Cooper signs bill easing NC absentee ballot access during pandemic

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper has signed into law legislation providing money to help run North Carolina elections safely and securely during the COVID-19 pandemic and making it easier to cast mail-in absentee ballots this fall.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

The governor signed the bill on Friday, the day after the House and Senate gave final legislative approval to the bipartisan measure.

The law is designed to prepare for a spike in demand for absentee ballots from people at higher risk of developing complications from the new coronavirus.

Officials said there is also more than $27 million that would go to election boards for equipment and security upgrades as well as personal protective equipment at in-person voting sites.

Voting with Q-tips? COVID-19 will make primary day different in SC Voting with Q-tips? COVID-19 will make primary day different in SC

© 2020 Cox Media Group