Federal appeals court restores same-day voting, but doesn’t expand early voting window (NC)

[alp227]

Source: Charlotte Observer

A federal appeals court granted a temporary order Wednesday that will allow same-day registration and provisional ballots in this fall’s North Carolina elections, but refused to intervene on changes that shortened the early voting period.

The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in Charlotte last Thursday in the case that came after the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly passed a series of changes in 2013. Supporters say the measures are intended to strengthen the integrity of elections. Those who sued to overturn the laws say the changes are unfair because they disproportionately hurt young voters and minorities.

Wednesday’s ruling means voters can register and vote on the same day during the in-person early voting period, Oct. 23-Nov. 1. The temporary order also allows voters to cast ballots even if they show up at the wrong precinct.

All three of the judges who heard the arguments last week were appointed to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals by Democratic presidents.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/10/01/5212815/federal-appeals-court-restores.html

[Stuart G]

1. The GOP, that backed this, can go back to where they came from..they belong in lowest rung...

They will do anything to disenfranchise those who would likely vote against them..

Anything...anywhere...anytime..to get an edge..no matter who or what it will hurt

[yeoman6987]

2. I feel disenfranchised in maryland

We don't get early voting until October 23rd, but stops October 30th. Ohio and North Carolina beat us. What can be done in Maryland? We are a democratic state and have a governors race to win.

[Orsino]

4. And the dirty little secret is...

...that they are disenfranchising entire classes of people, to include Republicans, as long as they believe that the result is a net gain for the GOP. I wonder how their base would feel if they realized they were being treated exactly like those "other" people?

[Gothmog]

3. This is a step in the right direction

The court did find that Section 2 of the VRA applied here