Citing the disruption caused by flooding in some eastern counties of North Carolina, Common Cause and Democratic Party officials made what normal people would consider a reasonable and obvious request Wednesday. They urged the state board of elections to review its previous decision not to extend Friday’s deadline for voter registration until next Wednesday, October 19.
But, even though parts of those counties are still without electricity and under water from the deluge that struck when Hurricane Matthew hit the eastern seaboard, the board did not reverse its action. That has spurred the Democrats to sue.
Only those who register by the end of business Friday will be able to cast ballots on Election Day or during the early voting period that begins October 20. Citizens can, however, register and cast a ballot during early voting. One of the Democrats pressing the matter at the board’s meeting on Wednesday was Rep. G.K. Butterfield, a Democrat who represents some of the flooded counties:
“It would be a travesty to look at the dire situation that is being endured by people in these communities who are fighting against unparalleled flooding and not grant them additional days so that they can register to vote and exercise their fundamental right in November,” Butterfield said in a statement.
Butterfield was joined by U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, whose North Carolina district includes parts of Charlotte. In a separate statement, Adams noted that other states affected by the storm had extended registration deadlines.
“Our neighbors shouldn’t have to fight floods to be able to vote,” she said. “I hope leaders across the state will join me in calling for an extension to the deadline. Protecting our right to vote is the right thing to do.”
A travesty indeed. “The right thing to do” has always been encouraging people to vote by removing obstacles that impede them. But for a very long time certain authorities in many states have been intent on doing the wrong thing, erecting new obstacles or refusing to remove existing ones, including those caused by natural disasters. Nobody should have had to sue to remind North Carolina authorities of their obligations in this matter.
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