Court: Some NC legislator emails must be released

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (AP) — A federal court says North Carolina legislators aren’t required to give up emails and papers exchanged with other lawmakers and staff to those suing over the state’s election-overhaul law.

But U.S. Magistrate Judge Joi Peake said their correspondence with third parties is largely fair game.

Peake ruled Thursday on legislative confidentiality in lawsuits challenging provisions of the 2013 law. Attorneys for state officials, the U.S. government and advocacy groups are collecting evidence for next summer’s trial.

Peake said legislative privilege applies to communications between legislators and their aides but doesn’t when lawmakers are interacting with constituents or interest groups. A U.S. District judge may be asked to review her decision.

The law reduced the number of early voting days, ended same-day registration and mandates photo identification to vote in 2016.

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