Stories like these demonstrate that North Carolina elections laws need to be stronger. Thankfully, last week the North Carolina General Assembly passed two of the most sweeping elections bills in recent history. County residents would gain the ability to challenge early voting ballots, and petitioners appealing a NC Board of Elections decision could take their case to the NC Superior Court in their own geographic area. Early voting would remain at 17 days for general elections but would be shortened to 10 days for primaries, second primaries and municipal elections — a change intended to save counties money and staffing resources during periods when early voting turnout tends to be lowest. Overcash, Hise and Daniel in the NC Senate, election integrity is protected in North Carolina, contingent on the governor’s signature.