When Barack Obama carried North Carolina in 2008 and came close in
2012, it was thanks in part to a massive advantage in early voting. Now,
aiming to avoid a repeat, state Republicans are waging a relentless and
brazen campaign to limit early voting opportunities — all but
acknowledging that lower turnout benefits the GOP.
The state is likely to be among the closest in
the presidential race this fall, and it also hosts tight races for
governor and senator. Any Democratic strategy for victory will rely
heavily on turning out early voters.
On Monday, Gov. Pat McCrory asked the U.S.
Supreme Court to put the ID requirement and the early voting cuts back
into effect. The state did not challenge the restoration of same-day
registration or out-of-precinct voting. If the high court declines to
intervene, as looks likely, Republicans have a backup plan: Pressuring
local election boards to make early voting as inconvenient as possible.
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