May 23, 2013
North Carolina's elections chief says a bill to reduce the early voting period likely would result in longer lines and polling sites and make elections more expensive.
State Board of Elections Executive Director Gary Bartlett wrote to board members after the House gave its final approval Wednesday to legislation that would move back the start of early voting from the third Thursday before the election to the second Thursday.
Bill supporters say fewer voting days would save money. A fiscal analysis by legislative staff found counties would spend on average almost $2,000 less per site. Bartlett said less time could lead to more expenses related to handling mail-in absentee ballots and opening more precincts to handle Election Day voting.
The bill is now in the Senate.
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