South Raleigh News

The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) has voiced its opposition to the interpretation of the Disaster Recovery Act by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE). The NCGOP claims that this interpretation is preventing 25 counties affected by Hurricane Helene from adding Early Voting sites, which they argue is disenfranchising voters in Western North Carolina.

The Disaster Recovery Act was established to support recovery efforts and maintain access to democratic processes. However, the NCGOP argues that the current stance of the NCSBE contradicts these goals. They describe the guidance sent to county boards as a form of voter suppression, suggesting it restricts voting access under the guise of disaster recovery legislation.

NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons stated, "The State Board of Elections needs to uphold their oaths and stop their selective interpretation of legislation at once. They are creating unnecessary barriers to voting for communities that have already suffered tremendous hardship."

Simmons further emphasized the party's commitment to ensuring fair elections, saying, "We will not hesitate to take any action we deem necessary to ensure the voters of Western North Carolina can participate in free and open elections."