GOP Reaches Deal to Remove Noncitizens from NC Voter Rolls

Agreement between RNC and state election board aims to purge ineligible voters.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the divisive political battle over voter registration.The partisan fight over voter eligibility continues, with the GOP and election officials reaching a deal to purge noncitizens from North Carolina's voter rolls.Today in Raleigh

The Republican National Committee has reached a settlement with the North Carolina State Board of Elections to remove noncitizens from the state's voter rolls. The deal resolves a lawsuit filed by the GOP over the issue.

Why it matters

This agreement highlights ongoing partisan battles over voter eligibility and registration, with Republicans pushing for stricter voter ID laws and purges of voter rolls to prevent noncitizen voting, while Democrats argue such efforts disproportionately disenfranchise minority voters.

The details

Under the settlement, the RNC and the North Carolina election board will work together to identify and remove noncitizens from the state's voter registration database, likely using jury duty opt-out forms as a data source. The agreement aims to ensure only eligible citizens are registered to vote in North Carolina.

  • The settlement was reached on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Republican National Committee

The national organization of the Republican Party, which filed the lawsuit against the North Carolina election board.

North Carolina State Board of Elections

The state agency responsible for overseeing elections in North Carolina, which agreed to the settlement with the RNC.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure the integrity of our elections by removing ineligible voters from the rolls.”

— Ronna McDaniel, Chair, Republican National Committee

“This agreement is a positive step toward protecting the democratic process in North Carolina.”

— Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections

What’s next

The North Carolina State Board of Elections will begin the process of identifying and removing noncitizens from the voter rolls in the coming weeks, with oversight from the RNC.

The takeaway

This settlement reflects the ongoing partisan battles over voter eligibility, with Republicans pushing for stricter measures to prevent noncitizen voting and Democrats arguing such efforts can disenfranchise legitimate voters. The outcome will likely have significant implications for future elections in the battleground state of North Carolina.