Support NC’s First Steps in Election Coronavirus Response

Now through Monday, April 20, at 5 p.m., the N.C. State Board of Elections wants your feedback on a proposal to temporarily amend current election rules as a means to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

The amendment would clarify that the state elections director is allowed to use emergency action during upcoming elections in the case of a “disease epidemic” or “other public health incident,” which Democracy North Carolina supports. This would be an important first step in ensuring that our elections can respond to the current public health situation— and there will be additional important steps in the time ahead.

Given the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential to affect voting in 2020, this is a necessary clarification that would broaden the definition of a “natural disaster” to include the virus and give the director the authority to take vital actions in this critical moment for our democracy.

Support NC's First Steps in Election Coronavirus Response

Take 30 seconds to provide comments in favor of the State Election Board's power to take action during the coronavirus crisis.

Provide Comments

ACT NOW: Take 30 seconds to show your support for this first step toward ensuring fair elections in 2020 by providing comments in favor of the State Board’s power to take action during the coronavirus crisis.

Specifically, tell the State Board:

you support this important amendment to our chief state elections official’s emergency powers (G.S. 163-27.1),
you favor N.C.’s elections director having authority to take swift, pro-voter actions during the coronavirus crisis, and
you hope this is the first of many actions state government will seek to benefit voters most impacted by the virus, including those Democracy North Carolina suggested to the State Board this month.

Public comments may be made through the public comment portal, by an email to rules@ncsbe.gov, or by mail: Attn: Rulemaking Coordinator, P.O. Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611.