Vote early, in English


A bill to allow voters to register the weekend before an election passed the Senate.

During debate Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger proposed an amendment that would require ballots and registration forms for early voters be printed in English.

After the amendment passed, Democrats cut off debate and passed the bill, 33-15. Four Republicans — Sens. Stan Bingham, Pete Brunstetter, Fletcher Hartsell and Richard Stevens — joined Democrats in voting for the bill.

Bob Hall, research director for the campaign finance reform group Democracy North Carolina, said the English-only rule would discourage U.S. citizens who prefer Spanish.

"It's like they're trying to score political points," Hall said. "It's all political posturing." (AP)

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