WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 24, 2026) — Three voting rights organizations announced their appeal today of the recent federal court decision upholding restrictions to same-day registration in Senate Bill 747 (SB 747), which targeted the voices of North Carolina’s youngest voters and unnecessarily put their ballots at risk of rejection based on administrative processes outside their control.
Plaintiffs Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina are represented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) and pro bono counsel Steptoe LLP and McDermott Will & Schulte LLP. They contend the court’s recent decision did not apply the proper legal analysis to fully consider the realities facing college students and first-time voters in North Carolina, who are already grappling with increased barriers to the ballot, including limited student voter ID availability and crackdowns on early voting sites on college campuses.
Young voters are an increasingly powerful voice in North Carolina elections. If the targeted, coordinated efforts to suppress their participation, as documented in the trial record, are allowed to stand, their votes and their future lifelong civic engagement will be jeopardized. The plaintiffs will continue to fight to ensure every eligible voter has their voice protected from these threats.
Media Contacts:
Melissa Boughton, SCSJ | melissa@scsj.org | 830-481-6901
Joselle Torres, Democracy NC | press@democracync.org | 919-908-7930
Michelle Moreno-Silva, LWV | media@lwv.org
Renee Saddler, NC Black Alliance | rsaddler@ncblackalliance.org | 919-578-1913
Sara Baysinger | baysinger@lwvnc.org | 917-855-8623
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Southern Coalition for Social Justice, founded in 2007, partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities in the South to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights through the combination of legal advocacy, research, organizing, and communications. Learn more at southerncoalition.org and follow our work on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
North Carolina Black Alliance (NCBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works toward state-level transformative change by fostering intentional collaboration with Black elected officials, community partners and progressive grassroots organizations. Our core work focuses on voting rights, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, access to health care, education equality and economic empowerment. Learn more at www.ncblackalliance.org.
Democracy North Carolina is a statewide nonpartisan organization that strengthens democratic structures, builds power among disenfranchised communities, and inspires confidence in a transformed political process that works for all. Learn more at www.democracync.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. With active Leagues in all 50 states and more than 750 Leagues across the country, we engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote. Learn more at LWVNC.org and LWV.org.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
