Ballots Count: NC Court Ruling

The North Carolina Supreme Court reversed its prior decision striking down the state's voter ID law and congressional and legislative maps, a major victory for Republicans. The court, now with a Republican majority, reheard the cases after previously being decided by a Democratic majority. The court upheld the voter ID law, which requires voters to present photo identification at the polls, reversing its earlier ruling that the law was unconstitutionally motivated by racial discrimination. Opponents argued the law disproportionately impacts minority voters who are less likely to have acceptable forms of identification. The court also reversed its earlier ruling that deemed the state's congressional and legislative maps as illegal partisan gerrymanders. The court adopted a new standard that largely defers to the General Assembly on drawing districts, stating the judiciary's role in redistricting should be limited. This decision paves the way for the Republican-drawn maps, which are expected to give the party a significant advantage in future elections, to remain in place. Democrats and voting rights groups have criticized the rulings, arguing they will suppress voter turnout and solidify Republican power in the state. Republicans celebrated the decisions, asserting they restore the legislature's authority and uphold the will of the voters who approved the voter ID constitutional amendment. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-carolina-supreme-court-rules-213133095.html