North Carolina plans to send mailers to about 200,000 voters asking for missing information from their voter registration files. The effort follows a Justice Department lawsuit and growing political pressure around election security.
Voters missing either a driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number will be contacted by mail. The plan, approved unanimously by the State Board of Elections, includes up to three notices with return envelopes to simplify responses.
Election officials hope the outreach will resolve a legal battle and ensure the state complies with federal voter registration laws. Sam Hayes, the board’s executive director, said the Justice Department has “tentatively signed off” on the proposed steps.
Around half of the affected voters would only be able to cast provisional ballots if they don’t respond. Early cost estimates for the first two rounds of mailers range between $300,000 and $450,000.
While Democrats voiced concern about placing added burdens on voters, the board moved forward with the plan.
Republicans, who recently took control of the state board, say it’s a necessary move to correct longstanding gaps in voter files.
“This is an encouraging step toward restoring trust in state elections,” said Jason Simmons, North Carolina’s GOP chairman.
The voter information request comes after a significant shift in political control. A new law passed by Republicans transferred appointment power for the state and county election boards from the Democratic governor to the state auditor, a Republican.
The same law restructured county election boards, expected to give Republicans 3-2 control across the state.
