North Carolina State Board to decide early voting plans

The North Carolina State Board of Elections will decide on early voting plans for several counties after local boards failed to reach the unanimous votes required by state law. The decisions are intended to allow local boards time to prepare for the upcoming November elections.

In Columbus County, officials are debating whether to close the Fair Bluff (Cherry Grove) polling site due to high costs and lower-than-average voter turnout. While any registered voter can use any early voting site, voters must return to their specific home precincts on Election Day.

In Guilford County, a 4-1 vote for a 17-site plan was blocked by the lack of unanimity. The dispute involves whether to include early voting sites on the campuses of NC A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. Proponents argue campus sites increase accessibility for students, while opponents cite concerns regarding resident stability and political leanings of the student population.