RALEIGH, N.C. -- Alterations to North Carolina's early voting program by the Republican-controlled legislature are heading to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's desk.

  • Bill which would change early voting days passes NC House and Senate
  • Final Saturday of early voting would be removed.
  • Heads to Gov. Cooper's desk now

 

The Senate voted 23-11 on Friday for changes made public less than two days earlier in the House. The measure would keep early voting at 17 days but eliminate voting on the Saturday before Election Day _ shifting that day to the start of the period. The bill also would require early voting sites in counties be open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Authors of the bill say the changes will reduce confusion about voting and give local election officials more time to prepare for Election Day. But Democrats say the Saturday before the election is a popular voting day that black residents use disproportionately.

Cooper could veto the measure. Spokeswoman Sadie Weiner says the governor is concerned about any legislation that "could result in fewer opportunities for people to vote.'' 

 

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