The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved new permanent rules to tighten requirements for mail-in ballots and improve election security.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved new permanent rules on Monday that will make it more difficult for voters to cast ballots by mail. In a 3-2 party-line vote, the Republican-controlled board decided that technical envelope irregularities, such as using the wrong envelope or failing to seal a ballot properly, will now require written attestations from voters to be counted. Previously, these minor issues were often counted without additional action. Republicans argued the changes enhance security and provide a clear framework for election officials. Stacy Eggers IV, a Republican board member, noted that an unsealed envelope is a security issue and that the new "cure" process is accommodating. Conversely, Democrats expressed concern that the rules might disenfranchise voters. Jeff Carmon, a Democratic board member, warned that the instructions could be confusing for those without a high level of education. Siobhan O’Duffy Millen, another Democrat, cautioned that "over-fussiness" could lead to the loss of perfectly sound ballots. The rules must now be approved by the state’s Rules Review Commission.

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