Feb. 10, 2025 — A newly filed bill, House Bill 66, aims to cut North Carolina’s early voting period from 17 days to just 6, sparking criticism from voting rights advocates.
Jennifer Rubin, President of the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, strongly opposed the bill, calling it “an attempt to limit voting and discourage turnout.”
"We saw long lines even with a 17-day early voting period. Condensing it will only make them worse," Rubin said. "People may get frustrated and leave without voting. This is voter suppression.”
Last cycle, over 4.5 million North Carolinians voted early, representing 57% of registered voters. Critics argue that reducing the timeframe will disproportionately impact marginalized communities, especially those needing translation assistance.
Republicans backing the bill, including NCGOP Chairwoman Courtney Geels, argue that it will cut election costs and make it easier for candidates to campaign.
Rubin pushed back, saying voter education efforts will have to ramp up significantly if the bill becomes law.
"We will have to do more to help voters navigate these changes, and county boards may need to expand Election Day sites to manage larger crowds," she said.
President Rubin additionally noted that HB 66 fails to address the realities of running elections. She pointed out that shortening early voting, combined with the new requirement for absentee ballots to be counted on Election Day, will create additional burdens on county boards of elections, which are already struggling to accommodate North Carolina’s growing population.
"Shortening early voting takes options away from voters," Rubin said. "We believe this law is a misplaced attempt to make voting harder for North Carolinians."
The bill is currently in committee, with no funding provisions included to help counties manage the transition.
