RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina residents now won’t be able to vote in person during the weekend before a primary or Election Day.
A Republican-backed bill that became law Wednesday adjusts the current 17-day early-voting period by moving up the start by one day and eliminating the final Saturday.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper had vetoed the bill, saying the bill would make it harder for some to vote. His allies have said the last Saturday before the election is popular with voters, especially black residents.
GOP lawmakers in charge of the state’s General Assembly say the change will actually increase voting access, because it requires each early-voting site be open 12 hours a day on weekdays.
The Senate overrode Cooper’s veto on Tuesday. The House did so Wednesday, making the bill law.
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