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NC Board of Elections decides fates of early voting in 20 disputed counties
The board settled a split vote after county members disagreed over staffing costs and voter access, approving a compromise plan for the November election.
On Thursday, the North Carolina State Board of Elections finalized early voting schedules for 20 counties, largely siding with Republican majorities to opt against Sunday voting.
Disputes emerged after the Republican-led General Assembly stripped Gov. Josh Stein of appointment powers, granting authority to State Auditor Dave Boliek; former liaison Dallas Woodhouse resigned in July amid questions regarding his influence on local schedules.
While advocates argue Sunday voting accommodates working families and "Souls to the Polls" initiatives, some officials cite staffing costs; in Pitt County, the board voted 3-2 to exclude Sunday voting.
In Rowan County, the board approved a 14-day compromise including Sunday, Oct. 25, resolving a months-long stalemate, while Columbus County nixed Sunday voting but gained five early-voting sites.
Early voting for the November general election runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 31. Bishop William Barber warned further restrictions could prompt legal challenges and mobilization among voting-rights advocates.