NC Political News Briefs
State officials are monitoring continued drought conditions, a new defense innovation council has launched and an election rule comment deadline arrives Tuesday
North Carolina state agencies and boards enter the week with several statewide government and policy items underway. Here are three developments to watch Monday, July 13.
Statewide drought continues, nine counties in exceptional drought
Nine North Carolina counties remained in exceptional drought as of the state's July 9 update, while drought conditions continued across the state. The Department of Environmental Quality said localized heavier rain had not produced substantial statewide improvement and residents should continue following restrictions issued by local water systems.
State launches defense innovation advisory council
Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced NC ALIGN, the North Carolina Advisory Leaders for Innovation Growth in National Security, on July 9. The statewide advisory council is intended to coordinate research, technology, advanced manufacturing and commercialization efforts connected to the defense and national security sectors.
Public comment deadline nears for four election rule proposals
Tuesday, July 14, is the scheduled end of the State Board of Elections' public comment periods on proposed rules involving photo identification, recounts and voting sites. The comment period for proposed absentee voting rules was separately extended through July 16, when the board is scheduled to hold a public hearing in Raleigh.
The State Board's most recent press release remains its July 1 warning about bulk voter registration mailings. Its press release page shows no newer election action as of the July 13 sweep.
