightmare. We must all vote -- and not play games with our votes," said Lorilyn B.

Social media: Many shared concerns over immigration

"The economy, the border crisis/immigration reform and doing what's right for America," said Justin D.

"Economy, the border and women's rights to make their own health decisions," said Terri Barnhill Ray.

"Secure border, America first, giving money away to other countries that we do not have, $10,000 to illegals and they go from state to state collecting it. Votes that cannot be changed! So much more!" said Gail H.

"The border and the economy," said Lisa L.

Inspiring the next generation to vote

With so many sharing concern over the state of democracy, one mother shared how she's encouraging the next generation to stay engaged in the process.

"I want to be a part of the voting process. I want to have my vote count, and I don't want to miss out on being involved in electing who our people are going to be," said Brandy. "I have brought my daughter with me to every single vote I've ever done. I want to be an example to her to show her how important it is to vote, especially as women. We had to fight really hard for this," said Brandy.

WRAL News spoke to several first-time voters, who seemed excited to finally be able to have their voices heard.