North Carolina Felon Voting Law Struck Down
A federal judge Monday struck down the enforcement of a North Carolina law criminalizing voting by people with felony convictions....
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Facts
- A federal judge Monday struck down the enforcement of a North Carolina law criminalizing voting by people with felony convictions.1
- In a 25-page order, US District Judge Loretta Biggs wrote the law was 'enacted with discriminatory intent, has not been cleansed of its discriminatory taint, and continues to disproportionately impact Black voters.' The ruling can still be challenged in a higher court.2
- The law, on the books since 1877, makes it a Class I felony in North Carolina for people to vote without having their rights restored. However, a law passed last year clarified that people who knew their rights had not been restored and still voted could be charged.3
- In 2020, the North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Institute Inc. and Action NC challenged the law, arguing it was in contradiction to the Constitution's equal protection clause and was directed at Black voters.3
- Biggs said her ruling aims to prevent the criminalization of voters who vote while mistakenly believing they're eligible to do so.4
- However, those convicted of felonies are still ineligible to vote in North Carolina until they have finished their sentences.2
Sources: 1Carolina Journal, 2www.newsobserver.com, 3The Hill and 4ABC News.
Narratives
- Left narrative, as provided by The Hill. This law's racist origins can't be ignored, and any ruling that reduces enforcement of it is welcome. Now would-be voters can go to the polls a little less afraid to cast their ballot if they're unsure of their eligibility.
- Right narrative, as provided by The Heritage Foundation. There are many valid reasons why felons should not be allowed to vote. Felons who attempt to vote before their rights are restored are committing voter fraud and should be prosecuted accordingly.
