Wake County early voting site. Andy Jackson, director of the John Locke Foundation’s Civitas Center for Public Integrity, argues that shortening the early-voting period would reduce the financial and administrative burden on county election boards. “Early voting is not free,” Jackson said. “County election boards must stretch their budgets to cover personnel, equipment, and, in some cases, short-term facility rentals. “NC Senate passes election bills shortening early voting, adding audits” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.