In this episode of A More Perfect Podcast, host Mike Winson sits down with Hannah Preston, MPH, founder of Influence North Carolina, to talk about how political dysfunction is crippling the state — and how young people are stepping up to fix it.🎙️ Topics Covered:-Why North Carolina still doesn’t have a state budget and how it’s hurting teachers, healthcare workers, and families-The fallout from the federal shutdown and Medicaid funding crisis-How gerrymandering has distorted representation and democracy in North Carolina-What Influence NC is doing to educate Gen Z voters and help local officials connect with their communities-The push to make politics more accessible, authentic, and inclusive for young people-The shocking truth about what’s being said in legislative sessions and how little transparency exists in state politicsHannah, a public health expert turned civic organizer, explains why political education is a public health issue, how her organization is bringing political literacy to college campuses, and why it’s time for young North Carolinians to vote, run for office, and reclaim their state.💬 “If you don’t like who’s on the ballot, run. Because you probably will do better.” — Hannah Preston🗳️ About Influence NC:Founded by Gen Z leaders, Influence NC works to close the political education gap by training young people, educating voters, and helping local officials use social media to connect authentically with their communities.🔗 Links & Resources:Follow Hannah Preston & Influence NC: https://www.influencenc.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/influencenc/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@influencenc
