BPR Candidate Forum For Democratic Primary In NC State Senate District 49

On February 5 th, Blue Ridge Public Radio held a forum in its studios with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the North Carolina state senate seat for district 49, which covers central and western Buncombe County. Democrat Terry Van Duyn currently holds the seat, but is vacating it to run for lieutenant governor in 2020. Republican Bob Penland is running for his party's nomination unopposed. His opponent in the fall will be either Julie Mayfield, Ben Scales, or Travis Smith. Early voting for the primary election in North Carolina runs until February 29 th . Those who have not registered to vote yet will only be able to do so during the early voting period. The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is February 25 th , and primary day is Tuesday March 3 rd . And remember, voters do not need to show photo ID to vote in the primary election. TIME CODES FOR QUESTIONS AT FORUM 1:06 - Opening statements 7:34 - If elected, you will be headed to Raleigh during a