Western Carolina University students will kick off the Cullowhee Voter Initiative, a nonpartisan effort to improve voter education and participation in Jackson County, with a voter registration drive and student debate on campus Thursday, Feb. 23.

A second event, a debate in which members of the North Carolina General Assembly are scheduled to participate, will take place in the theater of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 5. Student organizers said additional events will be planned in Jackson County.

In addition to political primaries, the May election will include an amendment that would add language providing that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union valid or recognized in the state and the Jackson County alcohol referendum that would allow sales countywide.