The first of the two election bills, House Bill 834, passed with some Democratic support in a vote of 74-35. Controversial election bill House Bill 958One of the election bills was more controversial: HB958. Early voting period: While a provision to shorten the primary early voting period from 17 to 10 days is new to House Bill 958, it’s not a novel idea. County election directors told Carolina Public Press that they were prepared for any outcome, but preferred that the general election early voting period stay intact. Some said lower turnout during primary elections would make a 10-day early voting period manageable.