Guilford County’s election board has failed to come to an agreement on early voting sites, becoming the 22nd nonunanimous plan in the state. The board voted to add two new early voting sites, but neither of them are located on the campuses of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro or North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.

Disagreement Over Campus Voting Sites

Students from both universities have been advocating for early voting sites on their campuses, arguing that it would make it easier for them to cast their ballots. However, the board’s Republican members voted against the proposal, citing concerns about the cost and logistics of setting up voting sites on the campuses.

The decision has been met with disappointment from student activists, who argue that the lack of early voting sites on campus will disenfranchise young voters. ‘We need the opportunity to educate our peers and let them know that hey, come out and vote,’ said Jaelle Garvin, an incoming NC A&T freshman. ‘But it’s hard to do that when we don’t have the support from our communities and those who are there to represent us.’

State Board to Decide

The State Board of Elections will now have to decide on the early voting plan for Guilford County. The board has been dealing with an increasing number of nonunanimous plans, with at least 22 counties failing to come to an agreement on early voting sites.

The issue of early voting sites has become a partisan issue, with Democrats generally supporting the establishment of voting sites on college campuses and in urban areas, while Republicans have expressed concerns about the cost and potential for voter fraud.

Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.