New Republican Rules Increase Mail Ballot Rejections

 By Mildred Robertson

Since Republicans took over North Carolina’s election board last year, they have changed the rules to make it harder to vote early. New rules empower local Republicans to block certain voters and throw out ballots on party-line votes. These changes come ahead of November’s midterm elections amid heightened unease among Democrats over election administration.

As tensions mount in this key battleground state, Republican voter-suppression efforts threaten to dampen an apparent blue wave. Polls favor Democrat Roy Cooper to win the governor’s race and help lift other Democratic candidates across the state.

Democrats worry that stricter mail-in-voting rules approved by the Republican-led North Carolina State Board of Elections are increasing absentee-ballot rejections. Democratic Governor Josh Stein warns that the changes are “leading to thousands more absentee ballots being rejected this election” and says the rejection rate is about twice the 2022 level. In hotly contested North Carolina races, even a modest increase in rejected mail ballots could affect the outcome.

The midterm election is the first statewide test of new absentee-voting rules instituted by The Republican-ruled State Board of Elections. Voters must seal their completed ballot in an inner envelope, place that envelope inside an outer mailing envelope, and include a copy of an acceptable ID in an exterior sleeve. In previous elections, county elections offices accepted sealed mail ballots with unsealed inner envelopes.

Another rule change limits who may assist absentee voters with their ballots to “near-relatives.” Voting Rights groups fear that these new rules may lead to the rejection of thousands of ballots.

If you vote by mail, check your ballot’s status or vote in person to ensure your vote counts. If your ballot contains an error, you may correct it within the designated time limit. With election margins expected to be razor-thin, both the governor’s mansion and a Senate seat that could help determine control of the chamber are at stake. Given North Carolina’s potential role in deciding control of Congress in the 2026 midterms, the stakes could not be higher.

You may track your absentee-by-mail ballot status by signing up online for status notifications through Ballot Trax. Anyone with a rejected ballot can contact their county elections office to find out how to correct the issue. By tracking your ballot and fixing any errors, you can ensure your vote counts.

North Carolina Early Voting Wait-Time Tracker

 By Mildred Robertson

In-person early voting began in North Carolina today, October 15, 2026 and runs through Saturday, October 31 at 3 p.m.  Election day, where you cast your ballot at your assigned precinct, is Tuesday, November 3rd. 

If you plan to take advantage of early voting, a time-saving method is to determine wait times at your designated voting site. In Wake County, North Carolina you can check wait times before heading out to the polls. Just click the link below. 

https://airtable.com/appAL6KsUEvshj4br/shrQkIIFla4bjdGzh/tbl0siEKfqhV1y6F8

For those outside Wake County, check with your local media or contact your board of elections to see whether a wait-time tracker is available in your area. 

Review Sample Ballot to be an Informed Voter

 By: Mildred Robertson

Voters nationwide will soon head to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2026 election. The choice between Republicans and Democrats is relatively clear-cut.  Most voters have already decided whether they favor a Blue Wave or prefer to maintain the status quo.

North Carolina is a battle ground state that will likely flip to blue this election cycle, as Democratic Senatorial Candidate Roy Cooper, faces off against Trump endorsed Michal Whatley, his Republican opponent.  High voter turnout is expected in this hotly contested race and will likely draw voters highly motivated by the top of the ticket. But that doesn’t mean they will come to polls informed about other ballot issues. Many have not considered their votes in non-partisan elections or referenda and city and county bonds; issues that impact their daily lives.

In North Carolina’s Wake County there are several issues voters need to be prepared to address when they enter the voting booth. For instance, there are 3 amendments in this election cycle that many will not consider until they flip over the ballot and read them for the first time.

The constitutional amendments on the Wake County Ballot that may be confusing for the electorate. At first glance, the issues may appear clear cut.  But a “yes vote” may miss some nuances that may not be readily identified by some voters.  For instance, North Carolina already requires voter ID to participate in the election. According to BALLOTPEDIA, a search encyclopedia of American Politics:

“As of 2024, state law required individuals using mail-in absentee ballots to include a photocopy of identification. State law provided for an ID exception form if the voter could not present ID, providing a reason such as the ID being lost or stolen, lack of transportation, disability or illness, religious reasons, experiencing a natural disaster within 100 days before the election, and more. For mail voters unable to attach a photocopy, the voter's driver's license number or last four digits of social security number could be substituted.”

The Constitutional Amendment would require the photo ID of all voters. Simply providing a driver’s license number or the last four digits of the SSI would no longer be sufficient.

Opponents say this measure is designed to disenfranchise voters by mail; making it more difficult for students, older people and people with disabilities to vote by mail in North Carolina. Republican proponents insist it is a commonsense security measure.

Another ballot measure is a constitutional amendment to keep the State income tax rate from being raised higher than three and one-half percent (3.5%).  This measure would permanently cap the rate at 3.5%, although North Carolina legislators passed a budget in July that already scheduled a drop from 3.99% to 3.49% effective 2027 -2029.

While this proposal may sound attractive to many voters, Democrats worry that the cap is unnecessary at this time and could limit the ability of the government to levy taxes, even when essential services are threatened without additional funding. Issues that might trigger the need for increased revenue include the need to fund government services to accommodate population growth.

Similarly, A constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increase by local governments could hamstring communities by a one-size-fits all solution. Rep. Maria Cervania, a Wake County Democrat and former County Commissioner says that “Bertie County is not Mecklenburg County,” and that it is dangerous to set limits that may stifle tax revenue growth for some local governments with differing needs.

While voters are focused on national issues, such as the makeup of Congress, and which party controls the state houses across America, local issues such as the state constitutional amendments and school bonds deserve just as intense a look as do these state-wide elections.

So, review your sample ballot. Examine the amendments and bonds and familiarize yourself with nonpartisan candidates on your ballot so you can make an informed decision about who will be governing your community. It is your community; make sure your choices are heard.

Inform yourself and then vote THE ENTIRE ballot.

Will Trump Overturn Voters' Will in Midterm Elections

 By Mildred Robertson

While voters seem acutely focused on rising food and fuel costs, equal attention should be paid to what may be America's best chance to change the country's direction: the 2026 midterm elections. Looking back to the 2020 election and the January 6th attack on the Capitol, it is clear that there are no limits Trump will not cross to maintain power. With only days to go before voters cast their ballots, the Trump administration seems focused on laying the groundwork to overturn the voters' will. 

It is likely no coincidence that Secretary of  Defense Pete Hegseth is firing generals, a group of individuals who might oppose the illegal use of the military to alter the outcome of the election. The administration is also re-establishing its relationship with Elon Musk, who has been accused of tampering with previous elections to benefit Trump. 

Local election officials who rejected the false claims that the 2020 election was stolen have already faced threats of being jailed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullins. Further, the federal government has attempted to take control of elections from the states, which is patently illegal under the constitution. 

ArtI.S4.C1.2.1 States and Elections Clause

Article I, Section 4, Clause 1:

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

It appears the administration, fearing a "Blue Wave," wants to seize control of ballots in order to control the narrative about who actually won the election. Many fear that false allegations about the election outcome may be promoted to stir unrest, or that state officials might refuse to certify election results, hampering the seating of duly elected officials. 

American voters must make a clear-eyed assessment of the looming danger. Voters must actively pursue methods to maintain the integrity of our Democracy and the right of each citizen to cast a vote to determine who will lead our nation. The best chance to avoid the likelihood of a corrupt election is to vote in numbers that cannot be denied. Margins must be such that vote tampering, corrupt practices, and voter intimidation can be counterbalanced. 

It really just comes down to your individual vote. You must be committed to vote, whether it is by mail, during early voting or in person on election day. You must be aware of the deadlines, and you must face all obstacles that may be placed in your path to hamper your efforts to vote. You must make sure you get to the polls and that your family members and friends get to the poll. Even if you are not enamored with your choices, you still need to make one. 

Attend candidate forums. Follow the news. Talk to community thought leaders. Request a sample ballot so that you are familiar with the candidates and the issues that appear on your ballot. Check your registration status prior to going to the polls and make sure you have a valid photo ID. If you are challenged at the polls or don't have the appropriate ID, ask for a provisional ballot. If that doesn't work call the election protection hotline to get help. 

When voting, make sure you read all the instructions carefully. Before submitting your ballot, double check that it is complete and correct. If mailing your ballot, make sure that the envelope is properly sealed and that any required witness signature is correct.  

This may be the most consequential election in your lifetime. Don't sit this one out. Be informed. Be prepared. 

VOTE!