Black Voters’ Mail-Ballot Rejections Are a Warning for Democrats
- Unfamiliarity cited for 4% rejection rate in North Carolina
- State offers early glimpse into problems with mail ballot push
Absentee ballot election workers stuff ballot applications at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sept. 4.
Photographer: Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty ImagesBlack voters are seeing about 4% of their mail-in ballots initially rejected in the key swing state of North Carolina, twice the rate of White residents and a troubling sign for Democrats counting on one the party’s most loyal blocs.
As one of the first states to begin processing mail-in ballots, North Carolina offers an early glimpse into the the problems that may emerge as pandemic-wary voters across the nation try voting by mail for the first time. Because Democrats are choosing that option more than Republicans, ballot failures could cost challenger Joe Biden and benefit President Donald Trump.