Senate Bill 382 provides hurricane relief but has adverse effects on voting, judicial seats and more

The N.C. House of Representatives voted 72-46 last week to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 382, the bill which directs millions toward Hurricane Helene disaster relief, but also weakens the power of several elected positions held by Democrats. Parts of the bill make changes to the voting process and eliminate two judicial seats held by Democrats, including one here in Forsyth County. While many Republican lawmakers are selling Senate Bill 382 to voters on the $227 million that will go toward Hurricane Helene relief funds, it also contains a long list of changes that directly impact Governor-elect Josh Stein, newly elected Lieutenant Gov. Rachel Hunt, incoming Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green. The law also impacts voters by making changes to election deadlines and creates two special superior court judge positions which eliminates judge seats in Forsyth and Wake counties. Here’s a rundown of some of the changes outlined in the new law: *Transfers State Board of Elections from Secretary of State to the State Auditor *Changes appointment authority of members on State Board of Elections from the Governor to State Auditor *Weakens the Governor’s ability to fill vacancies on the...