From Newsweek · · 1m 50s
Mail Ballot Rejections Rise Under GOP Rules
North Carolina's mail voting rules cause more rejected ballots than 2022.
In brief
North Carolina's mail voting rules cause more rejected ballots than 2022. North Carolina's new mail voting rules lead to higher ballot rejections than 2022, with 3.1% rejected this year versus 2.6% in 2022. Originally reported by Newsweek.
North Carolina Governor Warns
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein says new Republican-backed voting rules are causing more rejected mail ballots than in 2022.
“It’s infuriating, north carolinians, please make a plan to vote this year, in person if possible.”
State Board Reports Slight Increase
State Board of Elections spokesperson says preliminary data shows only a slight increase in spoiled ballot rates compared to 2022.
“Preliminary state board data shows a slight increase in spoiled ballot rates in 2026 (3.1%) compared to 2022 (2.6%) at this stage in each election”
New Voting Rules Require Sealed Envelopes
New rules require voters to place completed ballots in sealed inner envelopes before outer envelopes and limit who can assist with ballots to 'near-relatives'.
“a requirement that voters place their completed ballot inside a sealed inner envelope before placing it inside an outer envelope”
Democracy Docket Reports High Rejection Rates
Democracy Docket reports some Democratic areas in North Carolina see absentee ballot rejection rates as high as 7 or 8 percent.
“some democratic strongholds in north carolina are seeing absentee ballot rejection rates as high as 7 or 8 percent”
Common Cause Data Shows 3 Percent Rejection
Common Cause North Carolina data shows 3 percent of ballots rejected statewide, double the 2022 rate of 1.5 percent.
“ballots were so far being rejected at a rate of around 3 percent”
Estimated Ballots Thrown Out
If 3 percent of ballots are rejected statewide, about 3,942 ballots would be thrown out.
“if 3 percent of ballots statewide are rejected it would mean about 3942 ballots thrown out”
Wake County Reports 2.5 Percent Rejection
Wake County Board of Elections reports 2.5 percent of absentee ballots rejected due to unsealed inner envelopes.
“2.5 percent of absentee ballots were being rejected because voters had failed to seal the inner envelope”
Voter Advice for Mail Ballots
Voters are advised to seal both envelopes on mail ballots and ensure proper witnessing to avoid rejection.
“make sure you seal both envelopes on your ballot don’t let them take away your vote”
North Carolina Senate Race
Michael Whatley, a Trump ally, faces Roy Cooper in a critical Senate race for North Carolina.
“he will face whatley a staunch trump ally and former republican national committee chairman”
Dolly Parton Reports Voting Issues
Dolly Parton's sister Stella reported trouble casting her ballot in Tennessee due to voting machine errors.
“i finally called over a poll worker when my ballot kept flipping to the wrong candidate on the third try”
The short version
North Carolina's new mail voting rules lead to higher ballot rejections than 2022, with 3.1% rejected this year versus 2.6% in 2022.
