Hello readers, I’m Sarah, a 2024 election coverage fellow for North Carolina. I’m based in Raleigh, the state capital, and I cover the presidential election, lower-level elections (like the gubernatorial race), voting, and state legislative action.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
I love this question. I find many parts of my job stimulating. I’m not always at general meetings, but when I am, it’s invigorating. There’s order when it’s needed, but there’s also plenty of hustle, chaos and energy.
I also enjoy covering events like when members of Congress come to our state. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, it’s interesting to see the Vice President’s motorcade and the Secret Service in action. You also get to see the Secret Service dogs.
Isn’t political news just for political pundits?
I don’t think so! Part of my job covering the election is to create content that is accessible to everyone, not just those who read all the newspapers and have sophisticated political opinions.
The reality is that politics and laws really do affect your life, even if you’ve never voted. If you’re a college student, voter ID laws affect how you vote at the polls. If you’re a parent, the Parent Bill of Rights and money dedicated to opportunity scholarships affect you. If you own a home or plan to own one in the future, homeowner’s association regulations may also affect you.
What’s it like writing about purple state politics?
Sometimes challenging, most of the time enlightening. Some of the people I interview have no interest in talking about politics at all. They don’t want their name associated with politics. I understand that. It can feel scary to voice your opinion in an extremely polarized environment. That’s why I’m so grateful to everyone who had the courage to talk to me.
Because North Carolina is considered a battleground state, it tends to get more attention from national politicians than other states, which makes things interesting.
But for the most part, working in a purple state means reporting with equal empathy for all viewpoints, while still maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism when necessary. If there’s one thing you learn in political journalism, or journalism in general, it’s that everyone wants to be understood, and I want to achieve that in my work.
How will journalists speak to the top leaders of the House and Senate?
After the House or Senate have finished their sessions, reporters often gather in a circle around the Speaker of the House or the President of the Senate on the floor to ask questions. This is called a “gaggle,” a reference to the definition of a flock of geese.
The reporters all have recording devices lined up around them, trying to cram in as many questions as possible into a short amount of time.
How do you relax after talking politics all the time?
That’s a good question. I’m not sure yet. Any recommendations?
