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National Democrats are rallying opposition to a North Carolina bill calling it a "poll tax."

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is asking supporters to sign a petition against Senate bill 666, which would prohibit parents from claiming a dependent deduction for children who register to vote elsewhere. The bill is particularly aimed at college students.

The DLCC called it GOP voter suppression and a "student voter tax."


"We still need your help to stop North Carolina Republicans’ outrageous Poll Tax bill," Dave Griggs, the DLCC deputy national field director wrote. "Democrats must mobilize to defeat these voter suppression tactics before it’s too late – please sign our petition standing up for North Carolina voting rights!"

People for the American Way, a liberal advocacy group, opposes a bill that would erect financial hurdles to families of college students when the kids vote in the cities and towns where they attend school.

Senate bill 667 would prevent parents from claiming their children as tax exemptions if their children are registered to vote at an address other than their parents' address. Voting addresses would have to match vehicle registration addresses.

In a letter to bill sponsors, Sens. Bill Cook, Norman Sanderson, and Ronald Rabin, PFAW said the bill "puts the rights of North Carolinians under attack."

"Youth and student voters who move frequently already have to navigate a confusing patchwork of voting laws. Those choosing to reregister while living and learning at institutions of higher education should not face a tax penalty for participating in our democracy, nor should their parents."

Several Republican senators have introduced a bill that would bar parents from claiming a tax deduction for a dependent child who registers to vote where he or she attends college.

“We are simply equalizing the playing field for all voters in our state,” said Senators Bill Cook of Chocowinity, Ronald Rabin of Spring Lake, and Norman Sanderson of Havelock, the bill's sponsor said in a statement.

Senate Democratic leader Martin Nesbitt of Asheville has criticized the measure. “Apparently the Republicans are turning to use the tax code to keep young people from voting at their poll of choice,” Nesbitt said.

Other Democrat's described it as a “poll tax,” because people would have to pay more taxes, based on where their children cast their ballots.

Two new bills filed Thursday would change the way North Carolinians vote.

The state's early voting period would be shortened and Sunday voting eliminated under one bill. The bill from House Majority Leader Edgar Starnes of Caldwell County also would eliminate straight-ticket voting and same-day registration. And it would make non-partisan judicial elections partisan.

The bill could help Republicans.

It would lop a week off the early voting period, which Democrats have used more successfully than Republicans. It would also stop straight-ticket voting. Democrats cast 300,000 more straight tickets than Republicans in 2012. And by ending Sunday voting, it would stop the heavily Democratic "Souls to the Polls" efforts to get voters out after Sunday church services.

A bill introduced by Senate Rules Chairman Tom Apodaca of Hendersonville would eliminate public financing of judicial and other statewide races now eligible for it. --Jim Morrill, Observer staff writer

After two weeks of early voting, there have been almost daily complaints about intimidation, aggressive campaigning and attempts to misinform voters.

While every presidential election has its share of discord, State Elections director Gary Bartlett said long lines and partisan tensions have led to an increased number of complaints to his office and to county election officials. Election officials are spending much of their debunking rumors. Full story here.

More political headlines:

--Democratic lawmaker Martha Alexander's race has become a magnet for money – not only from the Republican Party, but from outside groups. Now, it’s one of Mecklenburg’s two contested House races and one of about a dozen in the state that Republicans are targeting – and bankrolling – in hopes of increasing their House majority.

Democracy NC's Adam Sotak and FairVote's Rob Richie make the case for instant runoff voting: "North Carolina’s primary election on May 8 saw a high turnout, with nearly three times as many voters showing up as in 2010’s primary.

Unfortunately, the primary runoff elections on Tuesday will likely drop to single digit turnout – yet cost N.C. taxpayers well over $4 million. Most of the winners of the 15 runoffs for statewide, congressional and legislative primaries likely will receive fewer votes than their races’ losers received in May." Read the full piece here.

It's common knowledge that state lawmakers vote wrong all the time. And thanks to WSOC-TV in Charlotte, we know exactly how often: 426 times in this legislative term.

As The News & Observer noted last year, Republican leaders who were intent on ending session quickly loaded the legislative calendar with bills and exacerbated the problem.

Not all situations end like Becky Carney's accidental vote to override the governor's veto of a fracking bill -- which is drawing renewed attention to the mistaken button-pushing. The Charlotte Democrat wasn't able to change her vote, House leaders said, because it affected the result. 

Carney claimed it was the first time she voted wrong but WSOC found eight times this session where she changed her vote after the fact.

Dome interupts regular programming for this public service announcement: Go vote! With the political calendar moving quickly this year, we forgot to mention that early voting for the July runoff election started today. 

Here's AP's helpful reminder: A statewide election is getting under way though most North Carolina voters may be unaware. Early voting begins Thursday for the state's second primary election. The one-stop voting option continues until July 14, with election day on July 17. (Given the low interest, election officials cut back the number of early voting places, so check here on where to vote.)

Voters are confused about the constitutional amendment on marriage, but state election officials sent out reminders to local elections office Monday morning that precinct workers should not try to explain it.

State Elections Director Gary Bartlett said a report out of Robeson County had a poll worker telling a voter this: "You vote for it if you believe in a man and a woman marrying rather than a man and a man marrying."

It's not appropriate for poll workers to come up with their own interpretations, Bartlett said, so voters should be referred to the official explanation posted on the State Board of Elections web site.

It's hard to imagine how a voter would consult a web site while casting a ballot. For those who want to study in advance, here is the ballot wording and the official explanation below.

In his column this week, Rob Christensen has a new title for the 13th Congressional District Republican contest: the Jesse Helms primary.

The two major candidates Paul Coble and George Holding, are running as sort of the 21st-century heirs to the former U.S. senator and conservative icon. Coble could literally be Helms’ heir, since he is Helms’ nephew. If Coble has Helms’ genes, Holding owes his career to Helms. He worked as an aide to Helms, who got Holding his job as U.S. attorney. Read more here.