North Carolina Governor Vetoes Election Bill, Citing Partisan Attacks on Voting
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has vetoed House Bill 958, a comprehensive election bill passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly. The legislation proposed several changes to election laws, including shortening the early voting period in primaries and special elections from 17 days to 10 days. It also sought to task the state auditor with auditing election administration in each of the state's 100 counties every six years and allow challenges to early ballots until the third day after the election, and absentee or military ballots until the fifth business day after the election. Governor Stein, flanked by Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates, stated that the bill is part of a "yearslong effort by Republicans in the General Assembly of partisan attacks on our elections and on your vote." He highlighted previous Republican actions such as voter ID requirements in 2023, changes to elections oversight in 2024, and congressional map gerrymandering in 2025. Republicans, however, argue ... 
