Voting Rights Action Alert!
Republicans in the legislature are trying to push this anti-democratic, voter suppression bill through unnoticed. The portal could close at any time, so please, speak up now! Click here to leave a comment.
Summary and talking points from Progress NC:
In an attempt to silence our voices and hold onto power, NC Republicans are pushing another voter suppression bill– House Bill 958.
The aim of HB 958 is simple: more scrutiny for you, less transparency for them. HB 958 introduces burdensome obstacles meant to toss ballots–such as a costly signature verification program, new social security number requirements, and a photo ID requirement for active duty military serving overseas. What’s more, it gives more power to politicians who want to shape election results after ballots have been cast. If passed, we can expect to see elections that are more biased toward the powerful, and less fair for the voter.
This is a bad bill for voters, and another attempt by NC Republicans to evade accountability from their constituents. It’s time that the NCGA gets their hands off our vote, and their attention back on addressing the pressing problems facing North Carolina, like passing a long overdue budget.
HB 958 is another challenge to our democracy, but North Carolinians will never give up in the fight for voting rights. Urge your legislators to vote NO on HB 958.
Talking Points
Our elections must be administered freely and fairly, with transparency and without bias. HB 958 would do the opposite, further politicizing election administration while making it harder for North Carolinians’ to have their ballots counted.
HB 958 is another Republican attempt to restrict voting access. From creating a costly signature verification program, to requiring photo ID for military voters serving our country overseas, this bill adds new obstacles for North Carolinians to have their ballots counted.
HB 958 further politicizes the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE). This bill would allow for two-fifths of NCSBE civil servants to be replaced with political appointees. It also allows the NCSBE to hire private counsel rather than utilize lawyers who were appointed to serve the public.
HB 958 makes our elections less transparent. By allowing the NCSBE to use private counsel, this bill makes all communications with the Board’s attorneys inaccessible to the public.
HB 958 opens the door to election sabotage. This bill would give significant power to the Republican State Auditor to shape election results after ballots have been cast. It allows the Auditor to challenge votes in specific counties at his own discretion, and would also allow the Auditor to direct chairs to challenge specific voters. It would even allow the Republican Board of Elections to shop for judges– meaning that the NCSBE could bring challenges in whatever county they believe would provide them preferential treatment.
NC Republicans continue to do anything but pass a long overdue budget. It’s been 3 years since NCGA Republicans passed a full state budget, effectively withholding teacher raises and blocking funding for everything from road repairs to school construction projects. We deserve leaders who put people over politics, but NC Republicans are again pushing a political agenda rather than addressing the challenges facing our state.
North Carolinians will never give up in the fight for voting rights. North Carolina has always been a leader in the fight to ensure access to the ballot. HB 958 is another challenge, but one that we’re ready to confront. We will contact our legislators and organize our communities to ensure that our voices are heard and that our elections are fair.
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