Two weeks ago, we published a story about accusations against Republican state lawmaker Erin Paré and her husband, Wayne, allegedly intimidating poll greeters at early voting sites during the past three election cycles and calling the police on poll greeters and constituents. We heard similar accounts from readers following publication. (Rep. Paré declined to comment for our story; Wayne Paré did not respond to requests for comment.)

From David Reitmeyer:

… I am a poll worker, currently serving early voting at the Wake Tech Main Campus in this election, but was at the Hunt Center in 2022 and Hilltop for 2024 primaries.

Your description of their intimidating behavior is SPOT ON. However, the supervisors at these sites are not in a position to stand around outside all day and police this childish, intimidating behavior. They can only state the rules and ask poll greeters to conform to them—and call the [Board of Elections] or local police if the situation doesn’t improve. (And this was done several times in my shifts.)

I don’t know what’s next for these people, but I am SO sick of this nonsense. However, I fear that, if a certain party wins, it will only get worse.

From reader Nicole Thomas:

Thank you for the piece about Erin Pare. 

Living in her district, my husband and I called her office to voice some of our concerns. Of course, we did not expect her to change her mind or point of view but we wanted to feel heard. And wanted to hear her reasoning.

No phone call response, no emails. Admittedly, the last voicemail left was loud, but in no way shape or form threatening. And she called the capital police and filed a report.

That tactic worked, we lead busy lives, careers, etc.; and frankly we do not have the time or resources to buck up to this kind of behavior.

It just feels like she has ZERO interest in her constituents unless they fall in line, or are intimidated into backing down.

Paré was reelected to her seat.

We also heard from readers who appreciated our reporting on how UNC-Chapel Hill pursued disciplinary charges against student protesters. From reader Dalia Mouawad:

I just wanted to share my appreciation for the incredibly detailed and honest review of the situations happening to students at UNC written by Lena Geller …. The article was so well written and has been some of the most fair and articulated reportings of the situation which has honestly been really hard to come by since this began. The brutality that has been inflicted by campus police and admin go way beyond and it means a lot that this story is covered for the safety of students and faculty. 

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