North Carolina Board Changes Ballot Disqualification Rules

The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved two measures along party lines to alter how ballots are disqualified before the 2026 midterms. The board first approved a rule permitting county staff to disqualify absentee ballots for irregularities, including incorrect envelope usage or improper sealing. In a separate action, the board eliminated the requirement for bipartisan agreement when rejecting provisional ballots from voters suspected of lying about lacking photo identification, replacing the unanimity requirement with a majority vote.

Republican board members argued the changes increase security and align board practices with state law. State Elections Director Sam Hayes defended the photo ID rule change as a necessary step to conform with the law. Conversely, Democratic board members claimed the measures would disenfranchise legitimate voters and feed into false narratives regarding voter fraud. The board also approved a ban on amplified sound outside polling places that can be heard indoors.

Both the absentee ballot and photo ID rules must receive approval from the Republican-appointed Rules Review Commission before they can take effect.