Local Politics
NC Gov. Stein Urges In-Person Voting Amid Mail Ballot Rejection Surge
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein urged voters to cast ballots in person on Tuesday, citing a surge in mail-in ballot rejections linked to new sealing requirements approved by the State Board of Elections. While Stein claimed rejection rates doubled compared to 2022, state officials reported only a slight increase, with preliminary data showing a spoiled ballot rate of 3.1% versus 2.6% in 2022. County-level reports from Wake, Mecklenburg, Guilford, and Johnston indicated rejection rates for sealing deficiencies ranging from approximately 2% to 4.6%. Voters are advised to ensure both inner and outer envelopes are sealed or to vote early in person to avoid disenfranchisement.