Testimony is set to continue in a federal courtroom today where plaintiffs are asking a judge to halt part of the state's new voter law. Former Guilford County Board of Elections Director George Gilbert will be on the stand when the court returns from recess.
He testified Monday that expanded early voting in the state led to an increase in African American voters, a smoother Election Day process and even savings for Guilford County of as much as $3 million.
Lawyers for the Plaintiffs are trying to establish the benefits of early voting as they challenge a new state law. That measure went into effect earlier this year.
The law reduces the number of early voting days from 17 to 10, eliminates same-day voter registration and eliminates pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds.
The U.S. Justice Department, NAACP and Southern Coalition for Social Justice say the law targets African-Americans.
Defense attorneys for the state say there is no evidence of intent to discriminate by the state legislature. They also contend that since going into effect the new law has caused no issues and reversing it now would create unnecessary problems. Testimony is expected to continue until Thursday.
