The Wilmington Wave

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 DÉJÀ VU — ALL OVER, AGAIN?

Donald J. Trump claims victory as early results for the presidential election release. Carlos Barria

Thompson Stupak ballots turning the tides for unde- Wilmington Wave clared swing states. Trump had a different take Political beliefs nest at home As of 5 a.m. Wednesday on the mail-in ballots still being Annabelle McCracken with multiple types of views be- morning, the results of the 2020 counted, “Votes cannot be cast Wilmington Wave cause I have seen them more now,” Presidential Election still remain after the Polls are closed!” Trump Blevins said. in limbo. tweeted at 12:49 a.m. “Aware” and “open-minded”; Blevins also stated that she Despite the uncertain- Trump followed up with these were the two most common has more freedom to form her own outcomes, President Donald a speech at 2:21 a.m. calling the words used by college students political beliefs now that she is no J. Trump declared his victory mail in ballots “a fraud on the when asked how college has shaped longer under the influence of her against former Vice President American public.” Trump prom- their political beliefs. family and friends from home. This Joseph R. Biden later in the night, ised to bring the issue of mail-in In light of the 2020 election, seems to be a commonality for when many key swing states pre- ballots to the Supreme Court of several college students were ques- many college students. viously predicted to turn the as seven swing tioned about how their college expe- “The exposure to others and blue, appeared in the Rebuplican states had yet to be called. rience has shaped or changed their what they believe has helped me president’s favor. Without any major news political views. not feel judged by others for having Much of the night looked networks making a final call on “My political views have kind my own opinions now that I have closely at the race between Biden the election, Trump declared vic- of changed, but if anything I have the freedom to do so,” Blevins said. and Trump in each major state, tory in the same speech. “We will just come to realize there is a lot “Freedom” was another ten of which win this and as far as I’m con- more grey than white,” said Kamer- word that was used often by col- make up 193 of the 270 electoral cerned, we have won it,” Trump on Williamson, a senior biology lege students when describing the college votes required to win. At said. major at the University of North Car- transition from home-life to col- 3:30 a.m., Trump held the major- The Biden campaign an- olina Wilmington. lege. ity of swing states. Many mail-in nounced that they are ready for According to Williamson, he Like Blevins, Abby Yount, a ballots are still being counted, so a legal battle to defend mail-in has not strayed far from his origi- sophomore special education major experts agreed it’s too early to ballots. As of 3:30 a.m., Biden nal political beliefs while attending at the University of call. has not released any announce- UNCW, realizing that, despite seem- at Charlotte, agreed that the free- Former Press ment detailing how he plans on ing primarily conservative, there are dom she was granted in college Secretary Robert Gibbs stated combating Trump in the Supreme other individuals also on campus played a huge role in the shaping that many Upper Midwest States Court to defend mail-in ballots. who have a more liberal mindsets of her political beliefs. could not count ballots until Elec- Three or the ten major like his own. “Growing up, my parents tion Day, meaning election results swing states announced victory, “It was nice to meet those did not keep politics in the house may be delayed for several hours with Biden winning Minnesota who attend that are more open so I never formed an opinion, mov- if not several days. Biden stressed and Trump winning North Car- minded,” Williamson said. ing to Charlotte and being around patience in consideration of the olina and Georgia. Five of the The idea of open-mindedness so many different opinions impact- remaining mail-in ballots. remaining seven swing states are is something Tara Blevins, a sopho- ed how I was able to form my own “We’re going to have to be projected to favor Trump. The re- more nursing major at the Universi- along with the freedom to do so,” patient,” Biden said, exercising maining swing states range from ty of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Yount said. caution during one of his Election 72% to 95% of votes counted. is familiar with. Day speeches. “I have definitely become The former Vice President see PRESIDENT on page 3 more open-minded. I am more okay see BELIEFS on page 3 expressed optimism in mail-in Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 2

UNCW & Wilmington Photos: Tyler Earles, Dylan Saunooke, Anna Mohr

Illustration: Grayson Toal Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 3 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

Twenty-two UNCW students, from two different sections of “In- that it’s hard to come up with story ideas, and call people out of the blue. troduction to Journalism,” came together on Election Day (and Night, It’s hard to sort through notes and write leads and keep subjective lan- and the long, lonely hours before dawn) to create this paper on deadline. guage out of a story. Headlines are hard. Deadlines are hard. They’ve aptly named it the Wilmington Wave. But it’s all necessary. Our world is vast, and news of it, relentless. Stories crest and crash It’s necessary because we live amidst a sea of misinformation and on readers, portents of hope and despair. These waves of information can misdirection. Riptides of alternative facts, anti-science, and conspiracy the- be exhilarating, and they can feel dangerous. We’re drawn to the news, as ories—in other words: lies—threaten how we understand our world and we are to the sea, to watch, to listen, and to feel. how we understand each other. And it is the journalist’s job, it was the job I’m not sure these students considered all of that when they signed of these students, to wade into those waters and separate fact from fiction. up for this course. Few of them are journalism minors; most confessed to Like all journalists, they cannot control how readers, listeners, and viewers taking the course because it satisfied certain general education require- use the information they provide, but they can control the rigorousness of ments. And yet they came together during a pandemic, during the most the reporting and the fairness of their articles. contentious, most vital election in the past 100 years, during the stress of And so they came together, many meeting each other for the first quarantine and multimodal-learning to make a newspaper. To arrest, for time tonight. They spread out across three classrooms, masked and socially one day, the main currents of a campus, a city, a state, and a nation. To distant. They synched via Zoom. They chatted across Slack. They com- commit those stories to print, and to share them with their community. mitted themselves to a project of unknown depth, and here, at 6:00 a.m. Our paper is 14 pages long, and those students are responsible for Wednesday morning, they still have not touched bottom. There are still every element you are holding in your hands. They reported. They wrote. many unknowns about this election and what it means for the future of They edited. They photographed. They paginated. They created graph- this nation. But journalists, including some of these students, will continue ics, and cartoons, and cutlines, and jumps, and in-house ads. They have to be there, meeting those waves wherever they may take us. learned the lingo of the newsroom. And they can’t wait to put this paper to bed. Dr. Josh Roiland They’ve also learned the realities of journalism. That it is steeped Assistant Professor in professionalism, accuracy, and fairness. That “fake news” is a bogey- Department of English man designed to confuse, undermine, and sow conflict. They’ve learned University of North Carolina Wilmington

WILMINGTON WAVE INFORMATION DIRECTORY

EDITORS IN CHIEF NATIONAL EDITOR OPINION/EDITORIAL EDITOR REPORTERS REPORTERS Jay K. Byrd Thomas Stupak Brendon Dorrance Anna Mohr Tyler Earles Shaun Edwards FEATURE EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR CAMPUS EDITOR Ava Reed Tyler Earles Canvas Pegues Joseph Giltinan Grayson Toal DESIGN EDITOR COPY EDITOR Hannah McDonnell Carter Hartgrove CITY EDITOR Blake Freeman Hayden Franklin Dylan Saunooke Ian Higgins Ava Reed ASSISTANT DESIGN ASSISTANT COPY EDITORS STATE EDITOR EDITORS Malachi Dansby Anna Ross Simpson Sierra Reynolds Malachi Dansby Grayson Toal Hannah McDonnell Anna Ross Simpson Annabelle McCracken Bryce Rush Annabelle McCracken Sierra Reynolds Anna Ross Simpson Connor Ryan Brendon Dorrance

According to Raymond, ent while attending college. #PRESIDENT #BELIEFS she has not taken any liberal arts continued from page 1 continued from page 1 Annika Ashcraft, a freshman style courses that could sway her environmental studies major at Registered Democrats The exposure and free- beliefs and she tends to stick with UNCW, felt awareness was the vital made up a majority of mail-in dom that is granted with the like-minded individuals. aspect of her beliefs. She mentioned ballots, leaving Republicans as college experience are largely “I am a bleeding red conser- that her parents are both political the majority of in person voters. at play when it comes to the vative and if anything I have got- science professors and have both While Democrat voters reformation of political beliefs. ten stronger in my beliefs, there traveled a lot. are predicted to make up the However, this is not true for are a lot of people around here According to Ashcraft, with remaining ballots, it’s still too everyone. Some individuals who believe the same and I’m not her background and experiences, early to say if there’s enough remain firm in their views. This taking classes that would change she has seen several different views ballots in support of Biden to can be a result of family mem- my beliefs,” Raymond said. and values, and as a result, she has pull him ahead. ber influence, regional influ- Being influenced by their become extremely aware of her po- Biden held Minnesota ence, or the lack of branching parents’ political beliefs is some- litical nature. and is projected to win Arizona out once in college. thing James McMillian, a sopho- “I know in college, people and Nevada, leaving 26 elector- For Jackie Raymond, more psychology major at UNCW, become more aware of others and al votes needed for him to win a freshman nursing major at can relate to. what they believe,” Ashrcaft said. the presidency. If at least two Averett University her parents “My family has a huge im- “Being here, I have grown stronger states shift blue after all mail-in and the town in which she was pact on my political views, I get a in my political beliefs but I can see ballots are counted, there is a raised have had a huge effect on lot of my morals and values from the difference in everybody else’s.” strong chance Biden could win her political beliefs. my parents and that affects my po- Many factors go into deter- the election. “My parents are both litical decisions,” McMillian said. mining one’s political beliefs, like The Biden campaign extremely conservative and I Despite the difference in family and regional influence, ex- appears to have faith in mail- grew up in the church,” Ray- each student’s response, there posure, and awareness. The act of in ballots pushing Biden over mond said. “There are very few was an underlying agreement of attending college itself does not Trump to secure the presidency. Democrats in my hometown. awareness. All of the students determine a change in one’s political As stated by Biden, “It ain’t over You would see rebel flags on the noted that they had become more beliefs; it is the individual experi- until every vote is counted.” way to school.” aware of the different political ence one encounters while attending opinions and beliefs that are pres- college that does. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 4 CAMPUS

Contradicting Chalk: Students erase and replace inaccurate statements with positive remarks. Akira Collins UNCW Student Submitted

slander, it’s not productive Students for Trump Leave a Mark at all,” said Collins, a UNCW Black Student Union Focus- Anna Mohr accusations put forth by the junior in Studio Arts. Wilmington Wave far-right conspiracy theory Mudd, Mitchells, and es On Presidential Election Monday night, stu- Collins erased multiple mes- group QAnon. Neal said. “Speaking on dent supporters of Presi- sages around campus and Canvas Pegues QAnon emerged in their behalf included.” dent Trump covered Uni- replaced them with “Black Wilmington Wave American political discourse Neal admits many versity of North Carolina Lives Matter” and pro-LGBT earlier this year, with their Chris J. Neal, may not agree with BSU’s Wilmington sidewalks out- statements. main message being the UNCW senior and presi- values or his right to side of the Fisher Student The students also United States contains a dent of University Of North speak on their behalf. Union with chalk messages spray-painted the rock “deep state” filled with Sa- Carolina Wilmington’s Although, he be- criticizing Democratic outside of Fisher Student tan-worshipping pedophiles activist group Black Stu- lieves that he is fighting presidential candidate Joe Union, which previously who are plotting against dent Union, shared his and for black voices and the Biden. displayed “MAGA” multiple . Political ex- the BSU’s thoughts and expansion of multicul- These denunciations times and encouraged peo- perts have largely debunked feelings towards this year’s tural environments that were often supported with ple to “Vote red.” all of their claims. election. encourage opportunities pro-Trump statements, as “We were upset,” Nonetheless, those “This year’s election for predictive, peaceful well as tagged with the Collins said, “we didn’t feel messages found their way is crucial and I do believe it interactions. social media handle @sft_ safe.” onto UNCW sidewalks on is a turning point for Amer- Described as the wilmington, which stands The rock now sports the eve of the election. ica,” Neal said. “We are at most important election for Students for Trump. a “Black Lives Matter” fist Other writings in- a crucial decision making in history, it is important The topic and tone and a jab at Trump, saying cluded, “Biden simps for point.” that people know what’s of the anti-Biden screeds “Love Trump’s Hate.” China” and “Trump survived The BSU is a strong at stake as Americans had a juvenile air. Many Like many college campuses, corona, Biden hides.” on-campus activist group and especially as students focused on Biden sniffing political tensions are high Not everyone appre- that encourages the overall since we are the future of children’s hair. among students as this his- ciated these postings. Three rights and opportunities of our country, according to “Hunter Biden torical election nears its end. students, Marcus Mudd, African American people at Neal and BSU’s democrat- trafficked kids and wom- These overnight messages Stuart Mitchells, and Akira UNCW. ic standpoint. en so could may be the first of many in Collins, came together to According to the When asked who sniff them,” one message the following days. “replace hate with love.” BSU’s constitution, the pur- he voted for Neal said, read, referring to false “It’s just hearsay and pose of its existence is to “the candidate who stood “observe and improve the for BIPOC rights … the general welfare of black one who stands for wom- On-Campus Voting: Another Casualty of COVID-19 students as well as race en’s rights.” relations on the campus Neal’s strong po- Ian Higgins of the University of North litical stance aligned with high turnout, but it was matched or exceeded the Wilmington Wave Carolina Wilmington.” BSU’s preamble state- consistent throughout.” 2016 voting turnout. North “BSU is living true ment. “I voted for the The University of According to Wil- Carolina. to our purpose, constantly person who stands with North Carolina Wilming- cox, this consistent turnout Another factor re- improving and observing my brothers and sisters.” ton’s campus precinct on of one to two voters every ducing the number of the general welfare of “As BSU, we ask election day was located at minute began taking a sig- election day voters at the black students at UNCW,” that people use their right the Burney Center, opening nificant downturn at 6 p.m. Burney Center is the lack to vote in order for their at 6:30 a.m. and closing at According to Nadine of on-campus residents still voice to be heard,” Neal 7:30 p.m. Gibson, Assistant Professor present at UNCW. “Students said, when asked what Turnout at the Bur- of Public and International aren’t on-campus anymore, efforts he and his group ney Center never managed Affairs at UNCW, by Oct. they all went home,” said are making to get people to hit the usual election 31, New Hanover county Gibson. on board with them cast- day marks expected of already had 63.4% voter Students residing ing votes that progress the precinct. Voters ar- turnout and North Carolina on-campus make up a large towards their goals. rived steadily throughout had a statewide turnout rate portion of voters designat- “We ask for every- the day, but at no point of 53.8%. ed to the Burney Center one to remember who was the precinct out of its This significant in- precinct, but many of these and what they are voting depth. crease in early voting meth- votes are being cast from for,” he said. “We’ve had relative- ods during COVID-19 sig- their family homes. ly low voter turnout, hav- nificantly reduced pressure en’t had too many people, on election-day precincts. not much of a wait,” said According to members of Zoe Wilcox, a volunteer the UNCW College Demo- Canvas Pegues Wilmington Wave with the bipartisan group crats, early voting turnout Leutze Hall shows support for the end to racism. Democracy NC. “Not very for the 2020 election has Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 5 CAMPUS

Classroom Opinions in Higher Education Mirror Divided Election Discourse in General Public UNCW Election Hub Tyler Earles election and voting basics, Grayson Toal Wilmington Wave their next step was the Wilmington Wave BS on that criticism.” into, it’s crucial that the Politics of Policy workshop. Experts on higher “discussion is about ex- The Office of Stu- Mixed feelings arise This was available for education faculty political change of ideas, not a bat- dent Leadership and En- from both University of students in late October leanings note that “faculty tle royale to find out who is gagement, located in the North Carolina Wilming- to learn about the types of members’ political beliefs the most ‘right’,” Flaherty Fisher Student Center, is ton faculty and students policy decisions that are do run left.” Although, ac- said. the “Election Hub” at The surrounding political dis- made at the local, state, cording to Flaherty, “even “I wouldn’t say University of North Caroli- course and election talk in and federal level. conservative students don’t anything we have discussed na Wilmington. With their class. Besides civic action generally feel pressured to has been biased, it has guidance, students had the Major divides in workshops, OSLE allowed think a certain way.” informed me more,” said access to get all the infor- political parties and views students to have virtual “In the past I’ve Georgie Anastasie, UNCW mation they needed to vote present a dilemma to many chats with experts to fur- tried not to wear my polit- senior in anthropology. “An- for their preferred candi- students and teachers on ther their election educa- ical beliefs on my sleeve in thropology really dissects date. the importance of political tion. the classroom,” Dr. Bolduc social inequalities so indi- Given that most discussion and its place in These 30 minute said. “I encourage students rectly we have been dis- students enter college at the classroom. topic Q&A webinars start- to create substantive and cussing the election when 18 years old, voting in the “Political science ed in early September and meaningful content ... and we speak about policies upcoming election was new classes are always politi- were held each week up we spend time discussing that have negative effects to them. They may have no cal, students have strong until election day. These what that means.” on one group of people.” idea where to start, who feelings about things,” said virtual chats discussed ab- According to one Some students, due to vote for, or what politi- Dr. Aaron King, a UNCW sentee ballots, the impor- UNCW student, this stance to the nature of their class cal issues top the agenda. Associate Professor in Po- tance of voting, different is not embraced by all modality, do not feel it’s OSLE shares a 2020 Candi- litical Science. “I reallyptry policies, social injustice, teachers. necessary for political dis- date Resource voter guide to appsoach things from a and health care. “My English profes- course to exist. that helped students make scientific perspective and Since the election sor for discussion boards “I don’t have any their voting decisions. students are good at that has come to an end, OSLE ... every single one he’s real contact with my pro- This voter guide too.” will be holding one more put is election based and fessors,” Kenny Hildabrant, shares information about It’s clear that dis- Beyond The Vote work- biased,” said Ashley Stew- UNCW senior in environ- North Carolina and nation- course around elections shop on Nov. 10, at 3:30 art, a UNCW sophomore in mental studies, said. “It al candidates alike. It goes is not reserved for just p.m. marine Biology. “He’ll put would be very inappropri- over each of their parties, political science classes, as This workshop is articles baying pick a side ate for them to say any- websites, backgrounds, a variety of UNCW cours- going to be focused on ac- of it, but all the article’s thing, so I don’t feel that favorite endorsements, and es present environments tivism and accountability, are towards his view so we I’ve been exposed to it in more. where students and faculty which will provide stu- only get to see one side of my classroom.” OSLE also offered a can engage openly in polit- dents with additional ways it.” In addition to the series of workshops to ed- ical discourse and discus- to make their voices heard. Though some be- situation of classrooms, ucate students on election sion. It will cover information lieve in political discus- COVID-19 effects on uni- basics, such as how to reg- Despite this envi- on how to hold elected of- sion’s misplacement in the versities have factored into ister, how to vote, where to ronment, the subjectivity of ficials accountable through classroom, Kelly Siegel- the relationships between vote, and what to expect these discussions is widely letter writing, petitions, Stechler, PhD candidate at teachers and students. once casting your vote. ridiculed in American pol- and participating in boy- Johns Hopkins University Without the face-to-face After students had itics. “Pundits and law- cotts or protests. School of Education, thinks interactions and classroom the opportunity to get the makers sometimes accuse that students and faculty chatter, election conver- professors of being liberals experience certain benefits sations may be harder to who indoctrinate their from these conversations. come by. students,” said Colleen “When students ar- “It’s exhausting ... Flaherty, who is an Inside en’t able to engage in these navigating the pandemic Higher Ed faculty issues conversations, they often and also trying to figure reporter. end up drawing stereotypi- out what the hell is going “Higher education cal conclusions about those on with politics,” Dr. King is often criticized by the who are different from said. “But I’m glad I study Right for indoctrinating them,”said Siegel- Stechler. something that’s so rele- our students into liberal “Diving into these conver- vant.” or even Marxist ideology,” sations is well worth it.” said Dr. Bill Bolduc, UNCW Although political Associate Professor of com- discourse is worth delving Tyler Earles Wilmington Wave munication Studies. “I call UNCW campus shows support for BLM.

Along with providing forms and ballots, OSLE holds One more obstacle for UNCW voters this election Civic Action Workshops, virtual chats with election Hannah McDonnell by UNCW Professor of Hispanic Linguistics, Dr. experts and other resources for students. Wilmington Wave Amanda Boomershine, if the university did hold early Although conventional early voting was not As new University of North Carolina Wilm- voting, more than 14,000 students, faculty and staff an option, UNCW students still had other early ington voters began figuring out who to vote for and would have more accessible means of voting. voting alternatives. One of these alternatives was where to vote, despite having many different alterna- Even though the university does not provide early through absentee balloting via the United States tive options to vote, they had one less option than the voting, UNCW’s Office of Student Leadership and Postal Services in the Fisher University Union on general public: early voting. Engagement has encouraged students, faculty, and campus. Although other universities have provided staff to vote and provided answers to any questions “UNCW has been using their postal services early voting on campus, former Chief of Staff Max they may have when it came to voting and the election as an alternative method to vote for many years, Allen points out that UNCW never has. UNCW is the itself. however, they have not considered a polling place largest state school, enrollment-wise, without an early OSLE has provided access to election forms but rather a service that mails packages and ballots voting location. and materials including registration forms in English through the USPS,” said Andy Kosch, a Postal Win- In past years, according to Allen, the universi- and Spanish, absentee ballot request forms, and a dow Associate at the Seahawk Mail. ty did not have space available for early voting. voter guide for UNCW students. They can also help see OBSTACLE on page 12 However, according to a letter written in 2012 voters fill out and submit forms and ballots. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 6 CITY Quick and Easy: Election Day in Wilmington Dylan Saunooke as Ballis said. Wilmington Wave “Voting at this precinct Due to the COVID-19 has been very slow, right now pandemic causing Wilmington there are 215 people who have residents to either vote early voted all day long,” said God- or mail-in their ballots, many bey, “Turnouts across the county, polling locations did not see as turnouts across the state have many Election Day voters as been phenomenal, but voting years prior. today in New Hanover County Electioneers at Lifepoint seems to be relatively low.” Church, Mosley Performance While voting at the Learning Center, and Wilming- Lifepoint Church location saw ton’s Senior Center agree that little turnout, voting at the the rise in early voting and mail- Mosley Performance Learning in ballots have helped in-person Center was much different. “It’s been great, we’ve Grayson Toal Wilmington Wave voting run more smoothly and more efficiently. had a fair number of people Contradicting Chalk: Students erase and replace inaccurate “It has been a little bit come through here, never got statements with positive remarks. lighter than we have seen in backed up too much, and it was years past with all the extensive steady throughout the day, no early voting” said Pete Wildebo- problems, no one shouting, no Wilmington: The Swing City er, the Republican candidate for one getting upset, everybody New Hanover County’s Board of just coming, voting, and leav- Anna Ross Simpson lotte, Durham,” King said. “In Education. ing,” said a Democratic veteran Wilmington Wave our area, New Hanover County, “I understand 70% of this who asked to remain anony- President Trump won by about precinct had already early voted mous. With the 2020 elec- 3 to 4 points in 2016. Just over so that was to be expected” said Whether they voted tion underway, University of 50% of the vote.” Linda Murphy, Republican elec- two weeks ago, mailed in their North Carolina at Wilmington Managing to collect tion poll lead at the Lifepoint ballot, or voted on election day Political Science Professor enough votes in 2016, President Church polling location. most Wilmington residents had Aaron King, explains why Trump had won in Wilmington Voting at the majority of similar Election Day voting ex- Wilmington is the City to win and furthermore in North Caro- the polling locations in Wilm- periences this year. this election year. lina. ington was a very quick and “It was very peaceful, it North Carolina is a “I guess I am safe to say, easy process with little to no was very civil, we had a nice crucial swing state within the if Trump wins, Trump can’t win line. turnout,” Murphy said. 2020 election. Furthermore, North Carolina without winning “Zero, no wait at all,” “I voted a couple days the city of Wilmington, the New Hanover County.” King Murphy said, when asked about ago, I voted at the government biggest city in New Hanover said. the wait time at her polling center and I was in and out in County, has become a swing Wilmington, while still location. 15 minutes, maybe less than city in itself. upholding its current value as According to Todd God- 15, it was quick and easy,” said According to North a crucial city in the swing state bey, a Democrat election poll Chris Scholer, Republican elec- Carolina voter registration of North Carolina, hasn’t always lead at the Lifepoint Church tion poll lead at Mosley Perfor- statistics as of election day been so politically stable. polling site, COVID-19 has mance Learning Center. 2020, New Hanover county In 1898, a mob of 2,000 played a huge role in people “Voting today was very has 52,987 registered demo- white men had overthrown the voting early and mailing in easy, I was in and out in about crats and 55,122 registered elected Fusion government. This ballots in order to not come in 15 minutes with no hassle at republicans. Both of these went on to be referred to as contact with too many people. all,” voter Anthony Grant said. figures though are overshad- “The Wilmington Massacre.” This, in turn, has caused less Voters, electioneers, owed by the 67,589 voters Citizens in Wilmington people to vote on Election Day. Republicans, and Democrats all who chose to avoid party originally said the event was a “I think that, because had similar sentiments toward labels and registered ‘unaffili- riot started by the African-Amer- early voting has been intense, voting. Election Day in Wilming- ated.’ ican residents in the city, while it has lessened the volume of ton was quick, easy, and pain- Going from beach, to others say it was seen as a coup. people trying to squeeze in on less. campus, to city life in Wilm- Buildings and businesses Election Day,” Democrat Thom- ington, these three factors run by black citizens all over that make Wilmington, as Wilmington were destroyed. King explained, the in-be- Black citizens were also harmed tween city that it is for presi- in this event, having an estimat- dential elections. ed 60 to 300 people killed in the “If it’s the case that coup. Trump is favored in the rural Wilmington holds a areas, and Biden is favored a unique historical value, and lot in the urban areas, Wilm- when juxtaposed to the current ington is sort of somewhere balance of power held between in-between that,” King said. democrats and republicans The Wilmington Wave “We are not nearly as within the county, it further rural and as large as Greens- highlights the importance of this boro, Winston-Salem, Char- swing city. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 7 CITY

Trump supports take over the intersection of Military Cutoff and Eastwood road. Ava Reed Wilmington Wave The Wilmington Political Divide: A Chasm Manufactured by Imagination Ian Higgins Wilmington Wave efforts of those parties to con- the overall progressive shift of of government programs on the vince the unaffiliated vote. American politics. lives and families of individu- As the 2020 election “Everything is a toss-up “A good way of conceptu- als,” said Knecht, pointing to season ran its course and con- for New Hanover,” Gibson said. alizing polarization is not people one of his leading catalysts for stituents avidly voiced their A major indication of this getting further away, but people the divide between parties. “The opinions, the political divide political competition in New not agreeing on anything,” said more we make people dependent continued its apparent growth Hanover County has emerged Gibson. The political theory of on the government the more we which highlighted the 2016 through sign-stealing. partisan sorting dictates that the go away from who we are as a election. According to Will Knecht, extremes of each side become nation, we become enslaved to a Wilmington emerged Chairman of the New Hanover more centralized, turning liber- government welfare system that as one of the most highlighted County GOP, their campaign als to democrats and conserva- traps people.” locations displaying this divide, has estimated approximate- tives to republicans. Although parties have juxtaposing a deep racial history ly $20,000 in stolen ‘Trump’ What causes our greatest become more distanced in their dating back to 1898 with the signage throughout the 2020 political divides are the issues views whilst their voters con- importance of the swing state election. that are binary, with definitive tinue to grow together, there is within the election. In addition to this thiev- solutions on each end of the an alternative force driving the According to North Caro- ery, the defacement of larger spectrum, Gibson said. These wedge between party lines. Nu- lina voter registration statistics, political signs for President Don- issues include topics such as merous sources ranging in demo- New Hanover County currently ald Trump and Dan Forest have abortion and gay marriage. graphics and political affiliation, has 52,884 registered Repub- highlighted the current tangible Many of these same all pointed to the influence of licans and 54,942 registered political tensions within Wilm- binary issues are also cleavage major media as responsible for Democrats. Mass signage within ington. issues for many voters. Ac- the political divide. county lines as well as various These conflicts are nev- cording to Gibson, a cleavage “It’s the media, we have other forms of candidate-adver- er universal though, as Knecht issue is a political issue upon in this country ‘freedom of the tising has flooded Wilmington, went on to express his appreci- which an individual is willing to press,’ but now that has turned displaying the heated status of ation for New Hanover County vote against their own party in into suppression by the press,” the battleground region. Democratic Party Chairman order to accomplish. This cross said Bryce David, a Republican Despite these outpour- Richard Poole. between cleavage issues and bi- voter. ings, unaffiliated residents made Poole is an “old school nary issues which divide voters, “I put more blame on the up the most populous group, democrat” who understands the create an even deeper segmen- media and human nature, we with 67,372 voters registered in “spirit we need in the country,” tation between constituents. don’t like to hear information New Hanover County. Knecht said. “We’re both trying The rise of the far-left we disagree with,” said Gibson. “I don’t want to say there to make that the way of life at and the democratic-socialist “Now that we have thousands of is necessarily a growing divide least here in New Hanover.” movement has presented a lead channels, why would we force as much as very competitive pol- On average, constitu- issue between the two parties. ourselves to listen to something itics in New Hanover County,” ents of either party actually “I think that Biden is a we disagree with?” said Nadine Gibson, Assistant hold many of the same politi- moderate candidate, I think that Gibson pointed to the me- Professor of Public and Interna- cal views. According to Justin is a serious fear when all we’re dia as the reason for the divide tional Affairs at the University of Holloman, a member of the trying to do is give the American because of their focus on ratings North Carolina Wilmington. UNCW College Democrats, there people healthcare,” said Wendy and revenue. “We had two com- According to Gibson, is a more significant differ- Hunt, a volunteer for the New peting town halls. NBC said no, New Hanover County has one ence of opinion between older Hanover County Democratic we want some of that money too of the closest registration fig- voters than younger voters. Party. so we’ll hold a competing town ures between parties within the Younger voters tend to be more “I believe that one reason hall so ABC doesn’t get as many state of North Carolina, but the agreeable upon issues such as is the breakdown of the Amer- viewers,” Gibson said. difference will be made by the gay marriage which highlight ican family, the encroachment Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 8 STATE Gov. Cooper retains seat; Tillis, Cunningham still too close to call Voters unaffected by Shaun Edwards, Connor Ryan, Annabelle McCrackens Wilmington Wave House Representative Yvonne As of 5 a.m Wednesday Lewis Holley ran against political sexting scandal newcomer Mark Robinson in the Dylan Saunooke morning, 95% of the precincts ham’s character, he is not worried Lieutenant Governor race. Republi- Wilmington Wave reported showing Governor Roy about losing votes to opposing can Mark Robinson won at 52%. He Cooper in the lead at 51.5%. In mid-October, it came Republican Sen. Thom Thillis. will be the first African-American to 94% of the precincts reported forth that U.S. Democratic Senate “There may be people who hold the position for North Carolina. Rep. Senator Thom Thills in candidate Cal Cunningham had decide to not vote for Cal, but most Likewise, in District 7 of the the lead at 48.7% in the Senate an extramarital sex scandal with people who support Cal would not U.S House race Republican David race, not too far behind was Arlene Guzman Todd, a public rela- vote for Tillis, they would have just Rouzer took the lead over Democrat Dem. Cal Cunningham reporting tions stratgeist from . not voted for that race” Godbey Christopher Ward. Resulting in yet at 46.9%. Messages between Cunning- said. another Republican win for New In the North Carolina ham and Guzman Todd character- Although this is a personal Hanover county. Senate race, all 50 seats were up ized a close relationship that was affair, Godbey still believes it has a One remarkably close posi- for re-election this year. Republi- more than just texts. place in an electoral situation. tion was the Attorney General with cans ended up with more con- This scandal hardly affected “Absolutely, I think charac- Josh Stein narrowly beating Re- trol of the senate with a differ- Cunningham in the polls. ter matters and I think that is one publican candidate Jim O’Neil by a ence of only five more senators “Polls are only as good as of the biggest reasons we need to margin of .2%. Stein spoke earlier, than Democrats. the votes that go after the polls,” change who is in The White House commenting that he was confident There was a similar victo- said Todd Godbey, a Democrat elec- today,” Godbey said. about his re-election despite some ry for the Republicans in North tion poll lead at Lifepoint Church, Tillis used this scandal outstanding ballots according to a Carolina’s State House of Repre- “it would appear in polling that against Cunningham in campaign tweet from reporter Ruben Jones of sentatives race. Republicans won the sex scandal hurt Cal by 2 or 3 ads. Spectrum News 1 CLT. 67 seats, while Democrats only points with voters, but when the “I think you’d be a stupid North Carolina, despite being won 49. New Hanover County, polls opened this morning he was politician to not use it, but I think a swing state, continued to follow falling under District 7, saw a still relatively far ahead.” it’d be better if he didn’t,” voter Republican win by candidate its previous trend of casting more According to Godbey, al- Winslow. Republican votes. though this scandal hurt Cunning- see SEXTING on page 12

Violence, threats impede democratic process Malachi Dansby Wilmington Wave

As voting came to a close Once the tear gas was in the 2020 elections, North released, the group’s leaders lost Carolina voters were put under control of the situation. pressure when it came to their Eight citizens were arrest- vote. ed, seven of which were arrested On Oct. 31, Reverend on the grounds of Resist Delay Greg Drumwright’s “I Am and Obstruct and Failure to Change Legacy March To the Disperse. Carli Brosseau, Raleigh News & Observer Polls” march was met with po- Drumwright expressed “I am change” merchers being sprayed with pepper spray in lice force. his distress that those who were front of the Alamance County Courthouse. Drumwright led a group arrested lost their opportunity to through the streets of Graham, register and vote. ported and participated in the The Charlotte Mecklenburg N.C. where they protested for While Drumwright is an- march are calling for a state in- Police Department made this arrest black lives and the black vote. gry about this use of police force, vestigation of both the Alamance after the precinct used their right to The group started at it’s a great example of the issue County and Graham Police De- tell Dunn to leave and remove his Wayman Chapel AME Church at hand. partments. firearm. and headed toward the Graham “We’re seeing that certain They are also calling for The precinct asked Dunn to re- County Courthouse. communities are not being en- the head officials to be removed move his firearm because many voters According to Drum- gaged in the electoral process,” from their position. found his circling of the precinct to be wright, the march stopped to Drumwright said. Voter suppression is found intimidating. pray in the street for 8 minutes The march did not end on not only in the streets, but at the Dunn’s actions may come as and 40 seconds while blocking Oct. 31. precincts as well. no surprise for those who watched traffic. The crowd took to the Justin Dunn, the former the first Presidential Election where Police announced they streets again Tuesday night to Charlotte City Council candidate, President Donald J. Trump urged his would disperse the crowd with continue the protest. found himself under arrest yester- supporters to “go into the polls and tear gas at the nine minute At 6:30 p.m. the protes- day when he continued to “loiter” watch very carefully.” mark. tors sang “We ready, we ready, at a precinct in the University City Though Trump has made When the crowd of over we ready for change” to the mel- Division. claims on supposed rampant voter 100 attendees could not disperse ody of Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey There is ongoing contro- fraud throughout our nation, these in the 20 second time limit, the Kiss Him Goodbye” outside the versy revolving around the fact events show the more relevant issue police began shooting tear gas at Graham County Courthouse. that Dunn was legally carrying an is voter intimidation and suppression, the ground toward the crowd. Many of those who sup- unconcealed firearm. which pushes away potential voters. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 STATE 9 Relationships strain Counselors brace for under election weight post-election uptick Brendon Dorrance tween her relationships with other Ava Reed, Sierra Reynolds college students, seeking therapy Wilmington Wave people. Wilmington Wave for Election Day anxiety. “As far as friendships go… As the 2020 election ap- As the 2020 Presidential Elec- Macgregor said that the the nasty people get tired of being proached, differing political opin- tion approached, counseling centers 2020 election was projected to nasty… and I think that’s just a ions caused ripples in many rela- saw a need to take preparatory mea- lead to a greater spike in pa- beautiful thing,” Maloney said. tionships between college students sures as they anticipated a spike in tients than the 2016 election due Social media platforms such with their family members and the number of people seeking thera- to the extensive “divisiveness” as and Instagram are major friends during the election. p y. it had created between people. battlegrounds between differing According to Kayla Maloney, Counselors saw an influx of This divide primarily stemmed views during the 2020 election. a conservative student at Catholic patients, even weeks prior, as the un- from recent social injustice “I’ve pretty much filtered University in the District of Co- paralleled stress of the election had protests, the Black Lives Matter out anyone who hates and ridicules lumbia, relationships with several put a strain on many people’s mental movement, and the coronavirus me,” Maloney said when talking people that she knows as well as health, especially those who already pandemic. about her social media accounts. family members, are facing difficul- had mental health conditions, ac- Though she added that She also said that one of her favor- ties due to the political tensions of cording to Dr. Stacey MacGregor, a political matters surrounding the ite pastimes is to engage in civil the election. clinical social worker. election alone aren’t what have discourse with those who disagree “She was there for [her sis- “The uncertainty and the so- made this election harder on with her. ter] through every up and down,” cial climate has been brutal and has people’s mental health. She said Maloney said that her family Maloney said, when describing the exacerbated pre-existing conditions that shutdowns from the coro- members who disagree with her and relationship between her mom and and dysfunction,” MacGregor said. navirus pandemic were the most her mom will say curse words, slurs, her aunt. “All of the sudden be- MacGregor, who has been a detrimental factor. and direct insults when discussing cause she voted for Trump… she’s clincal social worker for six years, is “People have lost jobs, politics. a bigot to them.” a generalist practitioner in psycho- businesses, and have been forced “I am close with them… I Maloney said that members therapy. She first began practicing at to remain home, not to mention love them alot [and] they love me of her family such as her aunt are her nonprofit organization, and now how people have been treating alot,” Kayla noted. However, they “constantly attacking” her mom currently works at her own private each other in both of these other have told her that they’re, “allowed due to politics. practice. She said that the 2016 national crises,” MacGregor said. to be rude to [her]... you stand for While being a strong con- presidential election was a “very servative herself, Maloney said that significant point” in her career as she does not let politics come be- see STRAIN on page 12 she noticed a lot of people, primarily see SURGE on page 12 Advocates work to help homeless vote Connor Ryan traditional housing, they can still cards so that others can help make those experiencing homelessness to Wilmington Wave vote. the information known to the home- vote a certain way, there is discirim- According to The North Car- less population. ination at voting sites due to their One of the least represent- olina State Board of Elections, if a Kyle Abrams, the Assistant appearance. ed populations in elections are person’s residence is not associated Director of the Good Shepherd Whitehead stated that both those experiencing homlessness. with a real property. “The location Homeless Shelter in Wilmington, voters and workers at the election Neil Donovan, the exec- of the usual sleeping area for that discussed how they make it known sites would discriminate against utive director of the National person is the residence of that per- that homeless people can vote and them due to the typical attire of Coalition for the Homeless in son,” it says. the actions they take to aid them in homeless people, some even being 2012, stated that only one-tenth “Residence is broadly con- the voting process. turned away from the site because of un-housed persons actually ex- strued to provide all persons with The shelter helps guests with of their appearance. Whitehead talk- ercise the right to vote, and “the the opportunity to register and to obtaining IDs, providing transport ed about the importance of voting number has been fairly consis- vote,” NCSBE said. With this in- to the voting site, and registering for the homeless population with tent” over the years. formation about voting not being to vote. The hoops that homeless the increased criminalization of the Continuums of Care re- widely known to the homeless pop- voters have to jump through to vote population from police and govern- ported to the U.S. Department ulation, some national agencies. The “aren’t as difficult as you’d think.” ment leaders. of Housing and Urban Develop- National Coalition for the Homeless Abrams stated that some of “They have a right in the ment that as of Jan. 2019, 9,314 promotes this knowledge and help the people were still registered at decision,” Whitehead said, regard- people experience homlessness local shelters with aiding those who their old location, making the pro- ing who decides the allocation of in North Carolina. The presiding wish to vote. cess less complicated. According to resources. According to the Council issue is that many people who Donald Whitehead, the cur- Whitehead, one core disadvantage of Economic Advisers, the homeless experience homelessness do not rent executive director of the NCH, of the homeless population is that population made up 552,830 people know that, despite not having talked about creating downloadable they don’t have access to voter infor- in 2018, homeless people are poorly mation. represented in their votes. The NCH encourages local Abrams noted that, while shelters to hold their own forums the news is on much of the time in and support access to printed me- the shelter, discussions of politics dia to give the homeless population are kept at a minimum to focus on more information. housing and employment for the When asked whether he had guests. noticed homeless people voting It is important for the home- more towards one party, Whitehead less population to be aware of the Beds in Wilm- said that “they are not a monolith” fact that they can vote and have an ington’s Good and that there is the same divide influence over the people deciding Shepherd among homeless voters as there is the allocation of resources, such as Center. Photo: among other voters. the Housing Bond in North Caroli- Jenna Kurzyna, Whitehead noted that while na, which helps provide affordable WWAY TV he had not noticed any pressure for housing to those individuals. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 10 OPINION & EDITORIAL CAMPUS VIEWPOINT Wilmington Wave recommends that students be vigilant in regards to misinformation during the 2020 election.

Here at the Wilmington ballots. One voter was said to Wave, we stress the importance have submitted 11 duplicate bal- of journalism in our country lots. Pennsylvania might be the during an age of misinformation key to winning the White House. and fear mongering. People in “What’s going on?” He notably Black Lives Matter at UNCW power have an agenda and use left out that Pennsylvania reject- Brendon Dorrance Student organizations have their political power to lead us ed requests for mail-in ballots, Wilmington Wave done all the heavy lifting when astray. The purpose of journal- not actual ballots. It’s no secret that the stu- it comes to advocating for the ism is not to change people’s President Trump has per- dents of the University of North well-being of UNCW students. minds, but to present truthful petuated many times throughout Carolina Wilmington have been If it wasn’t already clear information so people can form his presidency that news-media leading the charge in activism enough, they stated later in the their own opinions about cur- creates “fake news” that is meant around campus. Over the sum- post, “WE ARE NOT AN ART rent events. Politicians will try as an attack on his credibility. mer, students and faculty put up EXHIBIT WE ARE NOT AN to lead people to believe that When re- Black Lives Matter banners all ART EXHIBIT WE ARE NOT journalists have an agenda, or leased his tax returns, Trump over campus. AN ART EXHIBIT.” are trying to push their readers denied any allegations despite Despite this rampant As the 2020 election towards a certain opinion, but the documentation showing he activism, Chancellor Sartarelli began approaching at the be- true journalism is about finding only paid $750 of taxes in 2017. ended up ordering that all these ginning of the Fall 2020 semes- the truth. It is a journalist’s obli- His agenda is clear in his denial banners be taken down and ter at UNCW, the Chancellor gation to hold politicians, insti- of the truth. Although this may turned into an art exhibit amid finally sent out a statement tutions, and others accountable not necessarily indicate any tax his statement of support for All that Black Lives Matter after for their words and actions. related crime, it may prove that Lives Matter, which earned him many discussions with student Americans have relied on Trump had lied about the success an understandable amount of leaders. journalism to receive informa- of his business, which had losses backlash. However, just as BSU tion about the world for centu- amounting in over $900 million In his statement, he stated in their post, this is still ries. Journalists are the bridge over the past four years. failed to recognize that ALM the bare minimum. between the people and what’s has been was only created to be in oppo- While I do believe that happening in their communities President Trump’s cheerleader sition of BLM, a human rights Sartarelli has shown progress, and the world. However due to throughout both of his cam- movement meant to defend all he has not made any state- the rise of parajournalism, social paigns and his presidency. Fox Black Americans from racism. ments on what he’s actually media, and mass media, many is infamous to Americans, from Since Sarterelli’s order, going to do for black UNCW have grown to distrust journal- both Democrat and Republican student organizations such as students in a society that con- ism. Now, information that has backgrounds, for spreading bi- UNCW’s Student Government tinues to put them down. been manipulated on social me- ased information. Association and the Black Stu- I interviewed Bri dia, by spokespeople, and mass On the other hand, CNN is dent Union have openly op- Ramirez, Head of Diversity and media outlets is the information notorious for being anti-Trump, posed him. Both student organi- Inclusion of SGA previously, that many Americans are using and is known for criticizing his zations utilized social media to who told me that there were to form their opinions. every move. Both heavily use relay their message to students. about 20 or so student organi- This year, Instagram is value judgement in the report- BSU used Instagram to zations that continue to help combating the spread of mis- ing that they present as “news.” criticize Sartarelli’s statement them sponsor BLM banners information by removing the These media outlets are not that All Lives Matter and his outside of the Fisher Student recent page in hashtags. The representative of Journalism as decision to take down BLM ban- Center. company tweeted that this a profession, whose goal is to ners across campus. A powerful Even though Ramirez would make it harder for people spread the unbiased, objective statement from their post says, told me that Sartarelli has to come across misinformation. truth. “We are not an art exhibit. We “always expressed support for In 2016, social media In the age of “fake news,” are not art to be seen from glass students,” I have trouble find- sites like Instagram and Face- Americans need to keep up with windows through a white lens. ing where he has shown this book were used to spread mis- non-partisan fact checkers such We are not a political statement. support through his actions. leading posts on the day of the as PolitiFact or Snopes. These We Matter.” They matter. He’s sent out many election, warranting this remov- organizations provide the unbi- Turning a human rights statements saying that he al. ased truth behind statements or movement into an art exhibit advocates for his students, but Twitter has also joined accusations made by media out- is not only disrespectful for the has not implemented policies the war on misinformation lets, politicians, and news organi- lives it advocates for, but also that help them. alongside Instagram. They’ve zations and are a good source for racist. “Keeping up the BLM As an advocate for Black begun to ban accounts for journalists and the public alike. banners…is the bare minimum,” Lives Matter at UNCW, I would spreading misleading informa- We stress once more the another slide on the BSU post like to see more actions being tion regarding the election such importance of understanding says. To elaborate, they’re say- taken by the administration to as conservative host Charlie what journalism is and why it’s ing that UNCW has not gone stand up for my Black peers. Kirk. Kirk tweeted, “Pennsylva- so important. We cannot allow out of its way to advocate for To make it clear, BLACK LIVES nia just rejected 372,000 mail-in ourselves to lose faith in journal- the well-being of its students, MATTER. especially those who are Black. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11 OPINION Impending Disaster: An Attack on Women’s Rights Annabelle McCkracken significantly higher if caught early. Wilmington Wave If STDs or HIV are left untreat- ed or undiagnosed they can have se- In a letter addressed to “Pro- verely damaging outcomes. The most Life Leaders and Activists” President common side effect of an untreated/ Donald Trump proceeded to list the undiagnosed STD is infertility. How- several accomplishments they togeth- ever, this does not dismiss cervical er have made for “unborn children” cancer, anal cancer, liver cancer, or during his first term. bladder problems. In this misogynistic letter, In regards to birth control, it is Trump adds how he plans to “stop A Solution to the Imperfec- used for many more medical reasons taxpayer funding of big abortion in- beyond a simple contraceptive. Many dustries such as Planned Parenthood.” tions of a Two-Party System young girls are put on birth control to How does he plan to do this you might Ian Higgins regulate irregular menstrual cycles, and the Libertarian Party has ask? By forcing them out of the Title X Wilmington Wave aid severe acne, help with aggressive an opportunity to fill a void plan. cramps, balance hormones, and treat voters are eagerly searching Title X is a program that allows Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) American politics have for. low-income individuals access to birth symptoms. become a highly-polarized bat- Individuals from both control and reproductive health care. It is quite obvious that Pres- tlefield encompassing only two sides of the aisle are attracted Forcing Planned Parenthood out of Ti- ident Trump has not performed his major political parties. After to the idea. Democratic party tle X would deprive millions of people diligent duty as a man to inform two recent elections in which volunteer Wendy Hunt said, “I from affordable health care. himself of the many struggles women voters felt they were choos- would like to see a third party President Donald Trump clos- experience. If he did, then he would ing the lesser of two evils, the meet the middle ground.” es his letter with a promise to “fully not be threatening to remove the ser- American people need a third “The problem with our defund the big abortion industry such vices that aid with these struggles. option. system now is how extreme as Planned Parenthood”. Most people Planned Parenthood has ded- Ever since the inception the two sides are,” said Bryce assume that Planned Parenthood is icated its program to serving the of American democracy, the Davis, a Republican voter. “It only utilized for abortions, but this is community by offering affordable landscape has been dominated would be nice to have a middle simply not true. services, but also keeping patients by some combination of two ground party.” Reproductive rights go beyond informed. major political parties. The So what can be done abortions, they include wellness ex- They offer information about first of these iterations was the to bring the Libertarian Party ams, STD and HIV testing/treatment, treating STDs, birth control, and what Federalist vs Democratic-Re- to the forefront of American contraception education, and cervical/ is best for you and your body. They publican parties which were politics? The solution which breast cancer screenings. All of these also give away condoms and preg- founded in 1789 and 1792 shines brightest is opening a services have life-saving potential. nancy tests, and they teach young respectively. third slot to the preferred third As a woman and a future health adults and teenagers how to uphold a As time passed, these candidate of each presidential care provider, defunding Planned Par- safe and healthy sex life. parties have evolved and be- election. The Libertarian Party, enthood is one of the worst decisions If President Trump is re-elect- come the Republican and Dem- being the most popular of the President Donald Trump could make. ed for four more years, then women ocratic parties we know today. three alternatives, would likely According to the Planned Par- like myself, who utilize Planned Par- On the outskirts of the Ameri- inherit this spot on the podi- enthood Action Fund, in 2016 alone enthood’s services, will be denied our can political arena though, sit um. about 1 million patients had a breast access to safe reproductive exams and three ulterior options to the By presenting Ameri- exam conducted, and 4 million STD information that have the potential to two-party system. can voters with three different tests were administered. Breast exams save our lives. The Libertarian Party sets of political opinion, the are the number one way to detect Not quite “Pro-Life” if you ask stands beside the ideals of divide between Democrats and signs or the presence of breast cancer. me. small government and an eco- Republicans can be suffused Chances of recovery or remission are nomic system of laissez-faire by a party which holds views capitalism. Between the alter- appealing to either side of the nate parties within American current political spectrum. politics, the Libertarian Party The American political became the most popular of system is a steadfast apparatus The Divisiveness of The Nation the three and given the des- which requires fundamen- Connor Ryan that I’m either a racist or an idiot ignation of a ‘protest vote’ tal infrastructural changes Wilmington Wave either way I voted. Threats were because of their lack of status in order to be reorganized. Politics have never been as directed at me saying that I would be within American politics. “We need structural change divisive in the United States as they unfollowed on social media depend- What if this group could in our government or con- are in 2020. I frequently come across ing on who I voted for. I was more be more than a protest vote? stitution to make the change statements on social media along the worried about what other people According to a Gallup from a two-party system to a sentiments of “If you vote for Trump thought about me based on my vote Poll on party affiliation, 36% multi-party system,” said Kay- you’re racist,” or, “I hope the Republi- rather than my own thought on issues of individuals polled between ley Medlin, a member of the cans dominate the evil Democrats.” and who I thought would be a better Oct. 16 and 27 identified them- UNCW College Democrats. Politics in this nation feel less President. selves as “independent.” This Although American like the coming together of citizens In this time it’s a welcome portion of voters outnumbers voters might search for a can- to shape how we think the nation refresher to see things like the can- both the Republican and Dem- didate who covers the mid- should be led, and more like infight- didates Spencer Cox and Christ ocratic Party affiliation per- dle-ground, as said by UNCW ing of a fragile society. The discus- Peterson for the position of governor centages, and the last polling member sion lately has fostered little under- in Utah coming together to create a in which one of the two major Jordan Schobert, “I don’t see a standing of opposing viewpoints and joint ad. parties outnumbered indepen- third-party developing anytime dismisses them as evil, racist, or even Both Democratic and Republi- dents was from Dec. 19 to 22, soon.” facist. can candidates appear in one political 2012. The implementation of Both Republicans and Dem- ad that asks the viewer to vote for The idea of a mid- a third party into the Amer- ocrats demonize each other to an them and also makes a statement that dle-ground party has become a ican political landscape is extreme. I felt conflicted voting in they support civil discourse. They point of discussion with the re- an immense venture which this year’s election due to harassment cent radicalization of political I felt from others. People would say see DIVISIVENESS on page 12 parties and candidates alike, see TWO-PARTY on page 12 Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 12 #SURGE seling. In anticipation for a spike #SEXTING #STRAIN continued from page 9 continued from page 8 continued from page 9 in patients, therapists took pre- Both the election and the paratory measures to ensure Conley Wells said. very divisive things.” ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that patients got the help they A Democrat veteran, who Taye Brown is a student at had brought forth changes within need. Similarly to MacGregor asked to remain anonymous, does East Carolina University, and he the nation that’s effects rivaled and many other therapists and not believe that this scandal hurt gave us his insight on why people those of the 2016 presidential counselors, Tozour made several Cunningham much and believes are disrespectful to one another on election, according to Jacqueline accommodations to prepare for the differences between the two social media, as a “proud Demo- Tozour, a clinical mental health the increase in calls and appoint- candidates makes a bigger differ- crat.” counselor. Tozour believed that ments from the last few months. ence. Brown said he’d often find there had been an increased She offers online sessions, as “He is so different from himself questioning, “why do [peo- expression of need for mental well as in person sessions with Tillis that I think their policy dif- ple] think that way?” when talking health counseling in comparison new safety protocols. ferences probably made a greater about people who support President to the 2016 election because of “I reached out to certain impact on the polls,” the veteran Trump. the abruptness of COVID-19 and community entities to extend an said. In Brown’s eyes, Trump sup- its effects on people’s lives. invitation if needed for those in While the veteran was hop- porters promote bigotry and dismiss “I have experienced a need of therapy and have pro- ing the scandal would not affect Black Lives Matter as a human rights spike in phone calls and ap- vided resources to navigate this votes too much, Cynthia Clontz, issue. pointments within the last few unusual time,” Tozour said. a Republican election poll lead at “They have the right to months. I believe that this spike MacGregor said her ther- the Burney center, hoped other- demonstrate,” Brown said. “It’s is likely attributed to the more apeutic treatments and modali- wise. ignorant for friends not to recognize permanent change associated ties have remained the same but “It did not change my Black Lives Matter as a human rights with COVID-19 as well as the recommended that other thera- vote,” Clontz said, “However, I movement.” uncertainty of the upcoming pists “practice self care.” She said hope it changed some other peo- Recently, Brown engaged election,” Tozour said. that remaining mentally healthy ple’s vote, the whole timing of it in conversations that he felt were Tozour, who currently during this time would be the was just terrible.” uncomfortable, with friends he specializes in counseling young best way to help their patients “100% any person with disagrees with. After many of these adults, expressed that her spike and “not succumb to burnout.” morals should’ve had this effect on conversations he says he “lost re- in sessions was mostly a result their vote,” voter Anthony Grant spect” for these friends, and had of new patients seeking coun- said in regards to Cunningham’s grown apart from them. sel rather than existing patients scandal. Rhetoric coming from the scheduling at a greater rate. #DIVISIVENESS Thomas Ballis, a member of right has framed Black Lives Matter continued from page 11 “The stigma associated the Democratic party, believes that protestors in a negative light, Brown with therapy in 2020 is essential- while what Cunnigham had done said. President Trump, for example, showed that there were ways ly minimal at this point. People was unacceptable, it was not the called them “thugs” and “bad peo- to have civil discourse without are encouraged during this time worst. ple.” degrading their character. The to attend therapy,” Tozour ex- “I think toxic masculinity Brown also described that, as fact that the ad went viral on pressed when discussing new is bad where ever it shows up, a black man, he has family members the internet showed that there’s patients. that being said, the President of who have faced wrongful accusa- a good amount of the American The shift to online classes the United States is notorious for tions at the hands of white Ameri- populace that wants more civil was a rapid and drastic change misogyny, allegedly sexually as- cans who “profiled them because of discussion. for students, according to Tozour. saulting women, I will say at least the color of their skin.” I hope that the precedent She added that the stress asso- whatever Cal Cunningham has al- He says his brother was that these two candidates are ciated with a change in course leged to have done was apparently accused of stealing from a store by setting make strides in the per- load has affected many students consensual, unlike many of the an employee despite “no real proof.” ception of the nation regarding and called for adjustments to actions alleged to have happened During this confrontation, another those of the opposite party. unforeseen circumstances. with the president.” Ballis said. employee checked the security cam- We can oppose each “I think that COVID-19 Ballis believes that Trump’s eras and there was no suspicious other’s viewpoints while still has been extremely difficult for actions have “inoculated” Cun- activity. respecting one another and chal- those seeking an academic career ningham. Brown is also in an interracial lenging each other to think more in 2020,” Tozour emphasized. “I think in a strange way relationship, and when going out critically of modern issues. More “This particular shift to Trump’s extremes of behavior has with his girlfriend, who is white, he civility in discussions of problems online schooling for the colle- sort of inoculated other candidates says he receives “awkward looks” in our nation will promote a soci- giate level has been the safest who may have had a lesser version from Caucasian people. ety that better understands who and wisest, yet a potentially of similar behavior. I think Trump Conservatives have contin- they are voting for and allow unavoidable damaging decision,” has inoculated Cal Cunningham,” uously invalidated the Black Lives them to form their own opinions. Tozour said as she acknowledged Ballis said. Matter movement, whose goal is to As Americans, we need to the intense impact that the shift It appears Ballis’ statement advocate for the well-being of all understand that we are all living to online education has had on rings true for this election. Cun- black Americans against racially-mo- in the same country and that we students on the collegiate level. ningham’s scandal did not have a tivated acts of violence and suppres- need to respect each other’s opin- According to Tozour, many large effect on his voters. sion. ions, even if we disagree. We can students struggle with their In the words of the veteran: “Especially in this election… have our own opinions on poli- perception of what the future “We’re so pleased with the man’s it feels like people that are Trump tics without being at each other’s entails. However, she empha- plans and what he wants to do supporters are supporting racism, necks. sized that she has seen resilience that we’re able to forgive him.” sexism, homophobia,” Brown said. in students who otherwise would have never opted to take online # classes. TWO-PARTY continued from page 11 ballots, all a student needs to do is bring Another significant stress #OBSTACLE their completed and sealed ballot with that had been added as a result continued from page 5 would require a fundamental the proper postage to campus postal ser- of COVID-19 is the nation’s eco- restructuring of how we view In order to prevent voter fraud, vices, who will get it to the USPS, Kosch nomic state, Tozour said. our political system. If the Liber- Kosch explained that when the cam- said. The economic impact of tarian Party did manage to find pus postal service receives an absentee UNCW also provided an on cam- COVID-19 has been unpredict- their way into a presidential de- ballot, they check it into their tracking pus polling location at the Burney Center, able and will likely “continue bate though, they will have the system which then assigns each piece not only for students but for the general to be so until we’ve achieved a chance to capture the unclaimed of mail a unique number. public as well. new normal.” The irregularity vote of independents across the The student is then sent an of the pandemic and its effects country. email every day after it arrives until on the nation, coupled with the they come and pick it up. uncertainty of the election, was For mailing out absentee responsible for an increase in the outreach for mental health coun- Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 13 NATIONAL

Media stick to familiar narratives during election coverage

Carter Hartgrove ed results earlier than others. Wilmington Wave CNN, MSNBC, and The released results later in the Media coverage kicked night. off early Tuesday afternoon as As voting results for swing the controversial election be- states such as Florida, North Caro- tween lina, and Texas began rolling in, President Donald J. Trump and election coverage began to inten- former Vice President Joe Biden sify. began to reach its end. Around 12 a.m, Fox News, At the beginning of a right-leaning media projected election coverage, news kicked victory for Trump in Texas and off the evening by taking a look Florida. back at Fox News discusses election results. Other sources, such as results from the 2016 election the New York Times and CNN, a and how the voting outcomes left-leaning media, delayed played a role in deciding a win- confirmation of results. ner. It was later broadcasted With over 100 million that Trump won both states. early votes already in, news Following the results of sources expected one of the swing states Texas and Florida, largest voting Trump held a press conference in turnouts in election history. which he addressed the remaining Key focuses early into the mail-in ballots, saying recounting election involve critical swing votes “is a fraud on the American states such as Florida, Texas, Public.” Georgia, After Trump’s press confer- and North Carolina. ence, news sources began to focus Soon after polling sites on Trump's statement claim- began to close, The New York ing he had already won. Times began declaring the re- “We are getting ready to CNN discusses election results. sults of each win this election,” Trump said, state. “Frankly, we did win this election.” News sources such as News sources such as MSN- CNN and MSNBC waited for BC and the New York Times quick- more sufficient voting results to ly pointed out that there may be come in millions of uncounted votes and before making decisions. Swing states still up for grabs Trump is prematurely calling vic- While many news sources Joseph Giltinan the major tossups due to the na- tory. delivered the same information, Wilmington Wave ture of mail-in ballots. As of 5:00 a.m, most media the time different results were These states total up to 46 sources maintain that it’s still too As of 5 a.m. Wednesday announced varied. Some sourc- electoral votes. early to call the election. morning, results for the 13 swing es, such as Fox News, broadcast- According to The New York states’ electoral votes presented a Times, the states that are declared majority lead in President Donald for the Democratic Party are New Trump’s favor over former Vice Hampshire alongside the ones that President Joe Biden. Celebs stay mostly quiet are projected such Georgia, Ari- The 13 swing states hold “Them the people that need zona, and Nevada which totals 37 Canvas Pegues 199 out of 270 electoral votes in to be excited to go out and vote,” electoral votes. Wilmington Wave order to win the presidential seat. Da Baby said. Popular comedian The Republican Party had a Voting to determine the re- Kevin Hart posted a video to his strong hold over the swing states In recent years, social media sults of each state proves trouble- official Instagram in the evening. with Florida, Texas, Minnesota,Io- has become a platform for celebri- some for the nation due to absen- “Get out and vote, understand wa, and Ohio. ties to express their political views. tee voting and mail-in ballots. your rights” Hart said. “Your vote The New York Times re- Big name celebrities and star Mail-in ballots present counts, message!” ports a projection of many re- athletes have been involved with voters the opportunity to vote It is clear celebrities, ath- publican votes in North Carolina, this presidential election. There early with polls showing a majority letes, and entertainers are taking Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsyl- have been many tweets, Instagram being democratic voters. it upon themselves to encourage vania which totals 162 electoral posts, and Facebook posts by these This year’s increase in mail- people to get out and vote and votes. well known athletes and entertain- in ballots, due to the COVID-19 make their voices be heard to “We believe we are on track ers regarding this election and what pandemic, presents a dilemma as make a difference. to win this election,” Biden de- stance they are taking. some states will take more time to WNBA players have been clared Tuesday night in Wilming- NBA star Lebron James of count every ballot for the state. expressing their political views ton, Delaware where he is confi- theLos Angeles Lakers posted an With the ballot count tallied this entire season. WNBA star dent in the mail-in ballots. instagram picture on the eve of the some states returned democrat- Chiney Ogwunmike has gotten Biden felt confident on the presidential election of former Vice ic votes early that gave Biden an very involved with this election. mail-in ballots possibly making President Joe Biden and his current early lead in states such as Florida “It is important for people a comeback in Pennsylvania and running mate . and Texas. to exercise their constitutional Georgia. “We need EVERYTHING to The total balloting later re- right to vote,” Ogwunmike said. With North Carolina, Mich- change and it all starts tomorrow,” vealed that Trump won Florida and “We are creating our own future,” igan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania James captioned the post. Charlotte Texas, mirroring his 2016 election she added when discussing the to count their remaining ballots rapper DaBaby took it upon himself against Democratic nominee Hil- importance of voting. over the following week projec- to drive locals to polls so that they lary Clinton. Famous people have used tions show a near sweep for the could vote. States such as Michigan, their social media platforms to swing states to Trump. “Them the people that need Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are to push,” Da Baby said when asked convey how they feel about this how much it means for minority election and emphasize the impor- communities to vote. tance of voting. Wilmington Wave, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 14 NATIONAL North Carolina Key Part of Presidential High Profile National Races Bryce Rush small businesses during the election in Wilmington Wave COVID-19 pandemic according to his campaign website. The 2020 Congressional limbo: Alabama showed an Elections returned some major upset victory from former Au- Ethan Hyman Raleigh News Observor results along with key upsets in North Carolina Governor speaks in Raleigh, N.C. after Now what? burn University football coach, being declared winner over Dan Forrest Tuesday night, Nov.3, 2020. battleground states. Rep. Tommy Tuberville over Before the election, tained his position in the Kentucky Jay K. Byrd incumbent Dem. Doug Jones. Congress had a fairly even party Senate for the 7th time. McConnell’s Wilmington Wave Tuberville pledges to support split with a Republican Senate opponent, Amy McGrath, posed a more veterans when they return, and Democrat House majority. serious threat than past candidates, but President Donald J. Trump lowering taxes, and taking a Most states held true to failed to collect enough votes to replace took the stage at 2:21 a.m. to prema- strong stance on gun rights. their predictions, but key races McConnell. turely declare his victory in the 2020 Rep. Senator Lindsey in Colorado, Alabama, South In Arizona, Mark Kelly unseated Presidential Election. Graham won his fourth term in Carolina, Georgia, Maine, Ken- Republican Martha McSally. This victory However, an official victory the South Carolina senate race. tucky, Arizona, and New York is significant for the Democratic Party is still a long way off as of 5 a.m. In response to the COVID-19 yielded noteworthy wins. as this highly contested seat will help Wednesday morning. epidemic, Graham created the In Colorado, the Dem- push the Senate toward a more bal- “We will win this and as far as MADE act, which ensures all ocratic former Governor John anced majority. I’m concerned, we have won,” Trump PPE is manufactured in Amer- Hickenlooper flipped an import- In the House of Representatives, nota- said. ica. He believes this will help ant seat for Democrats against ble wins included Dem. Richie Torres Trump also endorsed the idea bolster the economy during first-term Republican Sena- and Dem. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that voting should be stopped in this crisis. He managed to tor Cory Gardner. This result in New York, as well as Dem. Nancy certain states that are leaning in his keep a crucial seat during this follows Trump’s diminishing Pelosi, who maintained her position in favor claiming that his opponents can surprisingly tight race running approval ratings in the state, California. not catch him in the polls. against Dem. . which has progressively turned While the Senate still has a Re- Although it does look as if the Georgia is expected to blue in recent years. publican majority, the gap between par- Trump campaign is nearing victo- declare a winner by Wednes- Hickenlooper promised ties is smaller. The House projects, as of ry, mail-in ballots still pose a lot of day according to the Secre- to address several issues includ- 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, maintains confusion surrounding the election’s tary of State, but with 86% ing healthcare, climate change, its Democrat majority. outcome. of expected votes reported, and social justice on Facebook Anna Mohr contributed to this With many of the remaining incumbent Rep. David Perdue live following the initial election report. states being labeled as ‘too close to managed to retain his posi- results. He also plans to support call’ there seems to be an ongoing tion against Dem. John Ossoff conflict about whether or not ballots despite the recent controversy that come in later should be counted. following his withdrawal from The pandemic has directly af- the final debate and his de- fected most U.S citizens’ voting style rogatory campaign ads. and caused a significant increase in With 85% of votes absentee votes. reported in Maine, Rep. Susan According to the New York Collins retained her incumbent Times, mail-in balloting doubled this position in the senate going election compared to the 2016 elec- The Assosiated Press against Dem. Sarah Gideon. tion. This unprecedented increase in Sen. , R-N.C., celebrates with his wife Susan, Mitch McConnell re- celebrates his senate reelection over at a night rally Tuesday, Nov. 3. upstart challenger Jamie Harrison. ballots may cause problems counting votes. This has left many asking the question, what’s next? The Biden campaign stated that they believe the mail-in count will shift the election in Biden’s favor. Biden tweeted at 12:53 a.m. “Keep the faith, guys. We’re gonna win this,” referencing the fact that not all votes had been counted. Trump’s administration stated that they believe Biden will try to ‘steal’ their victory away from them. There’s a possibility that this year’s election will mirror the 2000 race in which the Supreme Court had the final say in the outcome of the election. It’s possible the Supreme Court will have to determine whether or not ballots after Election Day should be counted. If the votes are counted, it may have a great impact on the results of the election. What happens with mail-in The Associated Press ballots will be touched upon in the The United States electoral map as of 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. upcoming days, mail-in ballots very well may be the tipping point be- tween Trump and Biden.