What is the “voter roll purge”?

The voter roll purge is a process used by election officials in North Carolina to ensure the accuracy of voter rolls. The process is sometimes referred to as “list maintenance” and is intended to prevent voter fraud, improve the accuracy of voter records, and ensure that only eligible voters are allowed to participate in elections. The voter roll purge process in North Carolina is triggered when registered voters fail to vote in two consecutive federal election cycles. When this occurs, the voter is flagged for a “list maintenance” process. Election officials then send notice to the impacted voter, informing them that their voter registration will be canceled if they do not respond within 30 days. If the voter does not respond, then their name is removed from the voter rolls. It is important to note, however, that status as a registered voter can be restored if the voter re-registers. The voter roll purge is a critical part of ensuring the accuracy of North Carolina’s voter rolls, but it has been the subject of some controversy. Critics of the process have argued that it disproportionately impacts certain demographic groups or that it serves as a tool for voter suppression. Supporters, however, contend that the process is necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

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