North Carolina Primary Faces Voter Suppression Allegations

The North Carolina State Board of Elections implemented several administrative changes leading up to the 2026 primary election that critics describe as voter suppression. The board sent letters to approximately 241,000 registered voters suggesting their registrations might be invalid due to data mismatches, a move that advocacy groups say disproportionately affected Black and brown voters. Additionally, the board rejected early voting sites at four college campuses, including North Carolina A&T State University, and eliminated Sunday voting in several counties.

These actions followed a 2025 redistricting of Congressional Districts 1 and 3, which reduced Black voter representation in the first district from 40% to 32%. Oversight of the Board of Elections was also transferred to the State Auditor's office, and the distribution of printed registration forms was restricted.

In response, a nonpartisan coalition including Forward Justice and the North Carolina Black Alliance launched election protection efforts. These groups provided emergency assistance and monitored provisional ballots. Despite the hurdles, voter turnout remained high, and 5,249 people utilized same-day registration, with Black and brown voters using the service at twice the rate of white voters.