Debate Heats Up in Federal Court Regarding NC's Voting Law

NC attorneys claim all residents have equal access to voting, but many disagree.

July 8 marks day two in the federal lawsuit against North Carolina over its new voting law.

The state General Assembly passed the Voter Verification Information Act last August. Provisions include: a shortened early voting period, no same day registration and in 2016, voters will be required to use a photo ID. The state says this law prevents voter fraud. Meanwhile, the state's NAACP chapter and several civil rights groups are trying to stop further use of the law because they say it discriminates against minorities.

In a partnership between WFDD and the Winston-Salem Journal, Legal Affairs reporter Michael Hewlett is covering the proceedings with updates during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. He spoke with WFDD's Kathryn Mobley and summed up opening arguments on Monday, July 7.