The North Carolina State Board of Elections just approved a change that makes it easier to disqualify certain absentee ballots ahead of 2026 midterms; they voted 3 to 2 along party lines on July 20th. Essentially if a ballot has an "irregularity", such as not being sealed correctly, being in the wrong envelope, etc. County election staff can now take action on it.
If there are any irregularities to the ballots, voters are supposed to be contacted first. However, if that does not happen the ballot can still be tossed. Although this is being framed as an election security measure, we have to acknowledge the history of disenfranchisement. We should use this time to inform others about the ballot instructions.
Voting in the 2026 election officially begins on September 4th with the initial sending of absentee ballots to voters who requested. This is followed by in person early voting October 15 to October 31. The upcoming statewide general election is November 3, 2026.
For more information you can visit https://qcnerve.com/nc-election-changes-midterms/





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