RALEIGH, N.C. — Two North Carolina election bills approved by state lawmakers have reached Governor Josh Stein, including one proposal that would shorten the primary early-voting period and permit certain ballot challenges after Election Day.
House Bill 834 and House Bill 958 received their final legislative votes Aug. 4. Neither proposal had become law as of Wednesday morning.
Stein can sign the bills, veto them or allow them to become law without his signature. The governor has announced that he intends to veto House Bill 958 but has not indicated that he will veto House Bill 834.
House Bill 958 would shorten primary early voting
House Bill 958 would reduce North Carolina’s primary early-voting period from 17 days to 10 days. The reduction would apply to primary elections rather than the longer and more heavily attended general-election early-voting period.
Supporters argue that 10 days would provide enough time because voter turnout is typically lower during primaries. Opponents say primary elections frequently determine who ultimately holds office and that fewer voting days could make participation more difficult.
The legislation would also allow an early-voting ballot to be challenged for up to three days after Election Day. Under current law, most challenges must be made when a ballot is cast.
Opponents have raised concerns that candidates or political organizations could wait until results are available before deciding whether to challenge ballots. Supporters describe the provision as an election-integrity and voter-eligibility measure.
Governor Stein says he will veto HB 958
The North Carolina House approved the final version of House Bill 958 by a 62-47 vote. The vote largely followed party lines and does not appear to provide enough support for an immediate veto override if every lawmaker votes the same way.
Stein said he plans to veto the bill because he believes it would make voting more difficult and create uncertainty following elections.
As of Aug. 5, the official legislative record listed House Bill 958 as enrolled and awaiting further action. Stein’s promised veto had not yet been recorded as completed.
House Bill 834 receives bipartisan support
House Bill 834 received more bipartisan support, passing its final House vote 74-35 after clearing the Senate unanimously.
The bill would extend certain deadlines for counting provisional and absentee ballots and correcting, or “curing,” ballot problems. Those deadlines would move from three days after Election Day to five business days.
House Bill 834 would also extend through the end of 2027 the period during which certain expired Class C driver’s licenses may be accepted as voter identification.
Another provision would allow someone challenging a State Board of Elections decision to file a case in Wake County Superior Court or in the superior court serving that person’s home county. Critics say the change could encourage plaintiffs to select courts they believe will be more favorable to their claims.
What happens to the election bills next?
If Stein vetoes House Bill 958, lawmakers could attempt an override. However, House Speaker Destin Hall has said he doubts legislators would return for an override vote before the November election.
House Bill 834 could become law if Stein signs it or allows it to take effect without his signature. Until the governor acts, the proposed changes do not alter North Carolina’s existing election rules.
Source: Original reporting by Sarah Michels of Carolina Public Press. Legislative status verified through the North Carolina General Assembly.
