NC Lawmakers Push Election Changes | Durham News

North Carolina lawmakers just sent two hotly debated election bills to Governor Josh Stein, sparking tension and controversy. House Bill 958, narrowly passing 62-46, slashes early voting to just ten days in primaries and forces the Republican State Auditor to run post-election audits — though it can’t overturn results. It also adds new ballot-challenge pathways. Critics like Rep. Amber Baker called it a power play against the Senate, while Rep. Abe Jones warned voters wouldn’t have time to adjust. The bill even drew a spectacle when gallery spectators were removed for shouting during debate. Originally packed with GOP priorities, HB 958 was pared down, with less contentious items moved to HB 834 — which passed 74-35 and unanimously in the Senate. HB 834 is seen as more administrative: it softens ballot deadlines and clarifies that votes from deceased voters are void. Both bills now await the governor’s signature — setting the stage for a pivotal moment in North Carolina’s electoral landscape. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bc9615241a8e52b4