Another demonstration on Halifax Mall led to 73 arrests Monday night. It was the 12th Moral Monday event protesting the Republican-led General Assembly.
This demonstration centered on what protestors called undue cuts to education and a bill that would change voting requirements. Protesters said they don't like the provision in the voter ID bill that would cut back on early voting.
"That’s ridiculous. That’s absolutely ridiculous," said Antoinette Joyner of Winston-Salem.
"It’s more people who can’t get off of work and register to vote so to do same day registration and early voting helps more people to be able to vote."
Supporters of the measure say it will prevent voter fraud.
State House leaders moved their typical Monday night session from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m., leaving protesters singing and chanting in a largely empty building. Police made no moves to force the crowd out until state NAACP president Rev. William Barber told protesters to sit on the floor, signaling they intended to stay. The group has been organizing weekly protests since April. More than 900 have been arrested.
The Legislature is scheduled to begin debate and vote Tuesday on both a final budget and the voter ID bill.