LENOIR, N.C. – Americans approach Election Day and Early Voting to determine whether or not we will move forward with this 250-year-old experiment at self-government or surrender our rights to Barbarians. I do not speak, however, of the imaginary barbarians that Trump sees “outside” the gates; rather, I am speaking of Trump and his acolytes. Below are three headlines from yesterday out of more than I could count that demonstrate the savage nature of the Barbarians in the Gates. Is this the country we want to be?

What Dictators Do: Televised firing squad execution

What Traitors Who Start Wars They’re Losing Do: Trump cuts deal with Russia

What Genocidal Maniacs Do: Trump has Temper Tantrum for not getting Nobel Peace Prize

According to the North Carolina Board of Elections (NCBOE) website, the in-person early voting period for the November 2026 general election is Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. The November 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Once available, you can find early voting sites and schedules in your county here: Early Voting Site Search. Locations and voting hours will also be available here: Early Voting Sites.

According to the NCBOE, as of Oct. 9, 127,028 Absentee Ballots have been requested by North Carolina voters and 27,854 have been cast.

Check back for regular election coverage.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2026