STATEMENT FROM ROCK THE VOTE PRESIDENT ASHLEY SPILLANE ON COURT’S DECISION TO UPHOLD NORTH CAROLINA VOTER ID LAWS
“Despite the efforts of many to ensure that the 26th Amendment – which gives 18-year-olds the right to vote – protects young people against laws and policies designed to make it harder for them to vote, the court chose to ignore the irreparable harm being caused by an infringement on the constitutional rights of America’s youth by allowing NC HB589 to remain in effect in spite of the student’s request. Rock the Vote is deeply disappointed by the court’s decision which allows HB589 to remain in place even though it disproportionately impacts young people’s right to vote in the state of North Carolina.
By eliminating same-day voter registration, pre-registration of 16- and 17-year- olds, and mandatory highschool registration drives, North Carolina has sanctioned discrimination against the country’s youngest, largest and most diverse generation.
Rock the Vote strongly opposes NC HB 589, and will continue to fight on behalf of America’s young adults to ensure that their voting rights are protected.”