(AURN News) — College students in North Carolina are suing state and county election officials after Republican-controlled election boards eliminated early voting sites on three college campuses — North Carolina A&T State University, Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro — just weeks before early voting begins Feb. 12 for the 2026 primary.
Students argue the move violates the First, 14th, and 26th amendments, saying it places unnecessary burdens on young voters, especially Black students who often lack cars, money or flexible schedules.
At Western Carolina University, the nearest early voting site is nearly two miles away, requiring students without vehicles to walk along a four-lane highway with no sidewalks.
The complaint cites data showing the campus sites were heavily used, particularly for same-day registration, which is only available during early voting, and that they were the only sites closed in their counties.
Students also alleged their warnings were ignored, letters were left unread, and concerns were dismissed with patronizing remarks.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
