WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (July 25, 2025) — A federal judge has denied lawmakers’ requests to prevent trial in a lawsuit filed by civil rights groups asserting Senate Bill 747 (SB 747) intentionally discriminates against young North Carolinians and unlawfully infringes on the fundamental right to vote.
The case — filed by Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) and pro bono counsel Steptoe LLP on behalf of Plaintiffs Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, and League of Women Voters of North Carolina — will proceed to trial in October in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in Winston-Salem.
Read the decision here.
SB 747, which was passed in October 2023, changed North Carolina’s same-day registration law to a system that all but guarantees eligible voters will have their ballots disqualified through no fault of their own. The North Carolina General Assembly enacted SB 747’s changes to the mail verification process despite well-documented difficulties for young voters, including college students, to have their mail delivered reliably. As evidence suggests, they also enacted these changes at the behest of activists who want to limit or outright eliminate student voting.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas D. Schroeder rejected lawmakers’ motion for summary judgement, which argued Plaintiffs had no evidence supporting their claims. He found Plaintiffs had submitted more than sufficient evidence to advance to trial, both about whether the passage of SB 747 was motivated by discriminatory animus against young voters and the degree to which it places undue burdens on North Carolina voters.
Schroeder also rejected lawmakers’ argument that the lawsuit was moot because of a settlement in a related case. Schroeder ruled, however, that Plaintiffs could still obtain additional remedies should they prevail on their claims, such as invalidating parts of SB 747 if proven to be intentionally discriminatory against young voters. The Court ruled that this possibility of further relief (beyond that required by the settlement) gave Plaintiffs a continued interest in pursuing their claims.
“We are pleased the Court recognized that the evidence in this case warrants a trial,” said Jeff Loperfido, Chief Counsel for Voting Rights at SCSJ. “We look forward to presenting that evidence showing how SB 747 actually came to be, what motivated its passage, and how the law unfairly burdens voters.”
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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.
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.
