Columbus County elections board weighs early voting site cuts

COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The Columbus County Board of Elections discussed a revised proposal Monday night that would keep three early voting sites open, instead of an earlier idea to reduce early voting to a single location.

In the last midterm election in 2022, Columbus County had sites across the county, with locations in Whiteville, Chadbourn, Tabor City, Fair Bluff, and Riegelwood.

More than 100 people attended Monday’s meeting, with many speaking during public comment. Several residents said reducing the number of early voting sites would make it harder for people to cast ballots, especially voters with limited transportation, long work hours, or physical disabilities.

Some speakers said fewer sites would disproportionately affect certain communities, including voters in lower-income areas. Others said the proposal would worsen access for Black, Hispanic, and women voters.


https://www.wect.com/2026/06/09/columbus-county-elections-board-weighs-early-voting-site-cuts/