This mid-term election is more important than many people realize. Two seats for judge have dual Republican candidates, but the North Carolina Republican Party has endorsed only one in each race — Barbara Jackson for North Carolina Supreme Court and Jefferson Griffin for North Carolina Court of Appeals Seat 2.

The Democratic Party is playing a trick on Republican voters. Barbara Jackson is running against Democratic candidate Anita Earls and Republican candidate Christopher Anglin. The trick is that Anglin is actually a Democrat who switched affiliation at the last moment so he could split the Republican vote. We voters should not fall for this type of scheme. Justice Jackson has over 28 years of experience in practicing law, has served on the state Supreme Court and has the expertise to make an impact if re-elected.

It is also essential to note that Jefferson Griffin was the only candidate for his position to be endorsed by the state GOP as well. His Republican opponent, Sandra Ray, was asked not to run against him so the vote would not be split, but Ray is running anyway. Judge Griffin has the experience and the resume to be a great judge on the State Court of Appeals. He has served as a district court judge in Wake County, while also a first lieutenant in the N.C. Army National Guard. Judge Griffin believes in the rule of law, protecting our Constitution, access to justice, civic education, and impartiality in the courts. He would be an excellent selection for North Carolina Court of Appeals.

The judiciary part of our state government has the power to interpret the law for many years to come. We must not fall for tricks by the Democratic Party. Early voting begins this month, so let’s get out and make an impact.

— Giovanni Spillman

Salisbury