During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for each of the races in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting. Their answers are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio.

In a election cycle where four seats are available on the Orange County Schools Board of Education, and two are entirely open, this race is one of the most fascinating locally. With eight candidates to choose from, voters have a variety of options — many of whom spoke with 97.9 The Hill ahead of early voting. They are listed below in alphabetical order by last name.

Candidates for Orange County Schools Board of Education

Will Atherton (Incumbent)

Penny King

Bethni Lee

Garen McClure

McClure told 97.9 The Hill/Chapelboro he has withdrawn from this race for Orange County school board.

Anne Purcell

André Richmond

Sarah Smylie (Incumbent)

Ashley Wheeler

Early voting runs from April 28 through May 14. Weekday early voting is open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, May 1 the precincts will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, May 7 and Saturday, May 14 voting will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no early voting Saturday, April 30 or Sunday, May 8.

For more election coverage and candidate introductions, visit Chapelboro’s Local Election Coverage page.

Candidate photos are taken from their campaign website, unless credited otherwise.

Photo via Matherly Collins/The Daily Tar Heel.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.