NCSBE adopts rules that increase the risk of voter disenfranchisement

Today, the North Carolina State Board of Elections adopted four proposed rules targeting absentee voting, voter ID, recount rules, and voting site sound amplification.

In particular, the proposed restrictions on amplified sound near voting sites could suppress traditions like Party at the Polls, Souls to the Polls, and campus mobilizations led by HBCUs, Divine Nine organizations, and faith communities that have helped generations of voters overcome barriers and build community around the ballot box.

North Carolinians deserve election policies that are accessible, transparent, and fair while ensuring every eligible voter can participate without unnecessary obstacles.

These rules have the risk of creating additional barriers to voting for communities that have historically faced obstacles to fully participating in our democracy. We believe these changes are suppressive and risk making it more difficult for eligible North Carolinians to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

North Carolina Black Alliance and Advance Carolina join our HBCUs, Divine Nine, faith, and community partners in protecting these longstanding traditions and building the foundations that strengthen our democracy and encourage all North Carolinians to stay informed, participate in the public rulemaking process, and make their voices heard.