Report finds state’s new election law disproportionately affects black voters

Source: Raleigh News & Observer

The state’s new election law will disproportionately affect black voters, according to a study done by political science professors from Dartmouth and the University of Florida.

The state passed its election law last summer shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Voting Rights Act. The ruling enabled the legislation by allowing North Carolina, along with eight other states, to change election procedures without federal preclearance.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in September that he would sue North Carolina over the voting law, saying it discriminates against minorities.

Changes made under the state law include eliminating same-day voter registration during the early voting period, cutting the early voting period by seven days, creating a photo identification requirement for voters and eliminating preregistration for 16- and 17-year-olds unless they turn 18 before an upcoming election.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/02/17/3630833/report-finds-states-new-election.html