The document discusses political communities and involvement in Wilson County, North Carolina. It describes how the political community is a subgroup focused on policy that benefits their community. It then provides details on how the democratic and republican parties in Wilson County differ, with republicans generally being middle to upper class with more education focused on economic policy, and democrats generally lower to middle class with less education focused on social issues. The document also describes some ways to get involved like rallies, meetings, and campaign activities. It notes the tea party now has a voice in Wilson County politics.

1. Divided We Stand
A community is a group of people who live in the same
geographic location who share common interest,
ideas, and goals. The political community is a sub
group to the community at large and share a certain
passion for policy that would benefit their community.

2. Why The Political Community?
• The community may want what is best for the
state and country but both the democratic and
republican parties go about it completely
differently.
• Want to see if the divide in our two party system
could ever be mended.
• Why does everyone have an opinion towards
politics but only a select few get involved within
the community?
• Does the third party and tea party feel they have
a voice within the community?

3. How Did I Get Involved?
• Rallies
• Meetings at both the republican and
democratic headquarters in Wilson, NC
• Fundraisers
• Door knocking and community outreach
• Shadowing candidates

4. Democratic Headquarters Wilson, NC

5. Fun Fact
• The political mascots: Democrat (Donkey)
dates back to Andrew Jackson’s Presidency
when he was called a “jackass” for his populist
policies. Republican (Elephant) was
established during U. S. Grant’s presidency
when cartoonist Thomas Nast related a local
zoo escape to the party. He chose a elephant
because they are unmovable when calm but
severely destructive when excited.

6. The Wilson County Republican
• Middle to upper class
• Have some college or in most cases a four year
degree
• Share strong passion for economic policy
• High voter turnout on election day
***not representative of all

7. The Wilson County Democrat
• Lower to middle class
• Little or no college
• Share a strong passion for social issues (women’s
rights and gay rights)
• Many will refer to “fair share”
• Lower voter turnout on election day but higher
turnout during early voting than republicans
***not representative of all

8. Candidates
Candidates feel on both sides that it is essential
to get involved within their communities. This
will not only give them name recognition but
also allow voters to become familiar with who
they will be voting for come election day. Many
will attend rallies and meet and greets.

11. Fun Fact
Political yard signs are used for name
recognition. Political scientist Mel Kahn states
that each sign could bring 6-10 votes. Many
voters believe that just by placing a sign in their
yard means they are supporting the candidate
and therefore do not have to volunteer for any
campaign work.

13. Tea Party
Established in Wilson County in 2009 because
they felt that neither the republicans nor
democrats were deciding policy Constitutionally.
It is considered a viable party now in Wilson
County. President Joel Killion meets with both
the Wilson democrats and republicans to get
things done for the community.

15. THE END