Voting-Rights Advocates Seek To Block Changes To State Election Laws

Voting-rights advocates are continuing to fight state election law changes designed to make voting more difficult for many citizens. 

There are many changes being resisted in court. One of those changes seeks new ways to have ballots thrown out without giving notice to the voters. The new rules would apply to voters who take advantage of the early-voting period. For years, voters have registered or updated their registration and cast their ballot in one stop. The voter would have multiple chances to verify their address and have their vote counted.

Now, with the changes, the local board of elections would still mail a card verifying the voter’s address. But if it is returned by the post office, the voter’s ballot could be thrown out without notice or opportunity to be heard. 

The Case To Defend Voting Rights

Those challenging the changes argue the procedures violate affected voters’ rights to due process. They cite the example of Watauga County in the 2020 election. In this election, two dozen voters were disqualified because the confirming card was returned. In all of those cases, it was later shown that the returns resulted from mistakes made by poll workers or post office employees. 

Opponents of the change further argue in court it is disproportionately harmful to young voters and voters of color, who are more likely to use same-day registration and voting. In part, young voters and voters of color move more frequently and are more likely to live in places with inconsistent mail delivery. 

Following a December 29 hearing, federal District Court Judge Thomas Schroeder ordered the parties to the case to try to work out a compromise. However, on January 5, those parties reported to the court that they were unable to reach an agreement. Consequently, the judge must rule whether the changes be put on hold while the case is being litigated. 

NCLCV will continue to support efforts to protect voting rights as essential to support environmental quality and justice. We will continue to hold elected officials accountable when they side with polluters instead of the public’s interests.