The North Carolina House has passed a wide-ranging elections bill that includes several changes to the state’s election laws. The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-Burke, extends deadlines for county election staff to count absentee ballots and for voters to cure, or fix, any issues with provisional ballots or same-day voter registration forms.
Key Changes in the Bill
The bill makes several key changes to the state’s election laws. It extends the deadline for county election staff to count absentee ballots to the fifth business day after Election Day. It also allows voters to cure, or fix, any issues with provisional ballots or same-day voter registration forms until the fifth business day after Election Day.
The bill also makes changes to the state’s voter registration laws. It requires registration agencies to not register individuals who do not affirmatively state that they are citizens. If a voter registration application indicates that the applicant is not a US citizen or does not include a reply to that application question, the county election board cannot register that person.
The bill includes an appeal process for individuals who are denied voter registration. These applicants have five days from the time they receive notice of their denial to appeal, which will lead to a public hearing.
Other Provisions
The bill also includes several other provisions. It allows the state board to hire private counsel instead of using the attorney general’s help. It also drops the number of employees that can be exempt from state law forbidding political hires from 25 to seven at the state board.
The bill instates a photo ID requirement for overseas and military voters. It also requires these voters to provide documentation to prove their previous US residency, although this requirement was later removed.
Democrats have expressed concerns about the bill, with some arguing that it will restrict people’s rights. However, Republicans argue that the bill is necessary to protect the integrity of the state’s elections.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
