CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF
November 3, 2026 · Cherokee County, North Carolina · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 63 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 29,562 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,178,653 ÷ 29,562) ÷ ln(1,178,653 ÷ 3,423) = 63.09, comparing counties in NC (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Average representation + an uncontested race → Below average vote impact.
Sheriff is responsible for:
- Running the county's law-enforcement department, including deputies and patrols
- Running the county jail
- Serving court orders, such as evictions and warrants
- Providing courthouse security in many counties
Affected Areas: Immigration, Public Safety and Crime Control, Gun Control, Data Privacy, Civil Rights
Candidates
Chris Wood
Republican · declared
Chris Wood is a Republican candidate for CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF in the November 2026 general election.
Election sources
Source: s3.amazonaws.com