Judge Rejects Democrats' Plea for Early Voting Sites at 3 North Carolina Universities

Ruling marks key decision on policy preferences by Republican-controlled elections boards in the state

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge has refused to order the opening of early voting sites at three public North Carolina universities, rejecting requests by the College Democrats of North Carolina and some students. U.S. District Judge William Osteen, nominated by President George W. Bush, denied a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order, stating that formally backing efforts to open the sites so close to voting could risk confusion.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the ongoing debate over voting access, particularly on college campuses, as North Carolina's election boards have shifted from Democratic to Republican majorities. The lawsuit accused the state board and county boards of violating the U.S. Constitution by not including early voting sites at Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and North Carolina A&T State University.

The details

The College Democrats of North Carolina and four voters sued in late January, arguing that without the on-campus voting sites, students will be forced to travel off-campus to vote, imposing time and money constraints. Lawyers for the boards defended the panels' actions, stating there is no requirement to retain voting sites used in previous election cycles and that site decisions were based on reasonable circumstances like parking access and past turnout.

  • Early in-person voting for the March 3 primary begins this coming Thursday.
  • The lawsuit was filed in late January 2026.

The players

William Osteen

A federal judge nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush.

College Democrats of North Carolina

An arm of the state Democratic party that sued over the lack of early voting sites at the three universities.

State Board of Elections

The state elections board, which has shifted from a Democratic to a Republican majority.

Jackson County Board

The county elections board that voted not to include an early voting site at Western Carolina University.

Guilford County Board

The county elections board that voted not to include early voting sites at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University.

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What they’re saying

“Formally backing efforts to open the sites so close to voting could risk confusion.”

— William Osteen, Federal Judge (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The decision by Judge Osteen can be appealed by the College Democrats of North Carolina and the student plaintiffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing partisan battles over voting access, particularly on college campuses, as North Carolina's election boards have shifted from Democratic to Republican control. The ruling underscores the power of Republican-led elections boards to shape voting policies, even in the face of legal challenges.