New Hanover Co. Board of Elections approves new plan for early voting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It was standing room only as folks packed the room to speak out this evening about early voting plans in New Hanover County.

Dozens took the time to give their remarkd before the board of elections on what they believed was the right choice for the county. Things quickly got spirited.

“I’m very much against Sunday voting because it is the day of our Lord,” said William Moore.

“This is wrong. And they know it, the community knows, and the world knows it,” said Derrick Anderson.

For some, extending voting days, locations, or even times seems unnecessary.

“Where I came from in New York we had over 16 million people, 8 million in New York and we did one day voting,” said Moore.

While others see that not doing so is restricting voter rights.

“All this is is a matter of voter suppression. It’s Jim Crowe 2.0,” said Anderson.

As the public hearing went on, folks became more and more outspoken. After everyone had been heard, the board deliberated.

At first they were unable to come to a consensus, with each of the three members voting for a different plan. In the end however, in a vote of two to one, the board approved a plan that would have four additional voting locations with 464 total hours for those sites and no Sunday voting.