North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other Democratic state candidates visited UNC’s campus on Monday to continue Stein’s campaign focused on young voters and college students. 

The student rally was held outside Graham Memorial, and where a crowd of students arrived sporting “Stein for Governor” t-shirts and carrying “Heels for Stein” posters. 

Stein first recognized those affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina before talking about his time growing up in Chapel Hill.

“I’m running for governor because I love our home state and I believe in its promise that if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go.” 

Stein highlighted some of his work in the AG’s office, like tackling a backlog of rape kits, expanding Medicaid in North Carolina, improving public education, and protecting reproductive freedoms. 

A group of students pose for a photo with Sheriff Charles Blackwood.

The crowd of cheering students overlooked Chapel of the Cross, a site where early voters still have time to cast their ballot before election day. 

“I was the first voter over there by the way, alongside so many smart Tar Heels,” said Sloan Duvall, a senior and president of the UNC Young Democrats. “I thank Josh in advance for the pride and progress that he’s going to bring to our state as our next governor.” 

The crowd also heard from North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and candidate for North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Sarah Taber, who both emphasized the need to get college students to the polls.

Cooper also celebrated Stein’s efforts tackling the opioid and fentanyl crisis and protecting abortion access. 

“He has the grit, he has the determination, he has the wisdom, he has the integrity, and he is a person of character and strength,” Cooper said.

“As his opponent, where do I even begin?” The governor added, regarding Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. “Zero respect for women, a ban on abortion with no exceptions, spewing hatred for all kinds of people. He is so bad, and at the same time, our candidate is so good that I believe there has never been a wider gulf between candidates for public office in this state, or really in this country. The choice is clear.”

Cooper continued by telling the crowd all races this season are on a “razor’s edge” and that young voters will be the ones to turn the tide. Stein encouraged students to bring their friends to the polls. 

“We need to hear from you,” Stein said. “This election is about you. This election is about the future. What kind of state is North Carolina going to be? What kind of nation are we going to be? It is your election and you have it in your hands. Victory is right in front of us. Do you all want to grab it?”

This is not the first time Stein has campaigned on campus. In January, he launched the Students for Stein coalition, which aims to be a vehicle for different college organizations across North Carolina to have consistent messaging supporting the attorney general’s run for governor and help students be prepared to vote.

Students gather for Stein’s rally on UNC’s campus.

UNC Student Body President Jaleah Taylor said that while it is easy to feel like individual voices do not matter in close elections, that fact could not be further from the truth.

“Because the decisions made today will impact our future,” she said. “By voting, we’re standing up for an affordable education, job opportunities, fighting for women’s right to choose, and ensuring voting is as easy as possible for all those unions, and that’s why I’m voting for Josh Stein.” 

Stein said there is only a short time left to exercise the responsibility, and also that it is not just him on the ballot, but candidates like Marshall, Taber, and Allision Riggs for the Supreme Court.

“You have power to determine who wins and who loses,” Stein said. “And because the path to the White House runs right through North Carolina, you all have the power to shape the future not only of our state, but our nation and the world.”

The early voting period runs through Saturday, Nov. 2, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Stay up to date on local election news by visiting the Local Elections page on Chapelboro.com, where you’ll be able to read all our election coverage including introductions to the local candidates.


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