Sep 24

Sep 24 BJ Murphy: North Carolina - The Battleground of Faith and Swing Voters

As we gear up for the 2024 Presidential Election, North Carolina is once again a key battleground. And there’s good reason for that. Our state has a long history of being unpredictable—electing Republican presidents and Democratic governors. With 16 electoral votes on the line, we’re a state that both parties are fighting hard to win. In 2020, Trump took North Carolina by just 1.3%, proving that this isn’t a state anyone can take for granted. If you think your vote doesn’t count here, think again.

One of the big factors driving how people vote in North Carolina is religion. Look at the numbers—about 60% of Republicans and nearly 50% of Democrats in this state identify as Christians. Faith isn’t a one-sided issue. Whether voters are concerned about fiscal responsibility, women’s rights, or personal responsibility, religion influences decisions on both sides of the aisle. Let’s be real: no one party holds the moral high ground.

Weaponizing religion to win political points is dangerous and only deepens the divisions we’re already seeing. There’s no need for the modern-day Bible-thumping of sorts in the comment sections of social media feeds. You will not persuade others through social media bullying tactics.

Whatever happened to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”?

Here’s something you might not know—North Carolina isn’t dominated by party loyalists. In fact, 36% of voters in our state are unaffiliated. This state’s future isn’t locked down by Republicans or Democrats—it’s the independents and swing voters who hold the real power. Both parties are doing everything they can to win them over, and they should. These voters are often the deciding factor, and their choices in 2024 will be the ones that tip the scales.

Let’s be clear—no matter who wins in November, the sky isn’t falling.

Yes, elections matter, and yes, the outcome affects us all. But we’ve been through tight elections before, and we’ll get through this one too. The Apostle Paul even pointed out, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Our state and country are built on strong foundations.

Your vote is part of that strength.

Do your part—show up, cast your vote, and make sure your values are heard—because North Carolina’s future depends on it.

Note: Be sure to join BJ Murphy, Catherine Hardee, and the Neuse News team for our Facebook LIVE Election Results coverage on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:15 pm.