Despite the temporary reinstitution of same-day voter registration in North Carolina, students should register earlier rather than later. North Carolina’s restrictive voter laws have been stayed, not overturned. Students should make sure they will be able to vote through registering by Friday and demanding more convenient campus voting and registration.
In 2013, Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 589, a bill that disproportionately affects the poor, the elderly and college students by restricting early voting, disallowing same-day voting registration, requiring government-issued photo identification to vote and allowing voters to be challenged for voting outside their precinct.
On Oct. 1, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that two restrictions of the bill — those that concern same-day registration and out-of-precinct voting — will not take effect this November.
The University ought to demonstrate its commitment to students’ engagement by allowing students to register to vote in high traffic areas, such as the lobbies of dorms. Some might call this soliciting — but it is not covered by the University’s definition of prohibited solicitation.
This will help students be better represented come election day, but there are other impediments to voting for students as a result of the voting law.
A government-issued photo identification document will still be required at polls, effective January 2016. This requirement cannot be satisfied with a school-issued photo identification.
Voters should recognize the uncertain permanence of the appellate decision requires continued vigilance to secure their vote.
