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North Carolina State Board of Elections Approves Republican-Backed Early Voting Plans Cutting Sunday Hours

The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved early voting plans for 20 counties on Thursday, largely siding with Republican-backed proposals that eliminate Sunday voting in most areas. The board, which now has a Republican majority, voted to cut Sunday hours in all but one county, despite concerns from Democrats that the move disproportionately impacts Black voters. Republican members, such as Matt Longworth, argued that Sunday should be reserved for church and family, noting that requiring people to vote on the Lord's day is unnecessary. Conversely, Democrats like Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen argued that Sunday is a critical day for many voters, particularly those with long commutes or religious commitments. Critics also alleged that the changes are a form of voting suppression intended to benefit the Republican Party. The board also resolved several county-specific disputes, including a compromise in Jackson County to preserve a Western Carolina University campus site and the Cullowhee Recreation Center. The decision follows a law passed in 2024 that shifted election administration power from the Democratic governor to the Republican state auditor.

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