Merged PDFs (To Include Exhibits) - NC A. Phillip Randolph Institute and Action NC COMPLAINT FOR FILING - Final PDF

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH CAROLINA A. PHILIP RANDOLPH

INSTITUTE and ACTION NC,
Civil Action No.
Plaintiffs,
_______________________
v.
THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF

ELECTIONS; DAMON CIRCOSTA, in his official
capacity as CHAIR OF THE STATE BOARD OF
ELECTIONS; STELLA ANDERSON, in her
official capacity as SECRETARY OF THE STATE COMPLAINT FOR
BOARD OF ELECTIONS; JEFF CARMON III, in DECLARATORY AND
his official capacity as MEMBER OF THE STATE INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
BOARD OF ELECTIONS; KAREN BRINSON
BELL, in her official capacity as EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF THE STATE BOARD OF
ELECTIONS; and JOSH STEIN, in his official
capacity as ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Defendants.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1
JURISDICTION & VENUE ............................................................................................ 5
PARTIES ......................................................................................................................... 6
STATEMENT OF FACTS ............................................................................................. 10
I. North Carolina’s Strict Liability Voting Law Was Enacted for the Specific
Purpose of Deterring Black Individuals From Attempting to Vote. ...................... 10
A. In 1899, the North Carolina General Assembly reenacted the Strict

Liability Voting Law with unequivocal discriminatory intent. .................. 14
B. The key features of the Strict Liability Voting Law have remained
intact since 1899. ...................................................................................... 19
II. North Carolina’s Strict Liability Voting Law Disproportionately Impacts

Black Individuals................................................................................................. 27
III. The Strict Liability Voting Law Fails to Provide Fair Notice of Criminal
Liability. .............................................................................................................. 33
IV. The Strict Liability Voting Law Deters Eligible Individuals From Voting. .......... 43
V. The Strict Liability Voting Law Impedes Plaintiffs’ Efforts to Carry Out
Their Missions. .................................................................................................... 51
VI. Expedited Relief Is Necessary to Ensure That Eligible Individuals With

Criminal Convictions Do Not Refrain From Voting in the Presidential
Election. .............................................................................................................. 52
CLAIMS ........................................................................................................................ 53
COUNT ONE ...................................................................................................... 53
COUNT TWO ..................................................................................................... 56
PRAYER FOR RELIEF ................................................................................................. 58
i
INTRODUCTION
1. This lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-
275(5) (the “Strict Liability Voting Law”), a racially discriminatory relic of the
nineteenth century that imposes stringent criminal penalties on voting by North Carolina
residents who are on parole, probation or post-release supervision for a felony
conviction—even if those individuals mistakenly believe they are eligible to vote.
Violating the Strict Liability Voting Law is a Class I felony that carries a penalty of up
two years in prison. N.C. GEN. STAT. § 15A-1340.17.1 Under this vague and confusing
law, and with grossly inadequate efforts by Defendants in this matter to provide
constitutionally-adequate notice to voters of potential violations of the law, mistakenly
voting in North Carolina can and does result in criminal prosecution.
2. The Strict Liability Voting Law was originally enacted in 1877 with an
intent to disenfranchise Black voters. See 1876–77 N.C. Sess. Laws 537. In 1899, the
North Carolina General Assembly (the “General Assembly”) reenacted the Strict
Liability Voting Law almost verbatim in a broad legislative initiative to suppress the
Black vote and reinstate white control throughout the state. See 1899 N.C. Sess. Laws
681. Despite the law’s racist roots, the General Assembly has never amended the key
1
See also Deposition of Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina
State Board of Elections (“Bell Dep.”), Community Success Initiative v. Moore, No. 19-
CVS-15941 (N.C. Super. Ct. July 16, 2020) (“CSI”), (Exhibit 1), at 127:4–9 (Q: “Ms.
Bell, do you understand that under the current law, if a person votes while on felony
probation or post-release supervision, that’s a crime for which a person can face up to
two years in prison? A: That is my understanding, yes.”).
1
features of the Strict Liability Voting Law. It has remained on the books meaningfully
unchanged since 1899.
3. Virtually every other election crime punishable as a Class I felony in North
Carolina requires intent. See, e.g., N.C. GEN. STAT. §§ 163-275(1, 3, 4, 7–9). But “felon
voting is a strict liability offense, and thus a felon may be convicted of a crime even if he
or she does not know that voting while serving an active sentence is wrongful.”2 The
North Carolina State Board of Elections (“NCSBE”) has recognized that violations of the
Strict Liability Voting Law are almost always unintentional, and “education and
understanding of state law appear to be the primary problem.”3
4. Nevertheless, District Attorneys in North Carolina have and are prosecuting
voters for violations of the Strict Liability Voting Law. In Alamance and Hoke Counties,
as just two examples, District Attorneys have prosecuted sixteen North Carolina
residents, thirteen of whom are Black, for violating the State’s draconian Strict Liability
Law.4 These high-profile criminal cases, as well as the vague wording of the Strict
2
Post-Election Audit Report: General Election 2016, North Carolina State Board of
Elections (Apr. 21, 2017) (“Post-Election Audit Report”), (Exhibit 2), at 3.
3
Id. at 5.
4
See Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1) at 129:24-131:2; Jack Healy, “Arrested, Jailed and Charged
with a Felony. For Voting,” N.Y. TIMES (Aug. 2, 2018),
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/us/arrested-voting-north-carolina.html; Gilbert
Braez, “Convicted felons charged with illegally voting in Hoke,” WRAL.com (Aug. 1,
2019), https://www.wral.com/convicted-felons-charged-with-illegally-voting-in-
hoke/18545541/.
2
Liability Law, have chilled countless eligible voters with criminal convictions from
exercising their right to cast a ballot. Leaders of nonprofit organizations that serve
individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system have attested to this de facto
disenfranchisement. For example, Diana Powell, the Executive Director of Justice Served
N.C., has testified that “[m]any of [the organization’s] clients have expressed to [her] that
they are afraid to be prosecuted for inadvertently voting before they have completed their
full probation or post-release sentence. . . . These men and women remain incredibly
fearful of casting a ballot even after their voting rights have been restored.”5
5. Justice Served N.C., together with the Community Success Initiative and
the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, recently brought suit in Wake
County Superior Court challenging the State’s post-incarceration criminal
disenfranchisement scheme under various provisions of the North Carolina State
Constitution. On September 4, 2020, the Wake County Superior Court issued a decision
enjoining the NCSBE and other State defendants “from preventing a person convicted of
a felony from registering to vote and exercising their right to vote if that person’s only
remaining barrier to” sentence completion “is the payment of a monetary amount.”6
5
Affidavit of Diana Powell (“Powell Aff.”), CSI (May 6, 2020) at ¶ 21,
https://forwardjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Jacobson-Decl.-and-
Exhibits_US_167801403_2-1.pdf.
6
Order on Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, CSI (Sept. 4, 2020), at 10,
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7202706/19-CVS-15941-Order-on-Plt-
MPI.pdf.
3
North Carolina residents who have completed all aspects of their sentences except for the
full payment of fines, fees and restitution are now eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential
election and beyond. Despite this injunction, however, individuals with only outstanding
financial obligations in connection with a felony conviction might and indeed will opt not
to vote because of the fear of criminal prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law.
6. The Strict Liability Voting Law not only harms voters, but it also impedes
the essential work of organizations such as the North Carolina A. Philip Randolph
Institute and Action NC, the plaintiffs in this action (collectively, “Plaintiffs”). These
organizations are dedicated to increasing political participation by residents of North
Carolina through voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote efforts. However, the
specter of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law has substantially impeded
Plaintiffs’ efforts to carry out their missions.
7. “As Election Day approaches, it’s essential to remember that consequences
of [unjust voting-related] prosecutions . . . radiate far beyond the defendant, making
entire communities question whether it’s worth the risk to engage in one of the most
sacred rights in a democratic society.”7 Plaintiffs respectfully ask this Court to expedite
adjudication of this case in light of the upcoming presidential election.
7
Josie Duffy Rice, “How to Punish Voters,” N.Y. TIMES (Oct. 31, 2018),
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/31/opinion/election-voting-rights-fraud-
prosecutions.html.
4
8. Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the Strict Liability Voting Law violates the
Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution; preliminary and permanent injunctive relief enjoining enforcement of
the Strict Liability Voting Law; and such other and further relief as this Court deems just
and proper.
JURISDICTION & VENUE
9. This action is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
10. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to
28 U.S.C. § 1331 (federal question jurisdiction) and 28 U.S.C. § 1343 (civil rights
jurisdiction) because this case arises under the United States Constitution and seeks
equitable and other relief for the deprivation of constitutional rights under color of state
law.
11. This Court has personal jurisdiction over all of the Defendants, as each is
either a state government entity or a state government official in North Carolina.
12. This Court is authorized to grant declaratory and injunctive relief pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202 and Rule 57 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
13. This Court is authorized to award attorneys’ fees and costs under 42 U.S.C.
§ 1988(b) and 28 U.S.C. § 1920.
14. Venue is properly set within the United States District Court for the Middle
District of North Carolina pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(1).
5
PARTIES
Plaintiffs
15. Plaintiff NORTH CAROLINA A. PHILIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE (“NC
APRI”) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and is the North Carolina division of the
national A. Philip Randolph Institute, the senior constituency group of the AFL-CIO
dedicated to advancing racial equality and economic justice. APRI grew out of the legacy
of African-American trade unionists’ advocacy for civil rights and the passage of the
federal Voting Rights Act and continues to advocate for social, political and economic
justice for all working Americans. NC APRI is a statewide organization with local
chapters across the state. Its chapters are located in Durham, Greensboro, the Piedmont,
Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids and Fayetteville. NC APRI has members who are registered
voters across North Carolina. To advance its core mission of advancing racial equality,
NC APRI works to increase access to the polls, voter registration and voter education,
particularly among working class African Americans. It distributes nonpartisan voter
guides and hosts phone banks to encourage voter participation. APRI also organizes
transportation to the polls throughout the early voting period, concentrating its efforts in
predominantly African-American neighborhoods, and encourages first-time registration
during the early voting period using same-day registration. NC APRI engaged in these
efforts in 36 North Carolina counties in 2012. The Strict Liability Voting Law has
substantially impeded the NC APRI’s ability to carry out its mission with respect to
Black community members with criminal convictions. NC-APRI has had difficulty
6
persuading eligible Black individuals with criminal convictions to register to vote and
vote, because of their fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law. That is,
the law has rendered it practically impossible for the organization to accomplish a central
component of its mission – registering these individuals to vote and encouraging them to
then vote. Moreover, in certain cases, NC APRI has been forced to decline requests from
Black community members with felony convictions for guidance on voter eligibility
requirements and assistance with registering to vote and voting, due to the risk of
inadvertent violations of the Strict Liability Voting Law. NC APRI has instead forwarded
those requests along to organizations with expertise in the laws governing voting after a
felony conviction. NC APRI has also been forced to divert time, money and resources
from its voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities to educate volunteers on the
potential risks of registering an individual with a felony conviction, and to caution
community members on the potential risks of voting after a felony conviction before
sentence completion.
16. Plaintiff ACTION NC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on
reducing the root causes of poverty, underdevelopment, and social and economic
inequality in North Carolina. Action NC operates through three regional offices in
Charlotte, Durham, and Raleigh. Issues that Action NC works on include voter
participation, education, immigration, health care, fair and affordable housing, and
neighborhood organizing. As part of its mission of community engagement and
empowerment, Action NC is committed to increasing voter participation in North

7
Carolina’s low-income communities, by, among other activities, conducting voter
registration drives in neighborhoods and at public sites, generating and distributing issue-
based materials in low-income neighborhoods, and hosting public presentations on issues
related to elections and voting in these neighborhoods. The Strict Liability Voting Law
has substantially impeded the Action NC’s ability to carry out its mission with respect to
community members with criminal convictions. Action NC has had difficulty persuading
eligible North Carolina residents with criminal convictions to register to vote and vote,
because of their fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law. Moreover,
Action NC fears violating N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-275(13), which imposes criminal
penalties on third-party voter registration groups for violations of North Carolina’s
election laws, should they register voters who might ultimately be liable for voting in
violation of the Strict Liability Voting Law.
Defendants
17. Defendant the NCSBE is the agency responsible for the administration of
the election laws of the State of North Carolina. The NCSBE oversees the county boards
of elections. N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-22(c). The NCSBE is also responsible for
maintaining the State’s “official list of registered voters,” and ensuring that only
individuals who are eligible to vote are on that list. Id. § 163-82.11(a, c). The NCSBE
drafts the State’s voter registration and other voting-related materials. Id. §§ 163-22(e),
163-82.3(a). The NCSBE is statutorily obligated to “investigate when necessary or
8
advisable, the administration of election laws, frauds and irregularities in elections in any
county and municipality and special district[.]” Id. § 163-22(d).
18. Defendant DAMON CIRCOSTA is the Chair of the NCSBE. Mr. Circosta
is sued in his official capacity.
19. Defendant STELLA ANDERSON is the Secretary of the NCSBE. Ms.
Anderson is sued in her official capacity.
20. Defendant JEFF CARMON III is a Member of the NCSBE. Mr. Carmon is
sued in his official capacity.
21. Defendant KAREN BRINSON BELL is the Executive Director of the
NCSBE. Ms. Brinson is sued in her official capacity.
22. Defendant JOSH STEIN is the Attorney General of the State of North
Carolina (“Attorney General”). He is sued in his official capacity. The Attorney General
is statutorily authorized to receive reports of “violations of the election laws” from the
NCSBE “for further investigation and prosecution.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-22(d). The
Attorney General is also statutorily obligated to advise the NCSBE on the preparation of
the State’s Voter Registration Application and other voting and election-related forms,
upon request by the NCSBE.8 The Attorney General is also statutorily required “[t]o
8
N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-22(e) (“In the preparation of ballots, pollbooks, abstract and
return forms, and all other forms [including the State’s Voter Registration Application],
the State Board of Elections may call to its aid the Attorney General of the State, and it
shall be the duty of the Attorney General to advise and aid in the preparation of these
books, ballots and forms.”).
9
consult with and advise” the State’s District Attorneys “when requested by them, in all
matters pertaining to the duties of their office.” Id. § 114-2(4). Moreover, the Attorney
General may authorize attorneys in the Special Prosecution Division of the Office of the
Attorney General “to prosecute or assist in the prosecution of criminal cases when
requested to do so by a district attorney.” Id. § 114-11.6.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
I. North Carolina’s Strict Liability Voting Law Was Enacted for the Specific
Purpose of Deterring Black Individuals From Attempting to Vote.
23. Before the Civil War, the North Carolina Constitution explicitly denied
voting rights in State elections to free Black men. See N.C. CONST. art. I, Section 3, § 3
(1835) (“No free negro, free mulatto, or free person of mixed blood, descended from
negro ancestors to the fourth generation inclusive, (though one ancestor of each
generation may have been a white person,) shall vote for members of the Senate or House
of Commons.”).9
24. Because Black individuals had no right to vote, North Carolina’s pre-Civil
War criminal disenfranchisement law applied only to white individuals. That law did not
disenfranchise individuals convicted of all felonies. Rather, only individuals convicted of
9
The complete text of North Carolina’s 1835 Constitution is included in “North Carolina
Constitutional Convention, Journal of the Convention, Called by the Freemen of North-
Carolina, to Amend the Constitution of the State, Which Assembled in the City of
Raleigh, on the 4th of June, 1835, and Continued in Session Until the 11th Day of July
Thereafter” (Raleigh: J. Gales and Son, 1835),
https://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/conv1835/conv1835.html.
10
“infamous crimes” were disenfranchised in North Carolina.10 Disenfranchised individuals
could regain their right to vote by petitioning the Superior Court of Law to restore their
rights of citizenship.11
25. After the Civil War, North Carolinians seized on the State’s criminal
disenfranchisement law to limit Black suffrage. In 1867, during the debates on the
Reconstruction Act, Representative Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania reported that he
had “received information from gentlemen connected with the Freedmen’s Bureau . . .
that in North Carolina and other States where punishment at the whipping-post deprives
the person of the right to vote, they are now every day whipping negroes for a thousand
and one trivial offenses.”12 Representative Stevens stated that “in one county . . . they had
whipped every adult male negro who they knew of. They were all convicted and
sentenced at once . . . for the purpose of preventing these negroes from voting under the
bills which have been passed.”13
26. In 1868, North Carolina adopted a new constitution (“1868 Constitution”)
that granted the right to vote, without regard to race, to “[e]very male person born in the
10
See 1840-41 N.C. Sess. Laws 68–69,
https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p249901coll22/id/166374.
11
Id.
12
Cong. Globe, 39th Cong. 2d Sess. 324 (Jan. 7, 1867), http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-
bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=075/llcg075.db&recNum=3377, 1987) .
13
Id.
11
United States, and every male person who has been naturalized, twenty-one years old or
upward” who had resided in the State for twelve months and the county for thirty days.14
The 1868 Constitution did not include a criminal disenfranchisement provision. During
the years that followed the adoption of the 1868 Constitution, Black citizens participated
in government in previously unprecedented numbers and roles.15
27. In 1875, North Carolina amended its constitution to frustrate and impede
the influence of Black citizens.16 The 1875 constitutional amendments included a
criminal disenfranchisement provision, which read as follows: “[N]o person, who, upon
conviction or confession in open Court, shall be adjudged guilty of felony, or any other
crime infamous by the laws of this State, and hereafter committed, shall be deemed an
elector, unless such person shall be restored to the rights of citizenship in a manner
14
N.C. CONST., art. VI, § 1 (1868),
https://www.carolana.com/NC/Documents/NC_Constitution_1868.pdf.
15
See generally William Mabry, White Supremacy and the North Carolina Suffrage
Amendment, 13 N.C. Hist. Rev. 1 (1936).
16
For example, the 1868 Constitution was amended to permit the General Assembly to
enact legislation to change local government positions from elected offices to
appointments. N.C. CONST., amend. XXV (as amended in 1875). “The purpose of this
amendment, as was well understood, was to block control of local government in the
eastern counties by [B]lacks who were in the majority there.” John V. Orth, North
Carolina Constitutional History, 70 N.C. L. Rev. 1759, 1783 (1992). The 1875
constitutional amendments also included provisions establishing segregated education in
public schools and prohibiting interracial marriage. See N.C. CONST., art. IX § 2, art. XIV
§ 8 (as amended in 1875),
https://www.carolana.com/NC/Documents/NC_Constitution_as_Amended_by_1875_Co
nvention.pdf.
12
prescribed by law.”17 It was widely understood that this provision would
disproportionately impact Black North Carolinians.18
28. In 1877, the North Carolina Legislature enacted a new law imposing strict
criminal liability on individuals convicted of disenfranchising offenses who voted before
they were restored to the rights of citizenship:
If a person be challenged as being convicted of any crime

which excludes him from the right of suffrage, he shall be
required to answer any questions in relation to such alleged
conviction; but his answer to such questions shall not be used
against him in any criminal prosecution, but if any person so
convicted shall vote at any election, without having been
legally restored to the rights of citizenship, he shall be
deemed guilty of an infamous crime, and, on conviction
thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one
thousand dollars, or imprisonment at hard labor not exceeding
two years, or both.19
The law did not include an intent requirement. Rather, criminal liability attached even if
the individual was not aware that he was ineligible to vote due to his criminal conviction.
This racially discriminatory criminal law remains on the books today, virtually
unchanged since 1877.
17
N.C. CONST. (1868), art. VI § 1 (as amended in 1875).
18
See, e.g., The Centennial (Warrenton, N.C. Aug. 25, 1876), at 2 (“[T]he great majority
of the criminals are negroes . . . .”).
19
1876–77 N.C. Sess. Laws 537 (emphasis added),
13
A. In 1899, the North Carolina General Assembly reenacted the Strict
Liability Voting Law with unequivocal discriminatory intent.
29. During the 1880s and 1890s, Black individuals in North Carolina slowly
amassed political power through the exercise of their right to vote. In 1898, the State
Democratic Executive Committee of North Carolina (the “Committee”) enumerated a list
of Black elected officials in counties around the state, and asserted that “any one can see
how the negro is progressing as a ruler of white men.”20 The Committee warned that
“[g]radually, step by step, the negroes have been given dominion over many of our
towns, and unless the white people unite to stop it, they will obtain control over every
town in the State.”21 The Committee posited that “negro rule is a curse to both races.”22
30. The Committee reported that Black voters accounted for “fully one-third”
of all votes cast “in any general election in the State.”23 According to the Democratic
Committee’s calculations, there were “at least 120,000 negro voters in the State; and it is
rare that one of them fails to vote.”24
31. The Committee claimed that Black individuals engaged in widespread
20
Democratic Executive Committee of North Carolina, The Democratic Hand Book 145
(1898), https://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/dem1898/dem1898.html.
21
Id. at 48; see also id. at 145 (“[I]f the negro progresses in office-holding in the future as
in the last two or three years, it will not be long before he is in absolute control.”).
22
Id. at 32.
23
Id. at 37.
24
Id.
14
voting fraud, and specifically highlighted purported voting by Black individuals with
felony convictions. The Committee asserted that “[u]nder the election law of 1895, . . .
negro boys under twenty-one years of age, negroes imported from beyond the borders of
the State, negro ex-convicts and negro repeaters were registered and voted galore. The
doors of fraud were thrown wide open to these irresponsible and ignorant voters and no
protection whatsoever was afforded to the honest voters of the State.”25 The Committee
contended that Black individuals “were of a roving disposition, moved from place to
place, and could readily conceal their identity. For the same reason it was easy to import
them from other communities and to register ex-convicts and boys under twenty-one
years of age. These facts . . . made it easy for them, with little danger of detection, to
register and vote at several different places”26
32. The Committee argued that “this is a white man's country and white men
must control and govern it. They must govern it not only because they are white men, but
because they can do it better than the negro. The negro has, whenever tried, demonstrated
his unfitness and inability to rule. It is better for the negro, as well as for the white man,
that the white man should make and administer the laws.”27 The Committee stated that it
25
Id. at 88; see also id. at 86 (“There are instances . . . in many of the negro counties,
where negro election officers have been shown to have persuaded negroes to register,
knowing them to be ex-convicts or under age . . . .”).
26
Id. at 84.
27
Id. at 38.
15
is “the special mission of the Democratic Party to rescue the white people of the east
from the curse of negro domination,” and promised that “[t]here is one thing the
Democratic Party never has done and never will do—and that is to set the negro up to
rule over white men.”28 The Committee “denounce[d] all enactments of the last two
Legislatures by which cities and towns in the State have been turned over to negro
domination,” and “pledge[d] . . . to enact such laws as will give security and protection to
the property and people of every town and community in the State.”29
33. The Committee represented that “the white men of the State . . . do not
practice carrying elections by fraud.”30 But in the November 1898 election, the
Democratic Party “resorted to the threat of violence,” and held rallies at which “large
groups of men . . . openly brandishing weapons rode through predominantly African
American neighborhoods in an effort to scare away potential Republican voters from the
polls.”31 The Democrats “won a majority of the seats in the legislature and quickly began
work on legislation that would effectively disenfranchise African American voters for
28
Id.
29
Id. at 189.
30
Id. at 92.
31
The North Carolina Election of 1898: An Introduction, The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, https://exhibits.lib.unc.edu/exhibits/show/1898/history (last
visited Sept. 24, 2020).
16
decades to come.”32
34. In 1899, the General Assembly enacted An Act to Regulate Elections (the
“1899 Election Act”).33 Consistent with the 1875 constitutional amendment, the 1899
Election Act provided that “persons who upon conviction or confession in open court
shall have been adjudged guilty of felony or other crime infamous by the laws of this
state” after January 1, 1867 “shall not be allowed to register or vote in this state . . .
unless they shall have been legally restored to the rights of citizenship.”34
35. The 1899 Election Act reenacted the Strict Liability Voting Law almost
verbatim:
If any person be challenged as being convicted of any crime

which excludes him from the right of suffrage, he shall be
required to answer any questions in relation to such alleged
convictions; but his answer to such questions shall not be
used against him in any criminal prosecution, but if any
person so convicted shall vote at the election, without having
been restored to the rights of citizenship he shall be guilty of
an infamous crime, and punished by a fine not exceeding one
thousand dollars or imprisoned at hard labor not exceeding
two years or both.35
Like the original version enacted in 1877, the 1899 version of the Strict Liability Voting
32
Id.
33
See 1899 N.C. Sess. Laws 658,
https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p249901coll22/id/229909/rec/1.
34
Id. at 665, https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p249901coll22/id/229916/rec/1.
35
Id. at 681 (emphasis added),
17
Law included no intent requirement.
36. While the 1899 Act imposed felony-level criminal penalties on individuals
with felony convictions who voted without any fraudulent intent, that same Act
established only misdemeanor-level penalties for active interference with elections
through violence or intimidation. For example, the 1899 Act provided that:
• “Any person who by force and violence shall break up or stay any election
by assaulting the officers thereof or depriving them of the ballot boxes or
by any other means, his aiders and abettors, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor and imprisoned not more than three months and pay such fine
as the court shall adjudge, not exceeding one hundred dollars.36
• “Any person who shall discharge from employment, withdraw patronage

from or otherwise injure, threaten, oppress or attempt to intimidate any
qualified voter of this state because of the vote such voter may or may not
have cast in any election shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”37
• “If any person shall interrupt or disturb the registrar while actually engaged
in the registration of voters or the registrar or judges of election while
holding the election or in counting and adding up the result thereof, or the
board of county canvassers or the state board of canvassers while engaged
in the discharge of their official duties, or behave in a disorderly or
boisterous manner in the presence of said officers while so engaged in the
legal discharge of the duties of their several positions, such person shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than fifty dollars or
imprisoned not more than thirty days.”38
37. In 1900, the North Carolina General Assembly approved an amendment to
36
Id. at 676, https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p249901coll22/id/229927.
37
38
Id. at 676–77, https://digital.ncdcr.gov/digital/collection/p249901coll22/id/229927.
18
the state constitution (the “Suffrage Amendment”) that broadened the scope of the state’s
criminal disenfranchisement exception as follows:
No person who has been convicted, or who has confessed his

guilt in open court upon indictment, of any crime, the
punishment of which is now, or may hereafter be,
imprisonment in the State’s prison, shall be permitted to vote,
unless the said person shall be first restored to citizenship in
the manner prescribed by law.39
The Suffrage Amendment also established a poll tax, a literacy test and a grandfather
clause.40 The Suffrage Amendment was “specifically designed to disenfranchise [B]lack
voters.” Gingles v. Edmisten, 590 F. Supp. 345, 359 (E.D.N.C. 1984), aff’d in part, rev’d
in part sub nom, Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30 (1986).
B. The key features of the Strict Liability Voting Law have remained
intact since 1899.
38. In 1931, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted An Act to Make
More Effective the Control of the State Over Corrupt Practices in Primaries and
Elections (“1931 Act”).41 The 1931 Act reenacted many of the voting crimes included in
39
1900 N.C. Sess. Laws 55, amending N.C. CONST., art. VI, § 2,
40
Id.
41
See 1931 N.C. Sess. Laws 438,
19
the 1899 Act, including the Strict Liability Voting Law.42 There were some differences
between the 1899 Act and the 1931 Act. For instance, the 1931 Act grouped together
misdemeanor-level election crimes and felony-level election crimes.43 The 1931 Act also
provided uniform penalties for felony-level election crimes: any individual convicted of a
felony-level election crime, including a violation of the Strict Liability Voting Law,
would “be imprisoned in the State’s prison not less than four months or fined not less
than one thousand dollars or both, in the discretion of the Court.”44
39. The 1931 Act streamlined the language of the 1899 version of the Strict
Liability Voting Law, and specified that the law applied with equal force to primary
elections. But the key features of the 1931 version of the Strict Liability Voting Law were
identical to the 1899 Act version—that is, voting while ineligible because of a prior
felony conviction was itself a felony under North Carolina law, and one for which no
intent element was required to prove culpability.
42
See id. at 441-445,
43
See id.
44
20
1899 Act 1931 Act
Statutory “[I]f any person . . . convicted of “It shall be unlawful: . . . [f]or any
language any crime which excludes him person, convicted of a crime which
from the right of suffrage excludes him from the right of
. . . shall vote at the election suffrage, to vote at any primary or
without having been restored to election without having been
the rights of citizenship he shall restored to the right of citizenship in
be deemed guilty of an infamous due course and by the method
crime . . . ” 45 provided by law”46
Applies to Any person convicted of a “crime Any person convicted of a “crime

which excludes him from the which excludes him from the right
right of suffrage” of suffrage”
Offending To “vote at the election without To “vote at any primary or election

conduct having been restored to the rights without having been restored to the
of citizenship” right of citizenship in due course
and by the method provided by
law”
Scienter No scienter requirement No scienter requirement

requirement?
Offense Felony47 Felony

level?
45
1899 N.C. Sess. Laws 681,
46
1931 N.C. Sess. Laws 444,
47
Any crime punishable by imprisonment was a felony at the time of the 1899 Act. See
State v. Bryan, 16 S.E. 909, 909 n.1 (N.C. 1893) (“Act 1891, c. 205 declares ‘that a
felony is a crime which may be punishable by either death or imprisonment. Any other
crime is a misdemeanor.’”).
21
40. The 1931 Act also reenacted the misdemeanor-level penalties codified in
the 1899 Act for active interference with elections through violence or intimidation.
1899 Act—Misdemeanors 1931 Act—Misdemeanors
“Any person who by force and violence “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person
shall break up or stay any election by to break up or by force or violence to stay
assaulting the officers thereof or depriving or to interfere with the holding of any
them of the ballot boxes or by any other primary or election, to interfere with the
means, his aiders and abettors, shall be possession of any ballot box, election
guilty of a misdemeanor . . . .”48 book, ticket or return sheet by those
entitled to possession of the same under
the law . . . .”49
“Any person who shall discharge from “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person,
employment, withdraw patronage from, or directly or indirectly, to discharge or
otherwise injure, threaten, oppress or threaten to discharge from employment, or
attempt to intimidate any qualified voter otherwise intimidate or oppress any
of this state because of the vote such voter legally qualified voter on account of any
may or may not have cast in any election vote such voter may cast or consider or
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”50 intend to cast, or not to cast, or which he
may have failed to cast;”51
“If any person shall interrupt or disturb the “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person
registrar while actually engaged in the to be guilty of any boisterous conduct so
registration of voters or the registrar or as to disturb any member of any election
judges of election while engaged in or canvassing board or any registrar or
holding the election or in counting and judge of elections in the performance of
adding up the result thereof, or the board
of county canvassers or the state board of
48
1899 N.C. Sess. Laws 676 (emphasis added), supra note 36.
49
1931 N.C. Sess. Laws 441 (emphasis added),
50
51
22
1899 Act—Misdemeanors 1931 Act—Misdemeanors
canvassers while engaged in the discharge his duties as imposed by law.”53

of their official duties, or behave in a
disorderly or boisterous manner in the
presence of said officers while so engaged
in the discharge of their official duties, or
obstruct such officers in the legal
discharge of the duties of their several
positions, such person shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor . . . .”52
41. Since 1931, the General Assembly has changed just one single word (and
removed one comma) in the Strict Liability Voting Law, as noted below:
It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person, convicted of a crime

which excludes him the person from the right of suffrage, to
vote at any primary or election without having been restored
to the right of citizenship in due course and by the method
provided by law.54
The Strict Liability Voting Law has otherwise remained completely intact.
42. The General Assembly has also left intact the 1899 laws imposing low-
level criminal penalties for certain serious election crimes. Under present-day North
Carolina law, it is merely a Class 2 misdemeanor to interfere with an election by force or
violence, or to intimidate a legally qualified voter. N.C. GEN. STAT. §§ 163-274(4–5, 7).
52
1899 N.C. Sess. Laws 676–77, supra note 36.
53
54
N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-275(5) (edited to reflect changes from 1931 N.C. Sess. Laws
444).
23
1899 Act—Misdemeanors Present-Day Law—Misdemeanors
“Any person who by force and violence “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person
shall break up or stay any election by to break up or by force or violence to stay
assaulting the officers thereof or depriving or interfere with the holding of any
them of the ballot boxes or by any other primary or election, to interfere with the
means, his aiders and abettors, shall be possession of any ballot box, election
guilty of a misdemeanor . . . .”55 book, ballot or return sheet by those
entitled to possession of the same under
the law . . . .”56
“Any person who shall discharge from “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person,
employment, withdraw patronage from, or directly or indirectly, to discharge or
otherwise injure, threaten, oppress or threaten to discharge from employment, or
attempt to intimidate any qualified voter otherwise intimidate or oppose any legally
of this state because of the vote such voter qualified voter on account of any vote
may or may not have cast in any election such voter may cast or consider or intend
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”57 to cast, or not to cast, or which that voter
may have failed to cast;”58
55
56
N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-274(4) (emphasis added).
57
58
24
1899 Act—Misdemeanors Present-Day Law—Misdemeanors
“If any person shall interrupt or disturb the “It shall be unlawful: . . . For any person
registrar while actually engaged in the to be guilty of any boisterous conduct so
registration of voters or the registrar or as to disturb any member of any election
judges of election while engaged in board or any chief judge or judge of
holding the election or in counting and election in the performance of that
adding up the result thereof, or the board person’s duties as imposed by law.”60
of county canvassers or the state board of
canvassers while engaged in the discharge
of their official duties, or behave in a
disorderly or boisterous manner in the
presence of said officers while so engaged
in the discharge of their official duties, or
obstruct such officers in the legal
discharge of the duties of their several
positions, such person shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor . . . .”59
43. The Strict Liability Voting Law is an outlier in North Carolina’s election
laws. Virtually every other election crime punishable as a Class I felony requires intent.
For example, it is unlawful:
• “For any person fraudulently to cause that person's name to be placed

upon the registration books of more than one election precinct or
fraudulently to cause or procure that person's name or that of any other
person to be placed upon the registration books in any precinct when
registration in that precinct does not qualify the person to vote legally
therein, or to impersonate falsely another registered voter for the
purpose of voting in the stead of the other voter.” N.C. GEN. STAT.
§ 163-275(1) (emphasis added).
59
1899 N.C. Sess. Laws 676–77, supra note 37.
60
25
• “For any person who is an election officer, a member of an election
board or other officer charged with any duty with respect to any primary
or election, knowingly to make any false or fraudulent entry on any
election book or any false or fraudulent returns, or knowingly to make
or cause to be made any false statement on any ballot, or to do any
fraudulent act or knowingly and fraudulently omit to do any act or make
any report legally required of that person.” Id. § 163-275(3) (emphasis
added).
• “For any person knowingly to swear falsely with respect to any matter
pertaining to any primary or election.” Id. § 163-275(4) (emphasis
added).
• “For any person with intent to commit a fraud to register or vote at more
than one precinct or more than one time, or to induce another to do so,
in the same primary or election, or to vote illegally at any primary or
election.” Id. § 163-275(7) (emphasis added).
• “For any chief judge or any clerk or copyist to make any entry or copy
with intent to commit a fraud.” Id. § 163-275(8) (emphasis added).
• “For any election official or other officer or person to make, certify,

deliver or transmit any false returns of any primary or election, or to
make any erasure, alteration, or conceal or destroy any election ballot,
book, record, return or process with intent to commit a fraud.” Id. § 163-
275(9) (emphasis added).
44. Yet there is no intent requirement of any kind under the Strict Liability
Voting Law. As the NCSBE has explained, “[t]he language contained in the felon voting
statute does not include an element of intent, such that violating the statute does not
require evidence that the statute was knowingly violated for a possible violation to have
occurred.”61
61
August 12, 2018 Letter from the Chief Investigator of the NCSBE to the District
Attorney for Judicial District 16A (“Aug. 12, 2018 NCSBE Letter”) (Exhibit 3), at 1.
26
45. The penalties for violating the Strict Liability Voting Law are exceedingly
harsh: An individual who mistakenly votes while on parole, probation or post-release
supervision for a felony conviction may be imprisoned for up to two years.62
II. North Carolina’s Strict Liability Voting Law Disproportionately Impacts

Black Individuals.
46. Black individuals constitute an outsized percentage of individuals in North
Carolina who are no longer incarcerated but are still serving some aspect of a sentence
for a felony conviction—the category of individuals the Strict Liability Voting Law
targets. While Black individuals account for only 22% of the North Carolina’s
population, they constitute 42% of those on probation or post-release supervision for a
felony conviction in North Carolina state courts.63
47. In the course of an audit of the 2016 presidential election, the NCSBE
determined that 441 individuals with felony convictions may have voted before their
62
See N.C. GEN. STAT. § 15A-1340.17; Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1) at 127:4–9.
63
United States Census, Quick Facts North Carolina,
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/NC (last visited Sept. 23, 2020); Expert Report on
North Carolina’s Disenfranchisement of Individuals on Probation and Post-Release
Supervision, Professor Frank R. Baumgartner, Richard J. Richardson Distinguished
Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CSI (May 8,
2020), at 3–4, https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6887554-Expert-Report-of-
Frank-R-Baumgartner-Reenfranch.html.
27
sentences were completed.64 66% of these individuals were Black.65
48. The NCSBE referred these cases to the state’s District Attorneys, as
required under state law. See N.C.G.S. § 163-22(d) (requiring the NCSBE to “report
violations of the election laws to the Attorney General or district attorney or prosecutor of
the district for further investigation and prosecution”).66
49. “[S]ome [D]istrict [A]ttorneys express[ed] understandable concern that a
felon who has voted may not have been aware of the unlawfulness of his actions.”67
Many District Attorneys “summarily declined” to bring charges because they
“determined there was insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant was ever notified
of his or her ineligibility to vote.”68
50. But in April 2018, the District Attorney of Alamance County charged
64
Post-Election Audit Report (Exhibit 2) at 3.
65
NCSBE Response to Public Records Request (May 29, 2018) (Exhibit 4).
66
See also Post-Election Audit Report at 3.
67
Id. at Appendix 7.
68
August 9, 2017 Letter from the Chief Investigator of the NCSBE to the General
Counsel of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Chief Legal Counsel for
Governmental Affairs of the Judicial Branch of the North Carolina Administrative Office
of the Courts, and the President of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys
(“Aug. 9, 2017 NCSBE Letter”) (Exhibit 5), at 1; see also id. at 4-8 (communications
from District Attorneys declining to prosecute violations of the Strict Liability Voting
Law).
28
twelve individuals (“the Alamance 12”) with violating the Strict Liability Voting Law.69
Black individuals comprise less than 21% of Alamance County’s population.70 But nine
members of the Alamance 12 (75% of those prosecuted) were Black. 71 The Washington
Post reported that “[i]n the case of the Alamance 12, . . . most seem to have had no intent
to break the law; they were simply unaware of it.”72
51. The New York Times separately interviewed five of the members of the
Alamance 12. Each “said their votes were an unwitting mistake—a product of not
understanding the voter forms they signed and not knowing the law. They said they
believed they were allowed to vote because election workers let them fill out voter
registration and eligibility forms, then handed them ballots. They said they never would
have voted if anyone had told them they were ineligible.” 73
52. Several Black members of the Alamance 12 moved to dismiss the charges
69
Healy, supra note 4.
70
United States Census, Quick Facts: Alamance County, North Carolina,
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/alamancecountynorthcarolina (last visited Sept. 23,
2020).
71
72
Editorial Board, “An Assault on minority voting continues in North Carolina,” THE
WASH. POST (Aug. 12, 2018), https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/an-assault-on-
minority-voting-continues-in-north-carolina/2018/08/12/b60ea52c-9a8f-11e8-8d5e-
c6c594024954_story.html.
73
Healy, supra n. 4.
29
on the grounds that the Strict Liability Voting Law violates the Equal Protection Clauses
of the United States and North Carolina constitutions.74 The Equal Protection claims were
never adjudicated because the defendants ultimately pled guilty to misdemeanor charges
of obstruction of justice, in exchange for a dismissal of the felony charges under the Strict
Liability Voting Law.75
53. In August 2019, the Hoke County District Attorney charged four
individuals with violating the Strict Liability Voting Law.76 All four individuals are
Black.77
54. One of the individuals charged in Hoke County, Lanisha Bratcher, was
arrested the day after she was discharged from the hospital for a miscarriage.78 She was
74
SCSJ Challenges NC Law that punishes returning citizens with felonies for voting
while ineligible, Southern Coalition for Social Justice (June 8, 2018),
https://www.southerncoalition.org/scsj-challenges-nc-law-punishes-returning-citizens-
felonies-voting-ineligible/.
75
Statement Regarding Alamance County Voters Accused of Voting While Ineligible,
Southern Coalition for Social Justice (Aug. 13, 2018),
https://www.southerncoalition.org/statement-regarding-alamance-county-voters-accused-
voting-ineligible/.
76
Baez, supra note 4.
77
Id.
78
Sam Levine, “A black woman faces prison because of a Jim Crow-era plan to ‘protect
white voters,’” GUARDIAN (Dec. 16, 2019), https://www.theguardian.com/us-
news/2019/dec/16/north-carolina-felony-vote-law-black-woman.
30
mourning the loss of her baby when the police came to her door.79 Ms. Bratcher
explained that she did not know she was ineligible to vote in the 2016 election. “I had no
intention to trick anybody or to be malicious in any kind of way. . . . If you expect us to
know that we should know we should not do something then we should not be on the list
or even allowed to do it.”80
55. Like the Alamance County defendants, Ms. Bratcher moved to dismiss the
charges against her on the grounds that the Strict Liability Voting Law violates the Equal
Protection Clauses of the United States and North Carolina constitutions.81 The District
Attorney’s Office responded by dismissing the charges against her under the Strict
Liability Voting Law, and then bringing two new indictments that doubled the felony
charges against her under a different provision of the same statute (N.C. GEN. STAT.
§ 163-275(4)).82
56. Some of the individuals prosecuted under the Strict Liability Voting Law
79
Id.
80
Id.
81
Motion to Dismiss Under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I,
§ 19 of the N.C. Constitution, State of North Carolina v. Bratcher-Bain, No. 19-CRS-
051171 (N.C. Super. Ct. Oct. 8, 2019), http://renapply.web.unc.edu/files/2019/12/S-v-
Bratcher-EP-Discrim-MTD-Oct-2019.pdf.
82
Sam Levine, “A black woman faces prison for a voting mistake. Prosecutors just
doubled the charges,” GUARDIAN (July 21, 2020), https://www.theguardian.com/us-
news/2020/jul/21/voting-arrest-racist-law-north-carolina-lanisha-brachter.
31
have expressed a deep-seated fear of voting in the future. “[I]t’s going to really take a
mighty wind from heaven to make me vote again,” says Keith Sellars, a 45-year old
Black member of the Alamance 12 who was “arrested . . . in the middle of a highway,
while his 10- and 7-year old daughters cried in the back seat.”83
57. Anthony Haith, another Black member of the Alamance 12, has said, “I am
still fearful of voting now. I do not want to go to jail for voting. . . . I honestly do not
know if I will ever vote again[.]”84 Mr. Haith has “said he would tell his four children
also not to vote.”85
58. Taranta Holman, also a Black member of the Alamance 12, has similarly
said he will never cast another ballot. “Even when I get this cleared up, I still won’t vote.
. . . That’s too much of a risk.” 86
59. Lanisha Bratcher, whose felony charges remain pending, says “[s]he’s not
83
Sam Levine, “They Didn’t Know They Were Ineligible to Vote. A Prosecutor Went
After Them Anyway,” HUFFPOST (Aug. 13, 2018),
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alamance-county-felon-
voting_n_5b71f4d8e4b0530743cca87d.
84
Affidavit of Anthony Haith (“Haith Aff.”) at ¶¶ 10, 14, Exhibit A. to Brief of Amici
Curiae, North Carolina Justice Center and Down Home NC, CSI (July 23, 2020),
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7009817/Amicus-NC-Justice-Center-and-
Down-Home.pdf.
85
The Observer Editorial Board, “Another Attack on Voting in North Carolina,”
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (Aug. 14, 2018),
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/editorials/article216646385.html.
86
32
sure if she’ll ever vote again, even once she’s legally allowed to.”87 But her husband has
urged her to reconsider: “If you don’t vote again, then the law would have done exactly
what it was supposed to do, which is to suppress your vote. . . . If they’ve got you afraid,
then the law did what it’s supposed to do.” 88
III. The Strict Liability Voting Law Fails to Provide Fair Notice of Criminal
Liability.
60. The Strict Liability Voting Law renders it a Class I felony “[f]or any person
convicted of a crime which excludes the person from the right of suffrage, to vote at any
primary or election without having been restored to the right of citizenship in due course
and by the method provided by law.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-275(5).
61. But the Strict Liability Voting Law does not define which crimes
“exclude[] the person from the right of suffrage,” nor does it provide any information
concerning how an individual may be “restored to the right of citizenship.” To understand
which crimes are disenfranchising, a prospective voter must turn to the statute entitled,
Qualifications to vote; exclusion from electoral franchise, which provides as follows:
[T]he following classes of persons shall not be allowed to

vote in this State: . . . Any person adjudged guilty of a felony
against this State or the United States, or adjudged guilty of a
felony in another state that also would be a felony if it had
been committed in this State, unless that person shall be first
restored to the rights of citizenship in the manner prescribed
by law.
87
Levine, supra note 78.
88
Id.
33
N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-55(a)(2) (“Criminal Disenfranchisement Law”). The Criminal
Disenfranchisement Law mirrors the disenfranchisement provision of the state
constitution. N.C. CONST., art. VI, § 2(3).
62. To determine how to be “restored to the rights of citizenship,” a prospective
voter must look outside the state’s election code to Chapter 13, entitled Citizenship
Restored. Pursuant to N.C. GEN. STAT. § 13-1 (the “Citizenship Restoration Law”), an
individual convicted of a disenfranchising crime regains citizenship rights upon his or her
“unconditional discharge.” The Citizenship Restoration Law provides in its entirety as
follows:
Any person convicted of a crime, whereby the rights

of citizenship are forfeited, shall have such rights
automatically restored upon the occurrence of any one of the
following conditions:
(1) The unconditional discharge of an inmate, of a

probationer, or of a parolee by the agency of the State
having jurisdiction of that person or of a defendant under
a suspended sentence by the court.
(2) The unconditional pardon of the offender.
(3) The satisfaction by the offender of all conditions of a

conditional pardon.
(4) With regard to any person convicted of a crime against the

United States, the unconditional discharge of such person
by the agency of the United States having jurisdiction of
such person, the unconditional pardon of such person or
the satisfaction by such person of a conditional pardon.
(5) With regard to any person convicted of a crime in another

state, the unconditional discharge of such person by the
34
agency of that state having jurisdiction of such person, the
unconditional pardon of such person or the satisfaction by
such person of a conditional pardon.89
Id. (emphasis added). The Citizenship Restoration Law does not specifically mention the
restoration of voting rights.
63. Neither the Citizenship Restoration Law nor any other North Carolina
statute defines the term “unconditional discharge.” The NCSBE also does not define the
term “unconditional discharge” anywhere in the state’s Voter Registration Application or
on the section of the NCSBE’s website entitled, Registering as a Person in the Criminal
Justice System (“NCSBE Website”).90
64. The State has construed the Citizenship Restoration Law as “preclud[ing]
the restoration of citizenship rights until the completion of the sentence, including any
period of parole, post-release supervision or probation.”91 Parole was abolished in North
89
The Citizenship Restoration Law, which provides for automatic re-enfranchisement,
was first enacted in 1971. Prior to the enactment of the Citizenship Restoration Law,
individuals with felony convictions had to petition the court for the restoration of voting
rights.
90
See North Carolina Voter Registration Application, available at
https://dl.ncsbe.gov/Voter_Registration/NCVoterRegForm_06W.pdf (last visited Sept.
23, 2020); see also Registering as a Person in the NC Criminal Justice System, NCSBE,
https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/who-can-register/registering-person-nc-criminal-
justice-system (last visited Sept. 23, 2020).
91
Order on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment, CSI (Sept. 4, 2020), at 5,
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7202707/19-CVS-15941-Order-on-Plt-
MSJ.pdf.
35
Carolina in 1994; the General Assembly instead imposed post-release supervision for all
individuals convicted of felonies under the Structured Sentencing Act.92 Yet until a few
months ago, the State’s Voter Registration Application, Absentee Ballot Application and
Certificate, and One-Stop Application (pursuant to which an individual can register to
vote during early voting) made no mention of post-release supervision.93
65. The NCSBE’s script for poll workers to use when verifying voter eligibility
also failed to mention post-release supervision; poll workers were simply instructed to
ask whether prospective voters “have completed their sentence, including any probation
or parole.”94 Defendant Karen Brinson Bell, the Executive Director of the NCSBE, has
testified that an individual on post-release supervision who answered “no” to this
question “would be allowed to vote” by the poll worker, but “could then be prosecuted
for the crime of illegally voting.”95
66. Some individuals convicted of felonies in North Carolina are sentenced to
unsupervised probation; these individuals may not even realize that they are legally on
92
See Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, North Carolina Department of
Public Safety, https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-commissions/post-release-
supervision-parole-commission.
93
See Prior Version of the North Carolina Voter Registration Application, at 2,
Instruction for Section 1 (Exhibit 6); Prior Version of the One Stop Application (Exhibit
7); Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1) at 82:18–86:9, 94:14–96:4, 112:1-23.
94
Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1) at 98:3–100:17.
95
Id. at 105:12–106:5.
36
probation because they are not subject to the oversight of a probation officer.96
67. The confusion caused by the State’s voting materials is exacerbated by the
State’s inadequate procedures for notifying individuals with felony convictions that they
are ineligible to vote. When the NCSBE “conducted interviews of suspected violators” of
the Strict Liability Voting Law following the 2016 post-election audit, the NCSBE
discovered “a wide pattern of defendants in multiple counties who claim[ed] they were
never informed of their loss of voting rights upon conviction and sentencing.”97
68. The NCSBE determined that there were “deficiencies in the notice provided
to felons who are still serving an active felony sentence, notably during the periods of
probation and parole—the window during which current felons tend to vote.”98
Specifically, the NCSBE found that “there was no documented procedure by which
convicted felons were informed of the loss of their voting rights by probation officers
while on felony probation/parole/supervised release.”99 The NCSBE also found that
“associated court judgments and plea agreements . . . did not inform felons upon a plea or
96
In 2019, 249 individuals convicted of felonies were sentenced to unsupervised
probation. Structured Sentencing Statistical Report: Fiscal Year 2019, North Carolina
Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, at 21,
https://www.nccourts.gov/assets/documents/publications/FY-2019-Statistical-Report-
Web_Combined.pdf?H5Ee8hJhBdhzh_BVFmV4L9tcbiQXnmaB.
97
Aug. 9, 2017 NCSBE Letter (Exhibit 5), at 1.
98
Id. at 2.
99
37
at sentencing that they had lost their eligibility to vote while serving an active felony
sentence, including probation/parole/supervised release.”100
69. Neither the standard guilty plea form in North Carolina nor the statutes
requiring judges to inform defendants of their rights upon conviction contain any
reference to the loss of voting rights. See, e.g., N.C. GEN. STAT. § 15A-1022. Under
North Carolina law, the only entity statutorily required to notify an individual with a
felony conviction of the loss of voting rights pending full sentence completion is the
county board of elections, which must send removal letters “to the last known address of
registered voters who appear on the convicted felon list.”101 List maintenance, though—
that is, the accuracy of North Carolina’s voter registration lists—remains the ultimate
responsibility of the NCSBE. N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-82.11(a, c). No statutorily-
mandated notification procedures apply to individuals who were not registered to vote at
the time they were convicted of a felony.
70. Anthony Haith, one of the members of the Alamance 12, is among the
victims of the State’s inadequate notification procedures. He explained: “When I voted in
the 2016 election, I was still on probation for a previous conviction. I did not know I was
unable to vote, or I would not have voted. When I was put on probation, I was informed
100
Id. at 2. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has since revised its
probation brochure “to include information concerning loss of voting rights.” Id.
101
Aug. 9, 2017 NCSBE Letter (Exhibit 5) at 2; see also N.C. GEN. STAT. §163-
82.14(c)(3).
38
of many things that I could not do or have. However, no one ever told me that I could not
vote.”102
71. The NCSBE has recognized that although “individuals are required to
affirm that they are not serving an active felony sentence both when registering to vote
and presenting to vote,” “not all voters read this language prior to signing” the forms.103
This may be the consequence of low adult literacy levels through the State: For example,
24% of adults in Alamance County and 26% of adults in Hoke County lack basic literacy
skills.104
72. The NCSBE has also acknowledged that “some forms, such as the federal
voter registration application, do not contain warnings against registering and voting
while serving an active felony sentence, since laws concerning felon voting rights vary
from state to state.”105
73. Under North Carolina law, county boards of elections are required to
remove individuals with felony convictions from the voter registration rolls. N.C. GEN.
STAT. § 163-82.14(a)(1), (c)(3). But in the course of its post-2016 election investigations,
102
Haith Aff., supra note 84 at ¶ 5.
103
Post-Election Audit Report (Exhibit 2) at Appendix 7.
104
Literacy Map Gap, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy,
http://map.barbarabush.org/overview/#intro (last visited Sept. 24, 2020).
105
39
the NCSBE discovered that county boards of elections had not consistently done so.106
The NCSBE recognized that the failure to remove individuals with felony convictions
from the voter registration rolls had resulted in “unintentional violations” of the Strict
Liability Voting Law.107 The NCSBE explained that “[a]n individual may, for instance,
legally register to vote before becoming a felon and then appear at the polls while on
probation. Such a person may not understand they are ineligible.”108
74. Since the 2016 post-election audit, the NSCBE has redesigned certain of its
voting forms with checkboxes “to ensure participants are aware of voter
qualifications.”109 However, there is no checkbox to alert a registrant that he or she
cannot be currently serving a felony sentence.110 The only places on the Voter
Registration Application that reference ineligibility for serving a current felony sentence
are the fine print at the bottom of the form and the dense application instructions.111 The
NCSBE has also implemented “new processes . . . to ensure [that] those serving felony
sentences do not remain on the voter rolls,” as well as software improvements “to check
106
Post-Election Audit Report (Exhibit 2) at 2–4.
107
Id. at 3.
108
Id.
109
Id. at 4 & Appendix 8.
110
See North Carolina Voter Registration Application, supra note 90.
111
Id.
40
felon status at the time of registration.”112 In addition, the Department of Public Safety
has revised its probation brochure at the NCSBE’s suggestion “to include information
concerning loss of voting rights.”113
75. While these improvements to the State’s notification procedures and voter
registration roll protocols may reduce some future unintentional violations of the Strict
Liability Voting Law, these changes still do not provide constitutionally-adequate notice
to, for example, voters on unsupervised probation who may be completely unaware that
they are still serving a felony sentence. Moreover, the changes also do nothing to protect
from criminal liability the individuals who voted in the 2016 election before sentence
completion. Those individuals may still be prosecuted under the Strict Liability Voting
Law at any time, as “no statute of limitations bars the prosecution of a felony” in North
Carolina. State v. Taylor, 713 S.E.2d 82, 90 (N.C. Ct. App. 2011).
76. Even with the recent changes made by the NCSBE, it is still entirely
possible for an individual to mistakenly vote while on parole, probation or post-release
supervision for a felony conviction. For example, the section of the NCSBE’s website
concerning voting after a felony conviction is entitled, “Registering as a Person in the
NC Criminal Justice System.”114 An individual who is still serving a sentence for an out-
112
Post-Election Audit Report (Exhibit 2) at 2–4.
113
114
See supra note 90.
41
of-state or federal felony conviction may not realize that he or she is ineligible to vote in
North Carolina. Such an individual could face felony-level prosecution under the Strict
Liability Voting Law for mistakenly voting in reliance on the NCSBE’s own guidance.
77. Since the CSI decision, the NCSBE has updated its website with the
following guidance: “[Y]ou may register to vote and vote if you are serving an extended
term of probation, post-release supervision, or parole, you have outstanding fines, fees or
restitution, and you do not know of any other reason that your probation, post-release
supervision, or parole was extended.”115 This guidance advises individuals that they “may
. . . vote” if they are unaware that they are subject to any other conditions of their felony
sentence other than the payment of fines, fees and/or restitution.116 Yet under the Strict
Liability Voting Law, an individual with a felony conviction who votes before
completing the non-financial terms of his or her sentence is subject to criminal
prosecution, irrespective of whether that individual believed in good faith that he or she
was eligible to vote. The NCSBE’s updated guidance does not mention the Strict
Liability Voting Law or how it might impact individuals who vote based on an erroneous
belief that they are eligible to do so.
115
Id.
116
Id.
42
IV. The Strict Liability Voting Law Deters Eligible Individuals From Voting.
78. The vagueness of the Strict Liability Voting Law, coupled with the recent
prosecutions under this law, have caused eligible individuals with criminal convictions to
refrain from voting, for fear of unintentionally violating the law and triggering criminal
charges. Corey Purdie, the Executive Director of Wash Away Unemployment, has
personally been told by North Carolina residents with past criminal convictions “that they
have a fear of voting and getting arrested for doing so.” 117
79. The enforcement of the Strict Liability Voting Law disproportionately
deters voting by Black individuals, who comprise a disproportionate percentage of
individuals with criminal convictions in North Carolina.118 According to the North
Carolina Justice Center and Down Home NC, “African-American voters are discouraged
from attempting to exercise their fundamental right to vote because of the fear caused by
the disenfranchisement laws and their enforcement. This includes those with no felony
records.”119
117
Affidavit of Corey Purdie, CSI (May 6, 2020), at ¶ 23, https://forwardjustice.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/07/Jacobson-Decl.-and-Exhibits_US_167801403_2-1.pdf.
118
Black individuals comprise just 22% of the State’s population. Quick Facts North
Carolina, supra note 63. But in 2019, for instance, 44% of all individuals convicted of
felonies and 41% of all individuals convicted of misdemeanors in North Carolina were
Black. Structured Sentencing Statistical Report, supra note 96, at 7, 38.
119
Brief of Amici Curiae, North Carolina Justice Center and Down Home NC, CSI (July
24, 2020), at 1 (emphasis added),
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/7009817/Amicus-NC-Justice-Center-and-
Down-Home.pdf; see also id. at 5 (“Not only are the prosecuted voters themselves fearful
43
80. Confusion regarding eligibility to vote is a significant problem among
individuals with past criminal convictions. During oral argument in CSI, Judge Keith
Gregory of the Wake County Superior Court observed that even “when the person is
eligible to vote, there’s confusion there as to their eligibility.120 Diana Powell, the
Executive Director of Justice Served N.C., has testified that she “regularly speak[s] with
people who are confused as to whether or not they are eligible to vote after having been
convicted of a crime.”121 Dennis Gaddy, the Executive Director of Community Success
Initiative, has testified that “[t]he current law creates confusion among [his] clients about
whether they have the ability to vote after they have been released from incarceration or
while they are on probation.”122 Mr. Purdie of Wash Away Unemployment has testified
similarly.123
81. This rampant confusion is due in part to the State’s inadequate procedures
for notifying individuals with felony convictions of the restoration of their voting rights.
of ever resuming voting after their prosecutions, but community members are also
impacted by the prosecutions, subsequently becoming less likely to engage in the voting
process.”).
120
Hearing Transcript, CSI (Aug. 19, 2020), at 181,
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7203894-CSI-v-Moore-transcript.html.
121
Powell Aff., supra note 5, at ¶ 20.
122
Affidavit of Dennis Gaddy, CSI (May 6, 2020), at ¶ 17, https://forwardjustice.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/07/Jacobson-Decl.-and-Exhibits_US_167801403_2-1.pdf.
123
Purdie Aff., supra note 117, at ¶ 23.
44
When individuals complete their sentences for felony convictions in North Carolina state
courts, the Department of Public Safety provides them with a notification of the
restoration of their voting rights, along with an application to register to vote. See N.C.
GEN. STAT. § 163.82.20A. But these voting rights restoration notifications are “striking
for their lack of clarity. The voting rights information is buried in densely worded
pamphlets . . . distributed in an exit packet that often contains a lot of other important
documents, and this may cause information about voting rights to be crowded out.”124
Moreover, no state agency is statutorily required to notify individuals who have
completed their sentences for a federal or out-of-state conviction of the restoration of
their voting rights.125
82. While county boards of elections are statutorily required to advise
registered voters of their ineligibility to vote following a felony conviction, see N.C. GEN.
STAT. §163-82.14(c)(3), neither the NCSBE nor the county boards of elections advise
individuals who have completed their sentences that they are eligible to vote.126 During
124
Marc Meredith and Michael Morse, Do Voting Rights Notification Laws Increase Ex-
Felon Turnout?, ANNALS, AAPSS, 65651 (Jan. 2014) at 241240,
https://www.sas.upenn.edu/~marcmere/workingpapers/FelonNotification.pdf.
125
See, e.g., Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1) at 65:24–66:9.
126
Id. at 41:16–23 (Q: “So after a person finishes their felony sentence, does either the
State Board of Elections or a county board of elections send voters a notification telling
them they’re now once again eligible to vote?” A: We do not send a letter . . . of that
nature. Sorry.”); see also id. at 46:15–47:4.
45
oral argument in CSI, Judge Gregory of the Wake County Superior Court recognized that
this one-way notification protocol inevitably results in fear and confusion among
individuals who are eligible to vote:
[I]f a person has been convicted of a felony and . . . they

believe they can’t vote, even if they are . . . at a point now
where they actually can vote, but they are afraid because
they’ve received a letter previously saying, you can’t vote.
Now they are eligible, but they are afraid because they don’t
know because they haven’t received a letter telling them they
can vote. . . . [T]hat’s confusing.127
83. Individuals with criminal convictions do not always know whether they
have completed all aspects of their sentences for felony convictions. Diana Powell, the
Executive Director of Justice Served, has testified that she has “spoken to individuals
who are unsure of whether or not they are on misdemeanor probation or felony probation,
as well as individuals who are unsure if their probation has been extended due to an
inability to pay court costs, fees, fines or restitution.”128 Such an individual would not be
able to obtain guidance concerning his or her eligibility to vote from the NCSBE. The
Executive Director of the NCSBE testified that when an individual with a felony
conviction is “not certain” regarding the completion of his or her sentence, “the best thing
[she] can do as an election official is to say, ‘That’s outside the scope of elections and
you should speak with your officer as to whether you have completed your sentence or
127
Transcript, CSI, supra 120, at 173.
128
Powell Aff., supra note 5, at ¶ 20.
46
not.’”129
84. “[L]ack of clarity” concerning the restoration of voting rights in North
Carolina “has been exacerbated by the prosecutions that have occurred across the state,
chilling the voting activity of many members of society.”130 Plaintiffs and many similar
organizations have reported the “fear caused by prosecutions on their work” to register
voters.131 Their “workers encounter people who have never been disqualified, or who are
no longer disqualified, from voting who hold on to apprehension based on the pervasive
fear of a felony conviction or jail time.” 132
85. North Carolina’s voter challenge laws exacerbate this pervasive fear. Under
these laws, a registered voter may challenge a prospective voter’s eligibility to vote “if
the challenger knows, suspects or reasonably believes such a person not be qualified and
entitled to vote.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-90.1(a). To initiate a challenge to a prospective
voter’s eligibility on the basis of a criminal conviction, a registered voter must simply
complete a Voter Challenge Form and check the box that states: “The person has been
adjudged guilty of a felony and the person’s rights of citizenship have not been
129
Bell Dep. (Exhibit 1), at 88:12–89:19.
130
Amicus Brief of the North Carolina Justice Center and Down Home NC, supra note
119, at 1.
131
Id. at 5.
132
Id.
47
restored.”133 North Carolina law provides that “[i]f a registered voter is challenged as
having been convicted of any crime which excludes him from the right of suffrage, he
shall be required to answer any question in relation to the alleged conviction[.]” N.C.
GEN. STAT. § 163-90. Even though the answers may not be used against them, the
harassment of being challenged is enough to deter people from voting. Id.
86. In the event the prospective voter is deemed ineligible based on a voter
challenge, the county board of election may refer the case to the NCSBE. See N.C. GEN.
STAT. § 163-33(3) (providing that the county board of elections must “investigate . . .
violations of laws by elections officers and other persons, and report violations to the
State Board of Elections”). The NCSBE may then choose to investigate the case.134
87. Because of the potential threat of voter challenges, the NCSBE Website
recommends that individuals with felony convictions obtain documentary proof of
sentence completion in the form of a Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of
Citizenship to verify their eligibility to vote:
Once you complete your felony sentence or receive a pardon,

you are eligible to vote and may register. You can ask your
releasing officer for your Certificate of Restoration of
133
A sample Voter Challenge Form is available at
http://nebula.wsimg.com/132d4773df0be073741b179d330b5e06?AccessKeyId=46DCFE
3716DFE59A2104&disposition=0&alloworigin=1.
134
See Post-Election Audit Report (Exhibit 2), at 3 (explaining that the NCSBE “initiates
investigations into possible cases of felons voting through a system of data audits
followed by investigator review, referrals from county boards of election and tips from
the public”).
48
Forfeited Rights of Citizenship. This is not required to
register to vote, but will prove your eligibility to vote if
someone challenges your registration.135
The NCSBE Website provides no guidance on how to procure a Certificate of
Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship, other than directing a prospective voter to
contact his or her “releasing officer.”
88. When an individual convicted of a felony in a North Carolina state court is
“unconditionally discharge[d],” “[t]he agency, department or court having jurisdiction
over the inmate, probationer, parolee or defendant at the time his rights of citizenship are
restored” is supposed to “immediately issue a certificate or order . . . specifying the
restoration of his rights of citizenship.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 13-2(a). Upon information and
belief, this does not happen as statutorily mandated.
89. No such certificates are automatically issued to individuals convicted of
felonies in out-of-state courts or federal courts. To obtain a Certificate of Restoration of
Forfeited Rights of Citizenship, an individual convicted of a federal or out-of-state felony
must submit an application to “the clerk in the county where such person resides” along
with “any paper writing from the agency of any other state or of the United States which
had jurisdiction over such person, which shows that the conditions of [the Citizenship
Restoration Law] have been met.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 13-2(b). The NCSBE Website
provides no instructions for how and where individuals with federal or out-of-state felony
135
Registering as a Person in the NC Criminal Justice System, supra note 90.
49
convictions can apply.
90. Individuals who have completed their sentences for felony convictions may
not have a Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship, either because
they can no longer locate the certificate they received, or because they never received
such a certificate in the first place. These individuals may not know how to obtain a
Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship and may be afraid to vote
without one, for fear of being challenged and potentially facing prosecution under the
Strict Liability Voting Law.
91. Individuals who have completed all aspects of their sentences for felony
convictions except for the payment of fines, fees and/or restitution may still be afraid to
vote, despite the North Carolina Superior Court’s September 4, 2020 decision in CSI.
Under North Carolina law, an individual may be on probation for the sole purpose of
paying fines, fees and/or restitution. See, e.g., N.C. GEN. STAT. § 15A-1342(a). The North
Carolina Superior Court specifically enjoined the State defendants “from preventing a
person convicted of a felony from registering to vote and exercising that person’s right to
vote if that person’s only remaining barrier to obtaining an ‘unconditional discharge’ . . .
is the payment of a monetary amount.”136 Even with this injunction in place, however, an
individual who is on probation solely due to outstanding financial obligations may still
not vote for fear of criminal prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law (which is
136
Order on Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, supra note 6, at 10.
50
vague and the ultimate source of confusion).
V. The Strict Liability Voting Law Impedes Plaintiffs’ Efforts to Carry Out
Their Missions.
92. Plaintiffs’ core missions include increasing political participation among
the residents of North Carolina through voter registration and get-out-the-vote-activities.
The specter of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law has substantially
impeded Plaintiffs’ efforts to carry out this mission. Plaintiffs have had difficulty
persuading eligible North Carolina residents with criminal convictions to register to vote
and vote, because of their fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law.
93. Plaintiffs fear encouraging individuals with felony convictions to register to
vote and vote, because those individuals could potentially face criminal prosecution
under the Strict Liability Voting Law if they are still serving some aspect of a felony
sentence. Plaintiffs also fear incurring criminal liability themselves under N.C. GEN.
STAT. § 163-275(13), which provides that it is a Class I felony “[f]or any person falsely
to make or present any certificate or other paper to qualify any person fraudulently as a
voter, or to attempt thereby to secure to any person the privilege of voting . . . .” The
intent requirement under this law is unclear. Depending on how the NCSBE and District
Attorneys construe this law, Plaintiffs could potentially face prosecution under N.C. GEN.
STAT. § 163-275(13) for attempting “to secure to any person the privilege of voting” if
that person has not yet completed a felony sentence.
94. The risk of criminal prosecution of prospective voters under the Strict
51
Liability Voting Law, together with the potential for criminal liability for Plaintiffs
themselves under N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-275(13), has rendered it practically impossible
for Plaintiffs to continue their efforts to engage in voter registration and get-out-the-vote
activities with respect to individuals with felony convictions, and Plaintiffs’
organizations’ missions include serving historically-excluded and underserved
communities such as those that have been previously involved with the criminal justice
system. Moreover, Plaintiffs are not able to assist many individuals with felony
convictions with registering to vote because of these risks.
VI. Expedited Relief Is Necessary to Ensure That Eligible Individuals With

Criminal Convictions Do Not Refrain From Voting in the Presidential
Election.
95. The fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law could
potentially deter thousands of eligible North Carolina residents with criminal convictions
from voting in the November 3, 2020 presidential election, just weeks away.
96. The mail-in voter registration deadline in North Carolina is October 9,
2020. The State also permits same day registration during the early voting period, which
runs October 15, 2020 through October 31, 2020.137 To ensure that all eligible individuals
have the opportunity to register in time to vote in the presidential election, this Court
should preliminarily enjoin the Strict Liability Voting Law well before the registration
137
See Voter Registration Deadline, NCSBE, https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-
register/voter-registration-deadlines (last visited Sept. 20, 2020); One-Stop Early Voting,
NCBSE https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/vote-early-person (last visited Sept. 20, 2020).
52
window closes.
97. Absent expedited relief, countless individuals will forever lose the
opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2020 elections. This harm cannot be
undone by damages or an injunction after the election.
CLAIMS
COUNT ONE
Void for Vagueness in Violation of the Due Process Clause

of the Fourteenth Amendment and 42 U.S.C. § 1983
98. Plaintiffs re-allege and reincorporate by reference all prior paragraphs of
this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
99. The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the
deprivation of “life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” U.S. CONST. amend.
XIV. “The prohibition of vagueness in criminal statutes is a well-recognized requirement,
consonant alike with ordinary notions of fair play and the settled rules of law, and a
statute that flouts it violates the first essential of due process.” Johnson v. U.S., 576 U.S.
591, 595–96 (2015). When a criminal law imposes strict liability, even greater clarity is
necessary to satisfy the demands of due process. See Colautti v. Franklin, 439 U.S. 379,
395 (1979) (“This Court has long recognized that the constitutionality of a vague
statutory standard is closely related to whether that standard incorporates a requirement
of mens rea.”).
100. The Strict Liability Voting Law is unconstitutionally vague on its face
because it fails to provide individuals of ordinary intelligence fair notice of what conduct
53
is prohibited, and then subjects them to strict felony-level liability. The statute
criminalizes voting by “any person convicted of a crime, which excludes the person from
the right of suffrage, to vote at any primary or election without having been restored to
the right of citizenship in due course and by the method provided by law.” N.C. GEN.
STAT. § 163-275(5). The Strict Liability Voting Law neither defines which crimes
“exclude[ ] the person from the right of suffrage,” nor explains how an individual may be
“restored to the right of citizenship.”
101. To learn which crimes “exclude[ ] the person from the right of suffrage,” a
prospective voter must turn to the North Carolina Constitution and the State law setting
forth voter qualifications. See N.C. CONST., art. VI, § 2(3); N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-55.
Only then would a prospective voter learn that misdemeanors and other low level crimes
do not disqualify an individual from voting.
102. To attempt to understand how an individual may be “restored to the right of
citizenship,” a prospective voter must look outside the State’s election laws to the
Citizenship Restoration Law. That statute provides, inter alia, that “[a]ny person
convicted of a crime, whereby the rights of citizenship are forfeited, shall have such
rights automatically restored upon . . . [t]he unconditional discharge of an inmate, of a
probationer, or of a parolee by the agency of the State having jurisdiction of that person
or of a defendant under a suspended sentence by the court.” N.C. GEN. STAT. § 13-1(1)
(emphasis added). But neither the Citizenship Restoration Law nor any other North
Carolina statute defines the term “unconditional discharge.”

54
103. The NCSBE and other State entities have concluded that an individual
convicted of a felony does not regain the right to vote until sentence completion,
“including any probation, post-release supervision or parole.”138 But the NCSBE has not
defined the term “unconditional discharge” in the State’s Voter Registration Application
or other commonly-referenced voting materials.
104. Because of the vagueness of the Strict Liability Voting Law, some
ineligible individuals have incurred criminal liability by mistakenly voting prior to
sentence completion, while many other eligible voters have refrained from voting
because of a fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability Voting Law. This law plainly
does not pass constitutional muster under the Due Process Clause.
105. In enforcing the Strict Liability Voting Law, Defendants have acted under
color of state law.
106. Defendants have deprived and will continue to deprive Plaintiffs and
prospective voters in North Carolina of their right under the Due Process Clause to non-
vague laws governing the prosecution of voting crimes.
138
North Carolina Voter Registration Application, supra note 90.
55
COUNT TWO
Intentional Racial Discrimination in Violation of

the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and 42 U.S.C. § 1983
107. Plaintiffs re-allege and reincorporate by reference all prior paragraphs of
this Complaint as though fully set forth herein.
108. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits any
State from “deny[ing] to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the
laws.” U.S. CONST. amend. XIV, § 1. A law originally enacted with racially
discriminatory intent violates the Equal Protection Clause if (a) the law was never
substantively amended, and (b) the law continues to have racially disproportionate
effects. See, e.g., Hunter v. Underwood, 471 U.S. 222, 233 (1985) (“[W]e simply observe
that its original enactment was motivated by a desire to discriminate against [B]lacks on
account of race and the section continues to this day to have that effect. As such, it
violates [E]qual [P]rotection . . . .”).
109. The Strict Liability Voting Law was originally enacted with discriminatory
intent in 1877, and was reenacted almost verbatim in 1899 in an effort to suppress the
Black vote and reinstate white control throughout the state. The purpose of the Strict
Liability Voting Law was to deter Black individuals with criminal convictions from ever
attempting to vote.
110. The North Carolina General Assembly has never amended the key features
of the Strict Liability Voting Law. In substance, the Strict Liability Voting Law has
remained unchanged since 1899.

56
111. The Strict Liability Voting Law disproportionately affects Black North
Carolinians, who constitute the overwhelming majority of individuals who were flagged
by the NCSBE for voting in the 2016 election prior to sentence completion. Black
individuals have also been disproportionately targeted in purported “voter fraud”
prosecutions under the Strict Liability Voting Law, despite unequivocal evidence that
these individuals voted based on a good-faith belief that they were eligible to do so.
112. The Strict Liability Voting Law also disproportionately affects eligible
Black voters with past criminal convictions in North Carolina. These individuals
disproportionately refrain from voting for fear of prosecution under the Strict Liability
Voting Law.
113. The Strict Liability Voting Law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment because it was originally enacted with racially discriminatory
intent; its key features have never been substantively amended; and it continues to
disproportionately impact Black North Carolinians.
114. In enforcing the Strict Liability Voting Law, Defendants have acted under
color of state law.
115. Defendants have deprived and will continue to deprive Plaintiffs and Black
voters in North Carolina of their right under the Equal Protection Clause to non-
discriminatory laws governing the prosecution of voting crimes.
57
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court:
A. Declare that the Strict Liability Voting Law violates the Due Process and
Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution;
B. Declare that Plaintiffs’ rights will be irreparably harmed absent declaratory
and injunctive relief from this Court;
C. Preliminarily and permanently enjoin Defendants from enforcing the Strict
Liability Voting Law;
D. Grant Plaintiffs their reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in
bringing this suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988 and 28 U.S.C. § 1920; and
E. Grant such other relief as this Court deems just and proper.
58
Dated: September 24, 2020
By: /s/ Allison J. Riggs
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT SOUTHERN COALITION FOR SOCIAL

LLP JUSTICE
Jonathan K. Youngwood (special Allison J. Riggs (State Bar No. 40028)
appearance forthcoming) 1415 West Highway 54, Suite 101
Nihara K. Choudhri (special appearance Durham, NC 27707
forthcoming) Tel: (919) 323-3380
Andrew B. Garber (special appearance Fax: (919) 323-3942
forthcoming) allisonriggs@southerncoalition.org
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 455-2000
Fax: (212) 455-2502
jyoungwood@stblaw.com
nchoudhri@stblaw.com
andrew.garber@stblaw.com
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
59
COMMUNITY SUCCESS INITIATIVE, ET AL. vs TIMOTHY K. MOORE, ET AL.
30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·
·1· ·NORTH CAROLINA· · ·)· IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

· · · · · · · · · · · · )· · · SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
·2· ·WAKE COUNTY· · · · )· · · · · · 19-CVS-15941
·3
·4· ·COMMUNITY SUCCESS INITIATIVE; JUSTICE

· · ·SERVED NC, INC.; NORTH CAROLINA STATE
·5· ·CONFERENCE OF THE NAACP,
·6· · · · · · Plaintiffs,
·7· ·vs.
·8· ·TIMOTHY K. MOORE, IN HIS OFFICIAL

· · ·CAPACITY OF SPEAKER OF THE NORTH
·9· ·CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;
· · ·et al.,
10
· · · · · · · Defendants.
11· ·__________________________________________/
12
13
14· · · · · · 30(b)(6) Deposition by RingCentral
15· · · · · · · · · · · · · · of
16· · · · · · · · · · KAREN BRINSON BELL
17
18
19· · · · · · · (Taken Remotely by Plaintiffs)
20· · · · · · · · · Raleigh, North Carolina
21· · · · · · · · · Thursday, July 16, 2020
22
23
24· · · · · · · Reported Remotely in Stenotype

· · · · · · · · · · · · Denise Y. Meek
25· · · · · · ·Court Reporter and Notary Public
www.huseby.com Huseby, Inc.· Regional Centers 800-333-2082

Charlotte ~ Atlanta ~ Washington, DC ~ New York ~ Houston ~ San Francisco
30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 Pages 2..5
Page 2 Page 4
·1· · · · · · · · · · · · APPEARANCES ·1· · · · · · · · · ·INDEX OF EXAMINATIONS
·2 ·2
· · ·FOR THE PLAINTIFFS: ·3· ·KAREN BRINSON BELL· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·PAGE
·3 ·4· ·By Mr. Jacobson· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·9
· · · · · DANIEL F. JACOBSON, ESQ. (Via RingCentral)
·5· ·By Mr. Cox· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 207
·4· · · · Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, LLP
· · · · · 601 Massachusetts Avenue NW ·6
·5· · · · Washington, DC· 20001-3743 ·7· · · · · · · · · · ·INDEX OF EXHIBITS
· · · · · 202-942-5000 ·8· ·NUMBER· · · · · · · · DESCRIPTION· · · · · · · · PAGE
·6· · · · daniel.jacobson@arnoldporter.com ·9· ·Defendants' 1· Order - 7/15/2020· · · · · · · · · · 8
·7· · · · DARYL V. ATKINSON, ESQ. (Via RingCentral) 10· ·Plaintiffs' A· Election Technology Training· · · · 27
· · · · · WHITLEY J. CARPENTER, ESQ. (Via RingCentral) · · · · · · · · · · Topic: Felony Processes 6/21/2017
·8· · · · Forward Justice
11· · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_279 thru 302
· · · · · 400 West Main Street, Suite 203
·9· · · · Durham, NC· 27701 12· ·Plaintiffs' B· Biennial List Maintenance· · · · · ·52
· · · · · daryl@forwardjustice.org · · · · · · · · · · (No-Contact Process)
10 13· · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_322 thru 350
11· ·FOR THE LEGISLATIVE DEFENDANTS: 14· ·Plaintiffs' C· Post-Election Report 4/21/2017· · · 70
12· · · · BRIAN D. RABINOVITZ, ESQ. (Via RingCentral) · · · · · · · · · · General Election 2016
· · · · · North Carolina Department of Justice 15· · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_406 thru 439
13· · · · 114 West Edenton Street
16· ·Plaintiffs' D· HuffPost Article - 6/18/2020· · · ·132
· · · · · Raleigh, NC· 27603
14· · · · 919-716-6820 · · · · · · · · · · "They Didn't Know They Were
· · · · · brabinovitz@ncdoj.gov 17· · · · · · · · · Ineligible to Vote.· A Prosecutor
15 · · · · · · · · · · Went After Them Anyway."
16· ·FOR THE STATE BOARD DEFENDANTS: 18
17· · · · PAUL M. COX, ESQ. (Via RingCentral) · · ·Plaintiffs' E· North Carolina Voter Registration· ·82
· · · · · North Carolina Department of Justice 19· · · · · · · · · Application
18· · · · 114 West Edenton Street · · · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_351 thru 353
· · · · · Raleigh, NC· 27603
19· · · · 919-716-6820 20
· · · · · pcox@ncdoj.gov · · ·Plaintiffs' F· Absentee Application and· · · · · · 94
20 21· · · · · · · · · Certificate
21· ·FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS: · · · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_127
22· · · · KATELYN ROSE LOVE, ESQ. (Via RingCentral) 22
· · · · · North Carolina State Board of Elections · · ·Plaintiffs' G· One Stop Application· · · · · · · ·111
23· · · · 430 North Salisbury Street 23· · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_405
· · · · · 6400 MSC
24· ·Plaintiffs' H· NCSBE Voting Site Station Guide· · ·97
24· · · · Raleigh, NC· 27603
· · · · · 919-814-0756 · · · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_537 thru 597
25· · · · katelyn.love@ncsbe.gov 25
Page 3 Page 5
·1 ·1
· · · · · · · · · · · ·INDEX OF EXHIBITS
·2 ·2· · · · · · · · · · · · (Continued)
·3 ·3
· · ·NUMBER· · · · · · · · DESCRIPTION· · · · · · · · PAGE
·4 ·4
· · ·Plaintiffs' I· Election Offices Manual· · · · · · 101
·5· · · · · · 30(b)(6) Deposition by RingCentral of ·5· · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_132 thru 278
·6· ·Plaintiffs' J· NC Voting Rights Guide· · · · · · ·114
·6· ·KAREN BRINSON BELL, a witness located in Raleigh, · · · · · · · · · · People in the Criminal Justice
·7· ·North Carolina, was called remotely on behalf of the ·7· · · · · · · · · System
· · · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_598
·8· ·plaintiffs, before Denise Y. Meek, remote court ·8
· · ·Plaintiffs' K· A Misdemeanant & Ex-Felon's· · · · 106
·9· ·reporter and notary public, in and for the State of ·9· · · · · · · · · Guide to Voting in North Carolina
10· ·North Carolina, on Thursday, July 16, 2020, · · · · · · · · · · Bates: CSI_NCSBE_303 thru 304
10
11· ·commencing at 9:01 a.m. · · ·Plaintiffs' M· State of Michigan Voter· · · · · · 140
11· · · · · · · · · Registration Application and
12 · · · · · · · · · · Michigan Driver's License/State
12· · · · · · · · · Identification Card Address
13 · · · · · · · · · · Change Form Instructions
14 13
· · ·Plaintiffs' N· Voter Registration Application· · ·142
15 14· · · · · · · · · District of Columbia Board of
· · · · · · · · · · Elections
16 15
17 · · ·Plaintiffs' O· New Jersey Voter Registration· · · 144
16· · · · · · · · · Application
18 17· ·Plaintiffs' P· State Board's Amended Response· · ·159
· · · · · · · · · · to Interrogatory No. 7 of the
19 18· · · · · · · · · Plaintiffs' First Set of
· · · · · · · · · · Interrogatories
20
19
21 · · ·Plaintiffs' Q· Letter 3/3/2017 Re: Uniform· · · · 119
20· · · · · · · · · Notice to Felons Regarding Voting
22 · · · · · · · · · · Rights in North Carolina
21
23 22
24 · · ·REPORTERS NOTE:· Exhibit L was not identified.
23
25 24
25

Charlotte ~ Atlanta ~ Washington, DC ~ New York ~ Houston ~ San Francisco YVer1f
Page 6 Page 8
·1· · · · · · · · · ·-· - - ·1· ·through 1.f.
·2· · · ·THE REPORTER:· We are now on the ·2· · · ·"Plaintiffs' examination of Defendant
·3· ·record. ·3· ·State Board's Rule 30(b)(6) designee shall
·4· · · ·MR. COX:· I'm Paul Cox with the ·4· ·also be limited to governmental interests
·5· ·North Carolina Attorney General's Office, ·5· ·Defendant State Board may have in the
·6· ·representing the State Board of Elections ·6· ·present enforcement of N.C.G.S.,
·7· ·and its members, and the witness, and we ·7· ·Section 13-1, including Defendant State
·8· ·consent to the remote deposition. ·8· ·Board's current policies and procedures
·9· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· This is Daniel Jacobson ·9· ·relating to N.C.G.S., Section 13-1."
10· ·from Arnold & Porter representing the 10· · · ·And finally:
11· ·plaintiffs.· We consent to the remote 11· · · ·"Plaintiffs shall be precluded from
12· ·deposition. 12· ·examining Defendant State Board's Rule
13· · · ·MR. ATKINSON:· Darryl Atkinson, 13· ·30(b)(6) designee on matters relating to
14· ·Forward Justice, counsel for the 14· ·the enactment or historical enforcement of
15· ·plaintiffs.· We consent to the remote 15· ·N.C.G.S., Section 13-1."
16· ·deposition. 16· · · ·And, Madam Court Reporter, I'll send
17· · · ·MS. CARPENTER:· Whitley Carpenter, 17· ·you a copy for the exhibit to be entered
18· ·Forward Justice, counsel for the 18· ·into the record.
19· ·plaintiffs.· We consent to the remote 19· · · ·And just stating here at the outset,
20· ·deposition. 20· ·for anything that would go outside the
21· · · ·MR. RABINOVITZ:· This is Brian 21· ·bounds of that order or would violate the
22· ·Rabinovitz from the North Carolina Attorney 22· ·order, the State Board will be objecting to
23· ·General's Office on behalf of the 23· ·those questions and instructing the witness
24· ·legislative defendants, and we also consent 24· ·not to answer.
25· ·to the remote deposition. 25· · · ·(Defendants' 1 marked.)
Page 7 Page 9
·1· · · ·THE REPORTER:· All right.· Ms. Bell, ·1· · · · · · · · · · · ·-· - -
·2· ·please raise your right hand. ·2· · · · · · · · ·KAREN BRINSON BELL,
·3· · · ·Do you solemnly swear the testimony you ·3· · · · having been first duly remotely sworn,
·4· ·will give in this matter will be the truth, ·4· · · · was examined and testified as follows:
·5· ·the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, ·5· · · · · · · · · · EXAMINATION
·6· ·so help you God? ·6· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
·7· · · ·THE WITNESS:· I do. ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Good morning, again, Ms. Bell.
·8· · · ·THE REPORTER:· Thank you, ma'am. ·8· ·As I mentioned, I'm Daniel Jacobson.· I am an
·9· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Good morning, Ms. Bell. ·9· ·attorney for the plaintiffs in this case.
10· · · ·MR. COX:· Dan, this is Paul.· Before we 10· · · · · ·Could I ask you to state your full name
11· ·get started, I just wanted to make one note 11· ·for the record.
12· ·on the record. 12· · · ·A.· Karen Brinson Bell.
13· · · ·Yesterday the Court entered into a 13· · · ·Q.· And do you understand that you've taken
14· ·protective order, as all counsel knows, and 14· ·an oath to tell the truth today?
15· ·I just want to make sure that that's 15· · · ·A.· Yes, I do.
16· ·entered into the record.· I'll be emailing 16· · · ·Q.· There will be a transcript of
17· ·a copy to the court reporter to enter it 17· ·everything we say.· So we should just try the
18· ·into the record. 18· ·best we can not to talk over each other.· I'll
19· · · ·But just for everyone's sake of 19· ·try to do my best if you could do your best as
20· ·understanding right now, it states that: 20· ·well.
21· · · ·"Plaintiffs' examination of Defendant 21· · · ·A.· Yes.· I'm aware of that.· Thank you.
22· ·State Board's Rule 30(b)(6) designee 22· · · ·Q.· And your counsel may object, but you
23· ·relating to matter 1 of Schedule A of the 23· ·must answer the question even if he objects,
24· ·notice of deposition shall be limited to 24· ·unless your counsel specifically instructs you
25· ·factual assertions pertaining to items 1.a. 25· ·not to answer the question.

Page 10 Page 12
·1· · · · · ·Do you understand that? ·1· · · ·Q.· And other than those two cases, you've
·2· · · ·A.· I do. ·2· ·never given a deposition before in any
·3· · · ·Q.· Is there any reason you cannot give ·3· ·capacity?
·4· ·complete, truthful testimony today? ·4· · · ·A.· In my role as executive director.
·5· · · ·A.· Not that I'm aware of. ·5· ·That's correct.· There was a personal matter
·6· · · ·Q.· Have you taken any medications that ·6· ·that I've been deposed for.
·7· ·would prevent you from giving complete, ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And just to make sure:· You've
·8· ·accurate, and truthful testimony today? ·8· ·never given a deposition in any other case in
·9· · · ·A.· I have not. ·9· ·your professional capacity even before your
10· · · ·Q.· If you want a break at any point, just 10· ·current job; is that right?
11· ·let us know, and we'll take a break. 11· · · ·A.· That's right.
12· · · ·A.· Will do.· Thank you. 12· · · ·Q.· Have you ever testified before at a
13· · · ·Q.· Have you ever been deposed before? 13· ·trial?
14· · · ·A.· Yes, I have. 14· · · ·A.· I'm sorry.· One moment.
15· · · ·Q.· And when was that? 15· · · ·Q.· Sure.
16· · · ·A.· I've been deposed once personally; once 16· · · ·A.· Sorry.· No, I have not testified in a
17· ·about a year ago, in my capacity as executive 17· ·trial.
18· ·director; and then once this week in my 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· What is your current job title?
19· ·capacity as executive director; and then this 19· · · ·A.· I'm executive director of the
20· ·deposition. 20· ·North Carolina State Board of Elections.
21· · · ·Q.· I'll take those one at a time, then. 21· · · ·Q.· And how long have you been in that
22· · · · · ·You said once about a year ago?· Did I 22· ·position?
23· ·hear that right? 23· · · ·A.· I began June 1, 2019.· So just over a
24· · · ·A.· That's correct. 24· ·year.
25· · · ·Q.· And what case was that? 25· · · ·Q.· And I understand that this might be a
Page 11 Page 13
·1· · · ·A.· It was dealing with the federal ID law. ·1· ·very difficult question to answer, but on a
·2· · · ·Q.· And was that a federal court case or a ·2· ·high level, what are your responsibilities in
·3· ·state court case? ·3· ·that role?
·4· · · ·A.· I honestly don't recall at this point. ·4· · · ·A.· I am the chief elections official for
·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And you were already in your ·5· ·the State of North Carolina.· I, with the State
·6· ·position that you currently hold now at the ·6· ·Board of Elections, have oversight of
·7· ·time of that deposition; is that right? ·7· ·elections, administration for our state, and
·8· · · ·A.· I had just begun.· Yes. ·8· ·the conduct of all 100 county boards of
·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And then the second case, what ·9· ·elections.· And we also, as the State Board,
10· ·was that case? 10· ·and the 100 county boards, oversee compliance
11· · · ·A.· That was earlier this week, and it is 11· ·with campaign finance laws.
12· ·dealing with changes to the -- it's a case 12· · · ·Q.· In your role, do you oversee the State
13· ·dealing with coronavirus and -- a lawsuit 13· ·Board's efforts to notify people convicted of
14· ·asking for changes in how we conduct elections 14· ·felonies about their voting rights?
15· ·dealing with coronavirus. 15· · · ·A.· We do receive voter registrations.· So
16· · · ·Q.· And what kind of changes are the 16· ·that does pertain to felons.
17· ·plaintiffs asking for in that case? 17· · · ·Q.· And do you oversee the State Board's
18· · · ·A.· It's actually quite a -- numerous 18· ·procedures for preventing people convicted of
19· ·things.· Changes to the witnesses on -- changes 19· ·felonies from voting?
20· ·to the voter registration deadline.· How we -- 20· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Assumes facts not
21· ·I'm just trying to think of some of the other 21· · · ·in evidence.
22· ·things that were being considered.· Those are 22· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
23· ·two of the main ones. 23· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, you understand that people
24· · · ·Q.· Okay. 24· ·who are serving a felony sentence in
25· · · ·A.· The poll workers and precinct workers. 25· ·North Carolina are not allowed to vote.· Is

Page 14 Page 16
·1· ·that right? ·1· · · ·Q.· And how long did you have that job?
·2· · · ·A.· That is what the law states. ·2· · · ·A.· From -- in a full-time capacity,
·3· · · ·Q.· And do you oversee the State Board's ·3· ·October of 2016 until I assumed this role.· So
·4· ·procedures for preventing such people from ·4· ·the end of May 2019.
·5· ·voting? ·5· · · ·Q.· And is that a nonprofit organization?
·6· · · ·A.· I administer the law which says that we ·6· · · ·A.· It is.· It is organized now as a
·7· ·give notice or administer the law as it's ·7· ·nonprofit organization.
·8· ·written pertaining to felons and their rights ·8· · · ·Q.· And what's -- again, this might be a
·9· ·to vote. ·9· ·loaded question, but, broadly speaking, what's
10· · · ·Q.· Right.· And just so that I -- the Board 10· ·the primary mission of that organization?
11· ·has certain procedures in place.· Right? 11· · · ·A.· We were a group of former election
12· ·Administrative procedures to, you know, the 12· ·administrators who had worked in the election
13· ·best they can, make sure that people who are 13· ·administration field.· We were working with
14· ·serving such felony convictions are not 14· ·different governmental entities, be that a
15· ·actually able to vote; is that right? 15· ·legislature or a city council, varying levels
16· · · ·A.· We have procedures pertaining to the 16· ·of government and election administration for
17· ·qualifications of voters. 17· ·those who were considering or were already
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And then in your capacity as 18· ·charged with implementing ranked choice voting
19· ·executive director, that falls within your 19· ·as a voting method.· We had -- I particularly
20· ·purview of overseeing those procedures; is that 20· ·had experience in that voting method, and so we
21· ·right? 21· ·were sharing election administration practices
22· · · ·A.· That's correct. 22· ·for those considering the method or who were
23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And in your role -- and, 23· ·implementing or expanding their processes.
24· ·Ms. Bell, you understand that people who have 24· · · ·Q.· And before that job -- what was your
25· ·completed their felony sentence become 25· ·job before that?
Page 15 Page 17
·1· ·reeligible to vote again.· Is that right? ·1· · · ·A.· I had worked for a voting -- an
·2· · · ·A.· That is how our law is stated, yes. ·2· ·elections software company.
·3· · · ·Q.· And does the Board have procedures to ·3· · · ·Q.· Have you ever worked -- other than your
·4· ·help implement that aspect of the law, that ·4· ·current job, have you ever worked for any
·5· ·people are allowed to vote again once their ·5· ·government agency?
·6· ·felony sentences are completed? ·6· · · ·A.· Yes.· From two thousand -- well, yes.
·7· · · ·A.· Yes.· That's correct. ·7· ·That's a "yes" or "no."· So yes.
·8· · · ·Q.· And in your capacity as executive ·8· · · ·Q.· And what agency was that?
·9· ·director, do you oversee those procedures? ·9· · · ·A.· I was the elections director for
10· · · ·A.· Yes. 10· ·Transylvania County, North Carolina.
11· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, am I correct that the Board 11· · · ·Q.· And when did you serve in that role?
12· ·conducts investigations of people who may have 12· · · ·A.· From March of 2011 until March of 2015.
13· ·voted illegally while they were serving their 13· · · ·Q.· And did I hear you right that you said
14· ·felony sentence? 14· ·you were the elections director?· Or I might
15· · · ·A.· We do have an investigations division 15· ·have misheard.
16· ·where we look at violations of election law. 16· · · ·A.· That's correct.· Yes.· At the county
17· · · ·Q.· And do you -- in your capacity as 17· ·level in North Carolina, we're considered
18· ·executive director, do you oversee that 18· ·election directors.
19· ·division? 19· · · ·Q.· And what were your responsibilities in
20· · · ·A.· Yes, that is a division of this agency. 20· ·that role?
21· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Before your current job, what 21· · · ·A.· To administer voting, voter
22· ·was -- what job did you hold before your 22· ·registration, campaign finance, election
23· ·current job? 23· ·administration for Transylvania County,
24· · · ·A.· I was a consultant for the Ranked 24· ·North Carolina.
25· ·Choice Voting Resource Center. 25· · · ·Q.· And in that role, were you involved in

Page 18 Page 20
·1· ·implementing procedures for notifying people ·1· · · ·Q.· And when you say "voting systems," are
·2· ·convicted of felonies about their voting ·2· ·you referring to the actual software that
·3· ·rights? ·3· ·voting machines use that will actually cast the
·4· · · ·A.· Yes, as it pertains to North Carolina ·4· ·ballots?· Is that --
·5· ·law, yes. ·5· · · ·A.· A voting system is the firmware,
·6· · · ·Q.· And in that role were you involved in ·6· ·software, and hardware associated with voting.
·7· ·implementing procedures for preventing people ·7· ·So the tabulators, the tabulation software.
·8· ·who were serving felony sentences from voting? ·8· ·Yeah.· All the components you see when you cast
·9· · · ·A.· Again, my role was to administer ·9· ·your ballot.
10· ·elections and voter registration based on 10· · · ·Q.· In that role -- did that role touch at
11· ·qualifications for people to vote or not to 11· ·all on the law regarding people serving their
12· ·vote based on North Carolina law. 12· ·felony sentences and whether they can vote?
13· · · ·Q.· And those qualifications included that 13· · · ·A.· That was not a direct part of my job.
14· ·a person is not currently serving a felony 14· ·I assisted counties in other processes, but
15· ·sentence; is that right? 15· ·that was not a direct part of my job at that
16· · · ·A.· That was the law at that time.· Yes. 16· ·time.
17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And in that role in Transylvania 17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And other than the three
18· ·County, were you involved in procedures for 18· ·government positions we've discussed, have you
19· ·enabling people who had finished their felony 19· ·held any government position?
20· ·sentence to once again vote? 20· · · ·A.· No.
21· · · ·A.· Yes.· If an individual was qualified to 21· · · ·Q.· Other than the jobs we've already
22· ·register and vote, then we did follow those 22· ·talked about, have you ever worked at all in a
23· ·procedures. 23· ·professional capacity on issues relating to
24· · · ·Q.· And in that role were you involved in 24· ·felony disenfranchisement?
25· ·the investigation of people who may have 25· · · ·A.· I have not.
Page 19 Page 21
·1· ·legally voted while serving a felony sentence? ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· What did you do to prepare for
·2· · · ·A.· The county level turns over that ·2· ·today's deposition?
·3· ·information to the state, and there is no ·3· · · ·A.· I have spoken with counsel to
·4· ·county investigations division.· So that's ·4· ·understand the process, particularly, to the
·5· ·turned over to the state. ·5· ·organizational witness aspect.· I have reviewed
·6· · · ·Q.· Other than that role in Transylvania ·6· ·documents that we provided as the State Board,
·7· ·County, have you served in any sort of ·7· ·that were provided by counsel.
·8· ·government capacity, other than your current ·8· · · ·Q.· Did you meet with your lawyers to
·9· ·job? ·9· ·prepare for this deposition?
10· · · ·A.· Yes. 10· · · ·A.· I did.
11· · · ·Q.· And what was that? 11· · · ·Q.· How many times did you meet them?
12· · · ·A.· I worked for the State Board of 12· · · ·A.· Other than being briefed, you know, on
13· ·Elections from 2006 until I became county 13· ·the status of the case to actually prepare for
14· ·elections director in 2011. 14· ·this, we met once.
15· · · ·Q.· And what was your -- what role did you 15· · · ·Q.· And other than Mr. Cox, was anyone else
16· ·hold at that time? 16· ·present at that meeting?
17· · · ·A.· I was a district elections technician. 17· · · ·A.· The State Board's general counsel,
18· · · ·Q.· And what did that job entail? 18· ·Katelyn Love.
19· · · ·A.· I was assigned a regional position 19· · · ·Q.· Other than Ms. Love and Mr. Cox, was
20· ·where I worked in the western part of the state 20· ·anyone present?
21· ·supporting 12 counties.· The primary 21· · · ·A.· Yes.· Our deputy director, Trena Parker
22· ·responsibilities dealt with the voting systems 22· ·Velez.
23· ·and North Carolina's procurement of a new 23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Was Mr. Rabinovitz from the
24· ·voting system in 2006, and that rollout, and 24· ·Attorney General's Office present at that
25· ·the training associated with that. 25· ·meeting?

Page 22 Page 24
·1· · · ·A.· No, he was not. ·1· ·handled by our general counsel.· We reached out
·2· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And I believe you just mentioned ·2· ·to staff.
·3· ·this a moment ago, but have you reviewed any ·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Are you familiar at all with the
·4· ·documents to prepare for this deposition? ·4· ·process that he used to gather documents?
·5· · · ·A.· Yes.· I reviewed some of our ·5· · · ·A.· Our general counsel, or Mr. Cox?
·6· ·procedures -- procedural documents that were ·6· · · ·Q.· Your general counsel.
·7· ·provided with this case. ·7· · · ·A.· I was copied or included on emails when
·8· · · ·Q.· Other than documents that were -- and ·8· ·she reached out to staff members.· If she --
·9· ·when you -- I'm sorry.· When you say provided ·9· ·yeah, I was not pertinent to phone
10· ·in this case, do you mean provided to 10· ·conversations, if those occurred.
11· ·plaintiffs as part of discovery? 11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Do you know do they search paper
12· · · ·A.· That would be my understanding.· I'm 12· ·files and electronic documents, or just one or
13· ·not an attorney, so... 13· ·the other?
14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Other than those documents that 14· · · ·A.· I don't have the answer to that.
15· ·you think were provided to the plaintiffs as 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Do you know if they conducted
16· ·part of discovery, did you review any documents 16· ·electronic searches?
17· ·to prepare for today? 17· · · ·A.· In some of what I have, there's a
18· · · ·A.· No, not that I recall. 18· ·record of an email that I have in front of me
19· · · ·Q.· I see that you have a large stack of 19· ·that was submitted.· So if that answers your --
20· ·documents behind you, and I won't ask you about 20· ·there's at least an email.· So that would be an
21· ·those, but did you -- 21· ·electronic file.
22· · · ·A.· So that would be our COVID response, 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· What email is that?
23· ·our Monday morning kickoff, our conference that 23· · · ·A.· It's -- maybe the best way for me to
24· ·we have coming up.· All the many things that go 24· ·identify it is the page number.
25· ·on in election administration. 25· · · ·Q.· Sure.
Page 23 Page 25
·1· · · ·Q.· Fair enough.· And that would probably ·1· · · ·A.· So CSI_NCSBE_000048.· So it's an email
·2· ·take us a full day just to go through those. ·2· ·from Katelyn Love, as well as Veronica
·3· · · ·A.· At least. ·3· ·Degraffenreid.
·4· · · ·Q.· Did you bring any documents, though, ·4· · · ·Q.· And do State Board -- does the State
·5· ·with you today specifically for this ·5· ·Board staff or members frequently email about
·6· ·deposition? ·6· ·issues relating to felony disenfranchisement?
·7· · · ·A.· I have some of those documents that ·7· · · ·A.· What do you mean by "frequently"?
·8· ·have been provided.· I have those with me. ·8· · · ·Q.· Do they ever email about issues
·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But nothing else beyond what ·9· ·relating to felony disenfranchisement?
10· ·you've already described? 10· · · ·A.· Yes, we would email -- you know, yes,
11· · · ·A.· That's correct. 11· ·we would email about that.
12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And, Ms. Bell, I believe, again, 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And do you know that the State
13· ·you already answered this, but you're aware 13· ·Board searched their emails in response to
14· ·that the State Board produced documents in 14· ·discovery requests in this case?
15· ·response to the plaintiffs' discovery request 15· · · ·A.· I don't know.
16· ·in this case? 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And you think the person who
17· · · ·A.· Yes. 17· ·would know that is the deputy director and the
18· · · ·Q.· Were you involved in the process of 18· ·general counsel.· Am I understanding that
19· ·identifying or collecting the documents that 19· ·right?
20· ·were to be produced? 20· · · ·A.· In this case it would be the general
21· · · ·A.· No, not -- not particularly. 21· ·counsel.
22· · · ·Q.· Who at the State Board was involved in 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.
23· ·gathering the documents that were produced as 23· · · ·A.· The deputy director does not have the
24· ·part of discovery in this case? 24· ·discovery rights.
25· · · ·A.· To my knowledge, most of that was 25· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And have you reviewed all of the

Page 26 Page 28
·1· ·documents that were ultimately produced by the ·1· ·reflect current protocols and technology
·2· ·State Board in this case? ·2· ·databases used by the State Board and county
·3· · · ·A.· I have not. ·3· ·board of elections?
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Just a subset? ·4· · · ·A.· Yes.· We have -- we have other
·5· · · ·A.· Correct. ·5· ·supplemental documents, but, yes, this is the
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to walk through some ·6· ·latest version, to my knowledge, of this
·7· ·of the documents, now, that were produced. ·7· ·document.
·8· · · ·A.· Okay. ·8· · · ·Q.· So there's no more recent documents
·9· · · ·Q.· So I'm going to pull up -- I'm going to ·9· ·that sort of updates this?· This is the latest
10· ·pull up exhibits on my screen and use the 10· ·version, you just said?
11· ·screen-share function.· You can at any point 11· · · ·A.· I believe that's correct.· Yes.
12· ·tell me you want me to scroll to a different 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn now to the
13· ·page or you want to take more time to read 13· ·page that's Bates stamped page 286.
14· ·something I'm looking at.· It's a little bit 14· · · · · ·Do you see that the title of this slide
15· ·cumbersome using remote procedures, but we'll 15· ·is "DOC Felon Reports Updated"?
16· ·do the best we can. 16· · · ·A.· Yes.
17· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· And for opposing 17· · · ·Q.· Does this page show the databases that
18· · · ·counsel, Mr. Atkinson will email you the 18· ·the State Board maintains regarding persons
19· · · ·marked copies.· We've premarked all of 19· ·convicted of a felony in a North Carolina state
20· · · ·these.· So he'll email them, you know, one 20· ·court and their eligibility to vote?
21· · · ·by one as we introduce each one, just so 21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
22· · · ·everyone has a copy in front of them. 22· · · ·A.· Repeat your question, please.
23· · · · · ·Does that sound okay to everyone? 23· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Does this page show the
24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Yes. 24· ·databases that the State Board of Elections
25· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay. 25· ·maintains regarding persons convicted of a
Page 27 Page 29
·1· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' A premarked.) ·1· ·felony in a North Carolina state court and
·2· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·2· ·their eligibility to vote?
·3· · · ·Q.· Are you able to see my screen? ·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
·4· · · ·A.· Yes.· Well, I see a screen.· I don't ·4· · · ·A.· I don't know that the terminology used
·5· ·see the entire document. ·5· ·is correct for what this displays.
·6· · · ·Q.· Do you see that this is a document ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· How would you describe it?
·7· ·entitled Election Technology Training? ·7· · · ·A.· Okay.· This is a listing of lists and
·8· · · ·A.· Yes. ·8· ·daily reports.· It's not necessarily a
·9· · · ·Q.· Have you seen this document before? ·9· ·database.
10· · · ·A.· I have. 10· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But these are the lists and
11· · · ·Q.· Can you confirm, to the best of your 11· ·daily reports that the State Board possesses
12· ·ability, that this is a true and accurate copy 12· ·regarding persons convicted of a felony in a
13· ·of a document produced by the State Board in 13· ·North Carolina state court; is that right?
14· ·discovery? 14· · · ·A.· Somewhat.
15· · · ·A.· I'm sorry.· Your audio faded. 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· What did I get wrong?
16· · · ·Q.· I'm sorry.· You said you've seen this 16· · · ·A.· You indicated that we possess them.
17· ·document before, correct? 17· ·They may be provided to us or -- I just don't
18· · · ·A.· Yes, I have. 18· ·want to -- it indicates it's the Department of
19· · · ·Q.· Can you confirm, to the best of your 19· ·Corrections, which is a title that really means
20· ·ability, that this is a true and accurate copy 20· ·DPS, Department of Public Safety.· And so some
21· ·of a document produced by the State Board in 21· ·of these are provided to us and not necessarily
22· ·this case in discovery? 22· ·our documents.
23· · · ·A.· Yes, it is a State Board document.· At 23· · · ·Q.· Sure.· The State Board maintains copies
24· ·least, as far as the cover. 24· ·of -- at least, copies of all of these lists;
25· · · ·Q.· And does this -- does this document 25· ·is that correct?

Page 30 Page 32
·1· · · ·A.· Yes.· They're provided to us, and we ·1· ·North Carolina state court?
·2· ·maintain them for our purposes.· Yes. ·2· · · ·A.· I don't want to split hairs with you,
·3· · · ·Q.· And these lists show -- or these lists ·3· ·but that's -- it is not a report that says they
·4· ·relate to persons convicted of a felony in a ·4· ·are not eligible to vote.· It says that they
·5· ·North Carolina state court; is that correct? ·5· ·are "active felony status due to conviction of
·6· · · ·A.· Actually, the way this is written, it ·6· ·a felony" in North Carolina.
·7· ·does not indicate that all of those are those ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But everyone who is on the list
·8· ·convicted of a felony in a North Carolina state ·8· ·is ineligible to vote; is that right?
·9· ·court. ·9· · · ·A.· They are active felony status.
10· · · ·Q.· You think that this includes people who 10· ·Therefore, we would then process this as
11· ·were convicted of a felony in a different 11· ·someone who is not eligible to vote.
12· ·court? 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.
13· · · ·A.· Not -- no, just indicating that that's 13· · · ·A.· But it's --
14· ·not what all of these bullet points state. 14· · · ·Q.· Go ahead.· I'm sorry.
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· How about we'll do this.· We'll 15· · · ·A.· That's all.
16· ·go through them one by one, and I'll state my 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· The second list is called "Felon
17· ·understanding of them, and then you can tell me 17· ·State Matching List"; is that right?
18· ·what I'm getting wrong.· Sound good? 18· · · ·A.· Yes.
19· · · ·A.· I believe you're correct that they are 19· · · ·Q.· And does that list show the current
20· ·from the North Carolina state court, but I just 20· ·list of people who are on active felony status
21· ·wanted to clarify that they don't each state 21· ·who you are able to -- from a conviction in a
22· ·that. 22· ·North Carolina state court -- who you are able
23· · · ·Q.· I understand.· Okay.· So the first one 23· ·to match up to a North Carolina voter
24· ·here is called "Felon County List"? 24· ·registration record?
25· · · ·A.· Yes. 25· · · ·A.· That is correct.
Page 31 Page 33
·1· · · ·Q.· And does that list show the current ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And is that -- am I
·2· ·list of people who are ineligible to vote ·2· ·understanding right, is that the SEIMS
·3· ·because they are serving a felony sentence? ·3· ·database?· I might be --
·4· · · ·A.· By definition, no, that's not what the ·4· · · ·A.· No.· You said it correctly.
·5· ·report indicates. ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· That's a list of voters who are
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Well, can you explain to me why ·6· ·registered in North Carolina; is that right?
·7· ·that's not correct? ·7· · · ·A.· That's our database of people who are
·8· · · ·A.· I will read what it says.· It says ·8· ·registered in North Carolina, SEIMS.
·9· ·that:· "This report shows the current list of ·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And the third list is called
10· ·persons who have an active felony status due to 10· ·"Felon Completed List."· Does that show the
11· ·conviction of a felony in a North Carolina 11· ·current list of persons who have completed
12· ·state court.· The report is available by the 12· ·their felony sentence from a conviction in a
13· ·county in which the person was convicted of a 13· ·North Carolina state court?
14· ·felony (or was a resident at the time of his or 14· · · ·A.· It states that they are no longer
15· ·her conviction).· User must select county and 15· ·considered active felons.· So by that -- does
16· ·user may select conviction month and year." 16· ·that meet your definition of no longer serving
17· · · · · ·It does not state whether they are 17· ·a sentence?
18· ·eligible to vote or not, as you stated. 18· · · ·Q.· So let me ask you this:· Anyone who is
19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is it your understanding that 19· ·no longer considered to be an active felon and
20· ·anyone serving an active felony status due to a 20· ·is, therefore, on that list, are all of those
21· ·felony is ineligible to vote in North Carolina? 21· ·people eligible to vote in North Carolina
22· · · ·A.· That is correct. 22· ·elections?
23· · · ·Q.· So given that, doesn't this list show a 23· · · ·A.· They are eligible, yes.
24· ·current list of persons who are ineligible to 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And then the fourth list here,
25· ·vote in North Carolina due to a conviction in a 25· ·"Felon Completed State Matching List," does

Page 34 Page 36
·1· ·that show the current list of people who are no ·1· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·2· ·longer considered to be active felons who you ·2· · · ·speculation.
·3· ·are also able to match up to a North Carolina ·3· · · ·A.· What I can attest to is what the
·4· ·voter registration record? ·4· ·process would be once we receive that
·5· · · ·A.· That is correct. ·5· ·information.· And that is available to the
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn back now to ·6· ·counties on a daily or weekly basis.· So as
·7· ·what is stamped as Bates stamp page 282. ·7· ·they process those, that would be the time
·8· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, do you see that the title of ·8· ·frame from an elections side of things.
·9· ·this slide is "Felony Removal Notice"? ·9· · · ·Q.· Gotcha.
10· · · ·A.· I do. 10· · · ·A.· So that's all I can speak to.
11· · · ·Q.· And does this represent a sample letter 11· · · ·Q.· And is the county processing that
12· ·sent to voters notifying them that their name 12· ·information on a continual basis?
13· ·will be removed from the list of registered 13· · · ·A.· Yes.
14· ·voters because they've been convicted of a 14· · · ·Q.· They're not -- they don't only do it,
15· ·felony? 15· ·you know, once a year or twice a year or
16· · · ·A.· That is what it's depicting, yes. 16· ·something like that?
17· · · ·Q.· So to state it slightly differently: 17· · · ·A.· That's correct.
18· ·This letter tells voters that they are now 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And am I correct that this
19· ·ineligible to vote because of their felony 19· ·letter is sent by the relevant county board of
20· ·conviction; is that correct? 20· ·elections in the voter's home county?
21· · · ·A.· That is correct. 21· · · ·A.· That is correct.
22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is it -- am I right that this 22· · · ·Q.· Is this letter, though, a standard
23· ·letter is sent shortly after the conviction 23· ·template that's used by all counties?
24· ·takes place? 24· · · ·A.· Yes, we do have a standard template
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Calls for speculation. 25· ·letter.
Page 35 Page 37
·1· · · ·Objection. ·1· · · ·Q.· And is it the State Board of Elections
·2· · · ·A.· I was going to say.· I mean, what do ·2· ·that develops that standard template letter?
·3· ·you mean by "shortly after"? ·3· · · ·A.· Yes.
·4· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Roughly how long after a ·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And I think we touched on this a
·5· ·conviction takes place is this letter sent? ·5· ·moment ago, but do counties rely on what was
·6· · · ·A.· Can you zoom in?· Or, actually, I'd ·6· ·the second database that we talked about on the
·7· ·like to look at my procedures to give you the ·7· ·previous slide, which was called the Felon
·8· ·exact number of days. ·8· ·State Matching List, to identify persons whose
·9· · · ·Q.· That would be fine. ·9· ·names should be removed from the list of
10· · · ·A.· I don't believe this page that you have 10· ·registered voters and sent this letter?
11· ·displayed indicates the number of days as we 11· · · ·A.· That is data available to the counties
12· ·process voter registration reforms -- or not 12· ·and that is a method that they use.
13· ·reforms -- forms.· I'm sorry. 13· · · ·Q.· Is there any other method that they use
14· · · ·Q.· Well, let me -- 14· ·to identify people who were registered to vote
15· · · ·A.· So it's untimely.· It's not... 15· ·who should be removed because of felony
16· · · ·Q.· Am I correct, Ms. Bell, that this 16· ·conviction other than that database -- or that
17· ·letter is sent to people who are already 17· ·list, I should say?
18· ·registered to vote who have been matched up to 18· · · ·A.· I believe what you were showing on that
19· ·a voter registration record in SEIMS?· Is that 19· ·previous slide were all the lists available to
20· ·correct? 20· ·the counties for them to use in processing.
21· · · ·A.· That is correct.· Yes.· Sorry.· I did 21· ·But that -- yes, that is the primary way that a
22· ·not state that quite right. 22· ·county would process for this -- for this
23· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So, just ballpark, is it fair to 23· ·notice.
24· ·say that this letter will be sent to voters 24· · · ·Q.· Sure.· You say it's the primary way,
25· ·within six months of their conviction? 25· ·and I guess what I'm just trying to clarify is,

Page 38 Page 40
·1· ·is there -- well, I'll go back to that other ·1· ·they're ineligible to register to vote because
·2· ·slide, just to be -- just so we can make sure ·2· ·of a felony conviction?
·3· ·we're on the same page. ·3· · · ·A.· This is the template, at the time, of
·4· · · · · ·So I'm referring to the Felon State ·4· ·the denial of registration letter, yes.
·5· ·Matching List that matches up people who are on ·5· · · ·Q.· So this is for people who tried to
·6· ·active felony status (inaudible) -- ·6· ·register to vote; is that right?
·7· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· Excuse me.· I can't hear ·7· · · ·A.· That's right.
·8· · · ·you.· You're cutting out. ·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And like the prior letter, is
·9· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· I'm sorry.· Can you hear ·9· ·this letter sent by the relevant county board
10· · · ·me? 10· ·of elections?
11· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· Yes.· Please repeat. 11· · · ·A.· Yes.
12· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay. 12· · · ·Q.· And like the prior letter, is it based
13· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 13· ·on a template that's developed by the State
14· · · ·Q.· The second list here that we talked 14· ·Board?
15· ·about before, the Felon State Matching List, 15· · · ·A.· Yes.
16· ·that shows the current list of people who are 16· · · ·Q.· And going back now to slide 286.
17· ·on active felony status who are also matched up 17· · · · · ·For purposes of that Denial Notice we
18· ·to an existing voter registration record; is 18· ·just looked at, am I correct that the counties
19· ·that right? 19· ·rely on this first list, the Felon County List,
20· · · ·A.· That is right. 20· ·to identify people who should be sent that
21· · · ·Q.· And so what I'm asking is:· Other than 21· ·letter?
22· ·relying on this list, is there something 22· · · ·A.· Yes.
23· ·else -- some other source that counties rely on 23· · · ·Q.· So, Ms. Bell, we've just looked at two
24· ·to remove people who are already on the rolls, 24· ·separate notices that election officials send
25· ·from the rolls, because of a felony conviction? 25· ·to voters after their felony convictions, or
Page 39 Page 41
·1· · · ·A.· There are two other items on this ·1· ·that may send to voters after their felony
·2· ·particular slide that indicate other resources ·2· ·convictions, advising them that they cannot
·3· ·that the counties have.· The one that you ·3· ·vote; is that right?
·4· ·noted, the Felon State Matching List, is the ·4· · · ·A.· Yes.
·5· ·primary, but they do still have access to the ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, I didn't see any
·6· ·Felon County List that we've reviewed.· And the ·6· ·similar letter in this document advising voters
·7· ·one that you did not review is the DOC Felon ·7· ·after their sentence is completed that they're
·8· ·Search.· If they needed to clarify or review, ·8· ·once again eligible to vote.
·9· ·those would be available to them as well. ·9· · · · · ·Is it correct that neither the State
10· · · ·Q.· And is it your understanding that 10· ·Board of Elections nor a county board of
11· ·counties, in fact, do rely on those two other 11· ·elections send voters such a notification once
12· ·lists when identifying -- to identify people 12· ·they've become reeligible to vote?
13· ·who should be removed from the registration 13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Confusing.
14· ·rolls? 14· · · ·A.· Would you state your question again,
15· · · ·A.· They are available to them, but they 15· ·please?
16· ·would rely primarily on the Felon State 16· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So after a person finishes their
17· ·Matching List that you've asked about. 17· ·felony sentence, does either the State Board of
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll turn now to page 283. 18· ·Elections or a county board of elections send
19· · · · · ·And, Ms. Bell, do you see that this 19· ·voters a notification telling them that they're
20· ·is -- this slide is titled "Denial Notice"? 20· ·now once again eligible to vote?
21· · · ·A.· I do. 21· · · ·A.· We do not send a letter --
22· · · ·Q.· And does this slide -- does this letter 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And --
23· ·on this slide represent a letter sent to people 23· · · ·A.· -- of that nature.· Sorry.
24· ·who were not already registered to vote, or 24· · · ·Q.· And we talked earlier here about the
25· ·tried to register to vote, notifying them that 25· ·third and fourth bullet points -- or lists --

Page 42 Page 44
·1· ·Felon Completed List and Felon Completed State ·1· ·can you tell me what you mean by that?
·2· ·Matching List? ·2· · · ·A.· We do not have -- the instruction in
·3· · · ·A.· Yes. ·3· ·our law is not -- it does not instruct that it
·4· · · ·Q.· Those lists provide details of people ·4· ·will be the county board of elections who would
·5· ·who finished their felony sentences and are ·5· ·make that contact --
·6· ·once again eligible to vote; is that right? ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is there --
·7· · · ·A.· Correct.· They are no longer active -- ·7· · · ·A.· -- based upon these lists.
·8· ·considered active felons. ·8· · · ·Q.· Is there anything in the law, based on
·9· · · ·Q.· And am I correct that those databases ·9· ·your understanding, that prohibits the county
10· ·contain contact information like name and last 10· ·boards of elections from contacting individuals
11· ·known address? 11· ·to tell them that they're once again eligible
12· · · ·A.· I'm sorry.· You cut out. 12· ·to vote?
13· · · ·Q.· I'm sorry.· The perils of remote 13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for a legal
14· ·depositions. 14· · · ·conclusion.
15· · · · · ·Am I correct that those databases 15· · · ·A.· As I've mentioned, I'm not an attorney.
16· ·contain contact information for people such as 16· ·So I would need to confirm with counsel before
17· ·their name and last known address? 17· ·I would make that decision.
18· · · ·A.· It still trails off at the end of your 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But sitting here today, you're
19· ·question.· I'm sorry. 19· ·not aware of any law that would prohibit the
20· · · ·Q.· That's okay.· Can you hear me better? 20· ·counties from contacting people to tell them
21· · · ·A.· I can.· Yes. 21· ·that they're once again eligible to vote, are
22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll try my best to be heard. 22· ·you?
23· · · · · ·Am I correct that those two databases 23· · · ·A.· Restate your question, please.
24· ·contain contact information such as name and 24· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Just sitting here today, as we
25· ·last known address? 25· ·talk to each other, you're not aware of any law
Page 43 Page 45
·1· · · ·A.· I believe that is correct.· Yes. ·1· ·that would prevent the county boards of
·2· · · ·Q.· And you could -- the State Board could ·2· ·elections from contacting people on these lists
·3· ·use that contact information to contact people ·3· ·and telling them that they're once again
·4· ·and tell them that they're now eligible to ·4· ·eligible to vote?
·5· ·vote, right? ·5· · · ·A.· The way that I best know to answer that
·6· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·6· ·is to say that we administer the law as it is
·7· · · ·speculation. ·7· ·written.· We -- it is not -- so if there's
·8· · · ·A.· We could use -- I don't -- that is not ·8· ·not -- if that's not within the law, then --
·9· ·a procedure that we have.· I mean, is that a ·9· ·you know, we have to be careful in our
10· ·contact list?· Could anyone send a letter? 10· ·administration that we do not exceed what the
11· ·Yes, anyone could send a letter. 11· ·law states either.
12· · · ·Q.· Right.· And the county boards could use 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But you're not aware of any law
13· ·that contact information to send a letter to 13· ·that prohibits it, are you?
14· ·people telling them that they're once again 14· · · ·A.· To the best of my knowledge, no.
15· ·eligible to vote; is that right? 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So from the standpoint of a
16· · · ·A.· Your question is "could," and that 16· ·person convicted of a felony in North Carolina,
17· ·would imply:· Do they have the ability or the 17· ·even after their sentence is finished, the last
18· ·capability?· "Could" is -- an answer to "could" 18· ·communication they will have received from
19· ·is "yes." 19· ·election officials is something telling them
20· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But they don't do that, do they? 20· ·that they're not eligible to vote; is that
21· · · ·A.· That is not what is -- that is not our 21· ·right?
22· ·procedure or law. 22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
23· · · ·Q.· Okay. 23· · · ·speculation.· Vague.
24· · · ·A.· So they do not keep that. 24· · · ·A.· And I actually was going to ask you to
25· · · ·Q.· When you say that it's not their law, 25· ·restate your question, please.

Page 46 Page 48
·1· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Yes.· I understand.· That was a ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And would you agree, though,
·2· ·bad question. ·2· ·that at a minimum, a person in the situation we
·3· · · · · ·So we talked before that when somebody ·3· ·just talked about, with the last communication
·4· ·is convicted of a felony, they receive a ·4· ·they received directly from a state election
·5· ·notice -- a letter from the county board of ·5· ·official -- I'll rephrase the question.
·6· ·elections telling them that they're not ·6· · · · · ·Would you agree, at a minimum, that a
·7· ·eligible to vote, correct? ·7· ·person in a situation we just talked about,
·8· · · ·A.· If they are a registered voter and are ·8· ·could be confused about their eligibility to
·9· ·convicted of a felony, and we removed them, ·9· ·vote?
10· ·then they receive a notice.· Your question was, 10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
11· ·if someone is convicted of a felony, that they 11· · · ·speculation.
12· ·receive a letter from the State Board -- or 12· · · ·A.· I don't think I can speak to another's
13· ·from the Board of Elections -- and that would 13· ·state of mind.
14· ·not be correct for all individuals. 14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· If somebody -- if the last
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So somebody who was a registered 15· ·communication they received from an election
16· ·voter, after they're convicted, they receive a 16· ·official is something telling them they're not
17· ·letter from the county board of elections 17· ·eligible to vote, could you understand how that
18· ·telling them they're not eligible to vote; is 18· ·person could then be confused about their
19· ·that right? 19· ·eligibility to vote even after they've finished
20· · · ·A.· That is correct. 20· ·their sentence?
21· · · ·Q.· And that same person, after they finish 21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Assumes facts not
22· ·their sentence, does not receive a letter from 22· · · ·in evidence.
23· ·the county board of elections telling them that 23· · · ·A.· The letter actually might be the
24· ·they're once again eligible to vote, right? 24· ·clarification that they need not to create
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 25· ·confusion.
Page 47 Page 49
·1· · · ·answered. ·1· · · ·Q.· I'm sorry.· Can you explain to me what
·2· · · ·A.· They do not receive a letter from the ·2· ·you mean by that?
·3· ·State Board of Elections or county board of ·3· · · ·A.· Your assertion is that by receiving the
·4· ·elections. ·4· ·letter, it confuses someone about their state
·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So for such a person, the last ·5· ·of registration.· But the fact that they
·6· ·communication they will receive from either the ·6· ·receive a letter stating that they're not
·7· ·State Board of Elections or the county board of ·7· ·registered might actually be not confusing but
·8· ·elections will have been that letter telling ·8· ·rather provide clarity to them of their status
·9· ·them they're not eligible to vote, right? ·9· ·of registration.
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for 10· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, you mentioned before that --
11· · · ·speculation. 11· ·I think I heard you say the Department of
12· · · ·A.· Actually, I could say that we work with 12· ·Public Safety is tasked with handing people
13· ·the probation and parole and DPS and provide 13· ·some information after they finish their
14· ·them with brochures that are provided to 14· ·sentence about their voting rights.· Is that
15· ·someone who has completed their sentence. 15· ·correct?
16· ·Therefore, that is a communication from the 16· · · ·A.· That's correct.
17· ·State Board of Elections or county board of 17· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board have any
18· ·elections.· It's just not in the form of a 18· ·procedures for ensuring that the Department of
19· ·letter. 19· ·Public Safety actually distributes that
20· · · ·Q.· But the State Board of Elections and 20· ·information?
21· ·the county board of elections, they don't send 21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
22· ·that themselves, right, to people who have 22· · · ·A.· Sorry.· What do you mean by
23· ·finished their sentences? 23· ·"procedures"?
24· · · ·A.· No, it is provided to DPS and the court 24· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board do anything to
25· ·system to provide to those individuals. 25· ·ensure that the DPS, the Department of Public

Page 50 Page 52
·1· ·Safety, distributes that information about the ·1· · · ·think it might be a good time.
·2· ·restoration of voting rights to individuals ·2· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.
·3· ·after they've completed their sentence? ·3· · · · · ·(Recess from 9:55 to 10:02 a.m.)
·4· · · ·A.· We have worked with that agency and ·4· · · · · ·(Plaintiff's B premarked.)
·5· ·have been in communication with them to provide ·5· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
·6· ·them with materials.· And they have a checklist ·6· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, as I mentioned a moment ago,
·7· ·that they review that indicates -- and one of ·7· ·I would like to now turn to people convicted of
·8· ·the items on their checklist is to review that ·8· ·federal felony crimes.
·9· ·with someone when they've completed their ·9· · · · · ·And I've pulled up what's been marked
10· ·sentence. 10· ·as Exhibit B.· And this is a title "Biennial
11· · · ·Q.· Other than providing DPS with those 11· ·List Maintenance," and in parentheses it says,
12· ·materials, does the State Board take any 12· ·"(No-Contact Process)."
13· ·measures to ensure that DPS actually 13· · · · · ·Have you seen this document before,
14· ·distributes those materials? 14· ·Ms. Bell?
15· · · ·A.· I think the best answer I can give you 15· · · ·A.· I believe so, yes.· I'm not seeing a
16· ·is that we are in a routine and set schedule, 16· ·whole lot of it right now, so...
17· ·but we are in -- we are -- we have 17· · · ·Q.· I'm going to zoom out a bit.
18· ·communication that is ongoing with that agency. 18· · · ·A.· Okay.
19· ·So there is assurance there.· Does that -- I 19· · · ·Q.· And I'm happy to scroll over.
20· ·don't know if I'm answering your question. 20· · · · · ·You believe you've seen this document
21· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So maybe you can explain it to 21· ·before?
22· ·me.· How does that -- how do those 22· · · ·A.· Yes.
23· ·communications provide an assurance that DPS is 23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And can you confirm, to the best
24· ·actually distributing these materials that 24· ·of your ability, that this is a true and
25· ·we're talking about? 25· ·accurate copy of a document produced by the
Page 51 Page 53
·1· · · ·A.· I don't know that I have an answer for ·1· ·State Board of Elections as part of discovery
·2· ·you. ·2· ·in this case?
·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Do you know the volume -- beyond ·3· · · ·A.· You cut out a little bit.· I'm sorry.
·4· ·just materials relating to voting rights, do ·4· · · ·Q.· Can you confirm, to the best of your
·5· ·you know how many materials DPS distributes to ·5· ·ability, that this is a true and accurate copy
·6· ·an individual after they complete their felony ·6· ·of a document produced by the State Board in
·7· ·sentence? ·7· ·this case?
·8· · · ·A.· I do not know. ·8· · · ·A.· Yes, I believe it is.
·9· · · ·Q.· So you don't know if they might hand ·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn now to what's
10· ·out a hundred different documents? 10· ·been marked as Bates stamped page 333.
11· · · ·A.· I don't work in that agency, and I'm 11· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, do you see this top paragraph
12· ·not a probation or parole officer, so I would 12· ·here?· And you can take a moment to read it.
13· ·not know. 13· ·But do you see it says that the State Board
14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, to this point, 14· ·receives quarterly reports from the federal
15· ·everything we've been discussing has been about 15· ·US Attorney's Office about people who have been
16· ·convictions in the North Carolina state court. 16· ·convicted of a felony crime in the federal
17· ·I would like to now discuss individuals 17· ·court?
18· ·convicted of felony crimes. 18· · · ·A.· Yes, I do see that.
19· · · · · ·And for that I'll pull up what's been 19· · · ·Q.· And then do you see in the second
20· ·marked as Plaintiffs' Exhibit 2 -- or 20· ·paragraph here -- and, again, you can take a
21· ·Exhibit -- 21· ·moment to read it -- it says that county boards
22· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Would this be a good time 22· ·of elections should cancel the registrations on
23· · · ·for a break? 23· ·anyone listed on those lists received from the
24· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure. 24· ·federal US Attorney's Offices?
25· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· You're shifting gears. I 25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the

Page 54 Page 56
·1· · · ·evidence. ·1· · · ·Q.· Thank you.
·2· · · ·A.· Would you restate your question?· And ·2· · · · · ·If the North Carolina Board of
·3· ·then I'll read the paragraph. ·3· ·Elections and the county boards of elections
·4· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Do you see that it says in the ·4· ·don't receive information from federal
·5· ·second paragraph that county boards of ·5· ·officials about when people have finished their
·6· ·elections should initiate steps to cancel a ·6· ·felony sentences, won't the state boards
·7· ·voter's registration if they're on that list ·7· ·databases or lists continue to assume that such
·8· ·received from the federal US Attorney's ·8· ·a person isn't eligible to vote even though
·9· ·Offices? ·9· ·they've finished their federal sentence?
10· · · ·A.· It does state that, yes. 10· · · ·A.· So I'm not trying to be smart here, but
11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And do county boards of 11· ·a database can't assume anything.
12· ·elections send letters, like the ones we looked 12· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So the Board, we just discussed
13· ·at earlier, the removal notice and the denial 13· ·on the top of this page, you receive lists of
14· ·notice, to individuals convicted of federal 14· ·people who have been convicted of federal
15· ·felony crimes? 15· ·felonies, right?
16· · · ·A.· They do send those notices, yes. 16· · · ·A.· Yes.
17· · · ·Q.· And similar to those notices before, or 17· · · ·Q.· And from those lists, the State Board
18· ·maybe the same as those notices before, do 18· ·and the county board uses those lists to deny
19· ·those advise voters that either their names are 19· ·people registration or to remove their
20· ·being removed from the list of registered 20· ·registrations, right?
21· ·voters or that their application to register to 21· · · ·A.· Correct.
22· ·vote has been denied? 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And the State Board continues to
23· · · ·A.· That is the intent of those letters, 23· ·maintain those lists, right, on an ongoing
24· ·yes. 24· ·basis?
25· · · ·Q.· And is it the exact same letter that we 25· · · ·A.· As we receive the reports, yes.
Page 55 Page 57
·1· ·looked at before that is sent to people with ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So if a person, who has finished
·2· ·felony convictions in federal court? ·2· ·their federal felony sentence -- right? --
·3· · · ·A.· I do believe so, yes. ·3· ·let's say it's finished, tries to register to
·4· · · ·Q.· We discussed earlier how the Board ·4· ·vote, won't their registration be denied
·5· ·receives information from the North Carolina ·5· ·because the current information that the Board
·6· ·Department of Public Safety about when a person ·6· ·has is just from that list we talked about,
·7· ·convicted of a state crime has completed his or ·7· ·that they've committed a crime, a federal
·8· ·her sentence.· Do you recall that? ·8· ·crime?
·9· · · ·A.· Yes. ·9· · · ·A.· Is your question if a former federal
10· · · ·Q.· I couldn't find anything in this 10· ·felon comes into the North Carolina Board of
11· ·document or any of the other documents produced 11· ·Elections, and submits a voter registration
12· ·by the Board saying that the Board receives 12· ·form, would we deny, because in our system it
13· ·information from federal officials about when 13· ·shows them as having been convicted of a
14· ·an individual has completed his or her federal 14· ·felony?
15· ·sentence. 15· · · ·Q.· Correct.
16· · · · · ·Does the Board receive information from 16· · · ·A.· No, we would not deny them because of
17· ·the federal government about when people 17· ·that.
18· ·convicted of federal crimes have completed 18· · · ·Q.· My understanding from before is that
19· ·their sentences? 19· ·you rely on these lists to deny people voter
20· · · ·A.· One moment.· Let me double-check 20· ·registrations, right, the list provided by the
21· ·something.· (Reviewing.) 21· ·US Attorney's Office?
22· · · · · ·I felt like I knew the answer, but I 22· · · ·A.· We receive these lists of felony
23· ·wanted to double-check.· So I do not show 23· ·convictions.· And if you read further, it does
24· ·correspondence from a federal authority on 24· ·say that we use this to cancel the person's
25· ·that. 25· ·registration if they have been convicted of a

Page 58 Page 60
·1· ·felony. ·1· · · ·A.· Any individual who completes a voter
·2· · · ·Q.· Sure.· But I believe you said a few ·2· ·registration form and attests to their
·3· ·minutes ago that you also use this list to deny ·3· ·qualifications to register, if they attest to
·4· ·registrations to people who try to register for ·4· ·that, we will process the voter registration
·5· ·the first time.· Isn't that what you stated? ·5· ·form.· If we find a match with these reports,
·6· · · ·A.· I may have misunderstood your question, ·6· ·then they would be denied registration and
·7· ·then. ·7· ·removed from the registration list.
·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So if somebody is convicted of a ·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So in our hypothetical, John Doe
·9· ·federal crime, and you receive their name on a ·9· ·tries to register to vote, or he fills it out,
10· ·list from the US Attorney's Office, and then a 10· ·and he attests that he's eligible.· But then
11· ·week later tries to register to vote -- so 11· ·you would get a match -- right? -- saying he's
12· ·they're still on their federal sentence -- are 12· ·on this US attorney's report, just like you
13· ·they going to be allowed to register to vote? 13· ·just said, and he would be sent a denial
14· · · ·A.· Let me make sure that I'm clear on the 14· ·notice.· Is that right?
15· ·steps you're outlining. 15· · · ·A.· I believe we're saying the same thing.
16· · · ·Q.· Sure. 16· ·Yes.
17· · · ·A.· If we received notice that John Doe is 17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So now I'm going to just change
18· ·convicted of a felony, and he then attempts to 18· ·the hypothetical slightly.
19· ·register to vote? 19· · · · · ·John Doe finishes his federal
20· · · ·Q.· Correct. 20· ·sentence -- so he's done with his federal
21· · · ·A.· Are you saying that he's already in our 21· ·sentence -- and then he tries to register to
22· ·database as a registered voter and we've 22· ·vote for the first time.
23· ·removed him because now he's updating his 23· · · · · ·Okay?· Are you with me on that
24· ·registration? 24· ·hypothetical?
25· · · ·Q.· No.· So John Doe has never registered 25· · · ·A.· Yes.
Page 59 Page 61
·1· ·to vote before in North Carolina.· Okay? ·1· · · ·Q.· Won't his name still come up as a match
·2· ·That's the -- are you with me on my hypo so ·2· ·to this quarterly report that you receive from
·3· ·far? ·3· ·the US Attorney's Office after his conviction?
·4· · · ·A.· Yes. ·4· · · ·A.· Did he attest to having completed his
·5· · · ·Q.· He's then convicted of a federal crime. ·5· ·felony sentence, that he is no -- that he is
·6· ·Okay? ·6· ·not a felon?
·7· · · ·A.· Okay. ·7· · · ·Q.· He attested it to the same way he did
·8· · · ·Q.· And then you receive his name on one of ·8· ·in the prior hypothetical, where he was not
·9· ·these quarterly reports from the US Attorney's ·9· ·telling the truth, but this time he is.
10· ·Office.· Okay? 10· · · ·A.· I believe if you'll scroll down on your
11· · · ·A.· After he's registered to vote. 11· ·document, you'll find the answer to your
12· · · ·Q.· No, he hasn't tried to register to 12· ·question.
13· ·vote. 13· · · ·Q.· What page am I looking for on the
14· · · ·A.· Okay. 14· ·document?
15· · · ·Q.· After you receive his name from the 15· · · ·A.· Let's stop right here.· And if you look
16· ·US Attorney's Office -- from one of these 16· ·at the very first question, it says:
17· ·quarterly reports -- he tries to register to 17· · · · · ·"If a county does not update the
18· ·vote.· He's still serving his federal sentence, 18· · · ·removal reason to Felony Sentence Completed
19· ·though.· Will he be allowed -- 19· · · ·for a previously removed voter, will the
20· · · ·A.· Did he -- 20· · · ·SEIMS prevent the new voter's registration
21· · · ·Q.· Go ahead. 21· · · ·from being processed?"
22· · · ·A.· Did he attest on his voter registration 22· · · · · ·"No.· SEIMS will not prevent the
23· ·form that he is not a felon? 23· · · ·processing of a registration of a
24· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Will he be allowed to register 24· · · ·previously removed voter whose citizenship
25· ·to vote? 25· · · ·rights have been restored even if the

Page 62 Page 64
·1· · · ·removal reason still indicates FELONY ·1· ·convicted of a crime in North Carolina state
·2· · · ·CONVICTION." ·2· ·court, the Board of Elections maintains
·3· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·3· ·databases called the Felon Completed List and
·4· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, how does the State Board or ·4· ·the Felon Completed Matching List.· And I'm
·5· ·the county board know that this person is ·5· ·using the word "databases," but I don't mean
·6· ·eligible to vote if they don't receive any ·6· ·that in a technical sense.· It maintains lists
·7· ·information from the federal officials that the ·7· ·showing people who have finished their
·8· ·person has finished their sentence? ·8· ·sentences in order to inform election officials
·9· · · ·A.· The voter attested to it. ·9· ·about who is, once again, eligible to vote,
10· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, am I correct that in the 10· ·right?
11· ·context of a state court conviction, that we 11· · · ·A.· Right.
12· ·talked about earlier, you maintain databases 12· · · ·Q.· It does not maintain a comparable list
13· ·called Felon Completed List -- I can go back 13· ·for people who have finished their federal
14· ·just to make sure I'm getting the names exactly 14· ·felony sentences?
15· ·right -- Felon Completed List and Felon 15· · · ·A.· I do not know of us being provided with
16· ·Completed State Matching List, based on data 16· ·a federal list.· Correct.
17· ·you receive from the North Carolina Department 17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· We spoke earlier, Ms. Bell,
18· ·of Public Safety, right? 18· ·about how, when people finish their state court
19· · · ·A.· Yes. 19· ·sentences, the Department of Public Safety is
20· · · ·Q.· And we talked about before that that's 20· ·supposed to hand them information about
21· ·information that shows you who has finished 21· ·restoration of their rights; is that correct?
22· ·their state federal sentence, which now shows 22· · · ·A.· Yes.
23· ·you who is once again eligible to vote.· Right? 23· · · ·Q.· The Department of Public Safety, to the
24· · · ·A.· Yes. 24· ·best of your knowledge, they don't hand
25· · · ·Q.· You don't -- the State Board does not 25· ·information to people who finish their federal
Page 63 Page 65
·1· ·possess any analogous list for people who have ·1· ·sentences; is that correct?
·2· ·finished their federal sentences, right? ·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·3· · · ·A.· We do not get a list of -- a federal ·3· · · ·speculation.
·4· ·list of who has completed their sentence.· It's ·4· · · ·A.· Actually, I don't know that I'm
·5· ·based on the information I've just reviewed. ·5· ·knowledgeable of how federal felons or former
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay. ·6· ·federal felons are processed upon their
·7· · · ·A.· And what we discussed. ·7· ·completion.
·8· · · ·Q.· And in the context of a state court ·8· · · ·Q.· Is it your understanding that the
·9· ·conviction, you don't rely solely on an ·9· ·North Carolina Department of Public Safety
10· ·individual's attesting that they've finished 10· ·supervises people who have been convicted of
11· ·their sentence, right?· You rely on these Felon 11· ·federal crimes but not state crimes?
12· ·Completed Lists; is that right? 12· · · ·A.· I actually -- I actually do not know
13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 13· ·the answer to that.· I don't know how a federal
14· · · ·A.· I'm going to review a procedure for 14· ·felon is processed.
15· ·just a moment, and then I'm going to ask you to 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to represent to you
16· ·restate your question. 16· ·for the purposes of my next question that
17· · · ·Q.· Sure. 17· ·people convicted of felony crimes are
18· · · ·A.· (Reviewing.) 18· ·supervised by federal probation officers.
19· · · ·Q.· Actually, Ms. Bell, in the interest of 19· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation
20· ·time, I'm happy to move on, unless there's 20· ·just for purposes of my next question?· If I'm
21· ·something more you want to say on this subject. 21· ·wrong, that's my fault, but will you accept it
22· · · ·A.· I would like you to state your question 22· ·for purposes of my next question?
23· ·again, because I think it's the same answer. 23· · · ·A.· I will accept that.
24· ·But I would like to hear your question again. 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Do you know if federal probation
25· · · ·Q.· Sure.· In the context of individuals 25· ·officers hand any information to individuals

Page 66 Page 68
·1· ·after they've finished their sentences about ·1· ·done by the Department of Public Instruction,
·2· ·the restoration of their voting rights? ·2· ·since that's how we receive information as the
·3· · · ·A.· I do not know that. ·3· ·State and county board of elections.· We do
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So to the best of your ·4· ·not --
·5· ·knowledge, you're not aware if anybody provides ·5· · · ·Q.· Let me try to clarify that just to make
·6· ·information to individuals who finish their ·6· ·sure we're on the same page.
·7· ·federal sentences about the restoration of ·7· · · · · ·So let's say an individual is convicted
·8· ·their voting rights? ·8· ·of a crime in South Carolina -- right over the
·9· · · ·A.· I do not know if they do or do not. ·9· ·border, let's say -- but they live in
10· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'd like to now turn to 10· ·North Carolina, and they're serving their
11· ·individuals who are convicted of crimes in 11· ·probation in North Carolina, while they live in
12· ·another state's courts; for instance, in a 12· ·North Carolina.
13· ·South Carolina state court. 13· · · · · ·Do the county boards of elections in
14· · · ·A.· Okay. 14· ·North Carolina send that person a notice
15· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, do you understand that 15· ·saying, "You're not eligible to vote in
16· ·individuals convicted of crimes in another 16· ·North Carolina elections"?
17· ·state's courts, if they're serving their 17· · · ·A.· We do not notify someone in another
18· ·community supervision while living in 18· ·state that they are ineligible to vote in
19· ·North Carolina, they're not eligible to vote? 19· ·North Carolina.· No.
20· ·Correct?· If it's a federal offense?· I'm 20· · · ·Q.· So just to clarify, the person in my
21· ·sorry.· I'm going to start that over. 21· ·hypothetical lives in North Carolina.
22· · · · · ·If an individual is convicted of a 22· · · ·A.· Correct.
23· ·felony in another state's courts, but is 23· · · ·Q.· They were convicted of a crime in
24· ·serving their community supervision in 24· ·South Carolina, but they live in North
25· ·North Carolina, while living in North Carolina, 25· ·Carolina.· They're serving their probation from
Page 67 Page 69
·1· ·is it your understanding that they're ·1· ·their South Carolina conviction while they live
·2· ·ineligible to vote in North Carolina elections? ·2· ·in North Carolina.· Okay?
·3· · · ·A.· That would be correct. ·3· · · ·A.· Correct.· Okay.
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board receive ·4· · · ·Q.· And let's say they're a North Carolina
·5· ·information about such individuals from any ·5· ·registered voter.· Okay?
·6· ·source? ·6· · · ·A.· Uh-huh.
·7· · · ·A.· Because we do not have a national ·7· · · ·Q.· Does the county board of elections send
·8· ·network, we would be reliant upon other states ·8· ·that person any notification that they're not
·9· ·to notify us. ·9· ·eligible to vote?
10· · · ·Q.· And to the best of your knowledge, do 10· · · ·A.· If we received a notice, which I can't
11· ·any other states notify you of that? 11· ·say whether we would or would not -- if we
12· · · ·A.· I do not know one way or the other. 12· ·received a notice from a court or from, you
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· To the best of your knowledge, 13· ·know, South Carolina's system, then that would
14· ·does the State Board of Elections or the county 14· ·be -- we could send notice.· But the -- the
15· ·boards of elections notify such individuals 15· ·source of information that our county boards of
16· ·that they are ineligible to vote in 16· ·elections receive, and that we receive at the
17· ·North Carolina elections? 17· ·State Board of Elections, is from the
18· · · ·A.· I do not know. 18· ·North Carolina court system.
19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· To the best of your knowledge -- 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So to the best of your
20· · · ·A.· Actually, let me ask you to state that 20· ·knowledge, you're not aware that county boards
21· ·question again.· Because I believe you asked if 21· ·of elections would send such a person a notice?
22· ·the State Board of Elections or county board of 22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and
23· ·elections would give notice of a felony to 23· · · ·answered.
24· ·someone else in another state.· That would not 24· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· I'm sorry.· What was
25· ·be our role.· Reporting a felon is, obviously, 25· · · ·that, Paul?

Page 70 Page 72
·1· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and ·1· ·document is that after the 2016 election the
·2· · · ·answered. ·2· ·State Board conducted an audit to identify
·3· · · ·A.· Yes.· Correct. ·3· ·persons who voted in the 2016 general election
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board of ·4· ·but were ineligible due to a felony conviction.
·5· ·Elections or county board of elections receive ·5· ·Is that right?
·6· ·information when such a person has completed ·6· · · ·A.· That's correct.
·7· ·their sentence? ·7· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board still conduct
·8· · · ·A.· In another state? ·8· ·audits after elections?
·9· · · ·Q.· The exact same person we were just ·9· · · ·A.· We have not done one.· This is the only
10· ·talking about, who is convicted in 10· ·time this audit was completed.
11· ·South Carolina, but they're living in 11· · · ·Q.· Is the State Board planning to do a
12· ·North Carolina, while they're serving their 12· ·similar audit after the 2020 election?
13· ·probation? 13· · · ·A.· The State Board, as a board, has not
14· · · ·A.· We do not have a systematic process for 14· ·directed for that, and I have not, as executive
15· ·that. 15· ·director, so no.
16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And so for such people, when 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But it's possible you'll conduct
17· ·they've finished their sentence, am I correct 17· ·future audits again after future elections?
18· ·that neither the State Board of Elections nor 18· · · ·A.· In my role as executive director, I do
19· ·the county board of elections sends such person 19· ·not have plans to request this audit, and I
20· ·a notification telling them that they're once 20· ·have not had that expressed by this board, and
21· ·again eligible to vote? 21· ·I can't speak for current boards.
22· · · ·A.· No, we would not send a letter to 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Fair enough.· I'm going to now
23· ·someone who has completed their sentence in 23· ·scroll to page 3 of this document, which is
24· ·another state. 24· ·Bates stamped page 409.
25· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' C premarked.) 25· · · · · ·Can you see what's on my screen,
Page 71 Page 73
·1· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·1· ·Ms. Bell?
·2· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, I'm going to turn now ·2· · · ·A.· I can.
·3· ·to what's been marked as Exhibit C. ·3· · · ·Q.· And this -- we're looking now at the
·4· · · ·A.· Okay. ·4· ·section that's titled "FELONS," in all
·5· · · ·Q.· I'm going to share my screen if I can ·5· ·capitals.· And the second sentence reads:
·6· ·figure out how. ·6· ·"NCSBE" -- and I should clarify.· That was the
·7· · · · · ·Okay.· Ms. Bell, do you see that this ·7· ·prior name for the State Board of Elections; is
·8· ·is a document titled Post-Selection Audit ·8· ·that right?
·9· ·Report. ·9· · · ·A.· Actually, that -- that would -- we'll
10· · · ·A.· I do. 10· ·have several iterations.· We also have
11· · · ·Q.· Have you seen this document before? 11· ·abbreviated it in numerous ways.· This is,
12· · · ·A.· I have. 12· ·actually, an abbreviation that we currently
13· · · ·Q.· And can you confirm, to the best of 13· ·use, that stands for North Carolina State Board
14· ·your knowledge, that this is a true and 14· ·of Elections.· Yes, that actually is the
15· ·accurate copy of a document produced by the 15· ·current --
16· ·State Board in discovery in this case? 16· · · ·Q.· Got it.· I will admit I lose track of
17· · · ·A.· It does appear to be. 17· ·all the names that your agency has had over the
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And, then, Ms. Bell, is this an 18· ·last few years.
19· ·audit report written by the State Board of 19· · · ·A.· And there's different perspectives on
20· ·Elections after the 2016 general election? 20· ·which ones should be used.· So we'll...
21· · · ·A.· It is.· That is the title. 21· · · ·Q.· I understand.· I'll try to avoid that
22· · · ·Q.· And it's dated April 21, 2017; is that 22· ·land mine.
23· ·correct? 23· · · · · ·So the second sentence here reads:
24· · · ·A.· That's correct. 24· ·"NCSBE initiates investigations into possible
25· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, my understanding from this 25· ·cases of felons voting through a system of data

Page 74 Page 76
·1· ·audits followed by investigator review." ·1· ·active sentences, but to people who actually
·2· · · · · ·Do you see that? ·2· ·voted in the election?
·3· · · ·A.· I do. ·3· · · ·A.· I can try to determine from this
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And where this refers to "a ·4· ·document what the audit may have been, if it's
·5· ·system of data audits," is that using the ·5· ·stated, but I did not perform the audit, nor
·6· ·database, the DPS database -- or I'm sorry, the ·6· ·was I the executive director when the audit was
·7· ·DPS list -- we discussed previously that has a ·7· ·performed.· So I can only attest to what it
·8· ·list of registered voters -- I'm sorry -- that ·8· ·states that audits were performed.
·9· ·has a list of active felons who are ineligible ·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· It's fair to say that they use
10· ·to vote? 10· ·some sort of matching criteria to match the
11· · · ·A.· I believe that may -- that that was a 11· ·list of people who are serving felony sentences
12· ·source within this audit. 12· ·to the list of people who voted to come up with
13· · · ·Q.· And we discussed earlier how -- for 13· ·this list?· Is that fair?
14· ·that second database we discussed earlier -- so 14· · · ·A.· I think that's fair.
15· ·putting this aside -- DPS, on a continual 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So I'm going to go back now to
16· ·basis, matches the list of people convicted of 16· ·page 408, Bates stamp page 408 of this
17· ·felony crimes to people -- to registered voters 17· ·document.· And can I ask you to take a moment
18· ·in the SEIMS database to determine who should 18· ·to just read this first bullet point here that
19· ·have their registrations canceled.· Is that 19· ·starts with, "441 open cases."
20· ·right? 20· · · ·A.· Read it for myself or read it aloud?
21· · · ·A.· That's correct. 21· · · ·Q.· You can just read it to yourself.
22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And is the system that was used 22· · · ·A.· Okay.· And just the first bullet point?
23· ·here to match people who actually voted in an 23· · · ·Q.· Correct.
24· ·election to the DPS database, is that a similar 24· · · ·A.· Okay.· (Reviewing.)· Okay.
25· ·matching process to the one that's used for 25· · · ·Q.· Does that first bullet point indicate
Page 75 Page 77
·1· ·purposes of that list we discussed earlier? ·1· ·that through the data matching process we just
·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. ·2· ·discussed, the State Board initially identified
·3· · · ·A.· Yeah.· State your question again. ·3· ·541 people who may have illegally voted due to
·4· · · ·Q.· Sure.· That was a terrible question, I ·4· ·a felony conviction, with the 541 being the 441
·5· ·will admit. ·5· ·people listed in that first sentence plus the
·6· · · ·A.· I'm not judging. ·6· ·hundred people who further investigation ruled
·7· · · ·Q.· I'll judge myself here. ·7· ·out?
·8· · · · · ·Previously we discussed how, on a ·8· · · ·A.· Okay.· I do really need you to state
·9· ·continual basis, the State Board of Elections ·9· ·that question again --
10· ·is using some sort of matching system to match 10· · · ·Q.· Sure.
11· ·the list of people who are serving an active 11· · · ·A.· -- because I got hung up on the
12· ·felony sentence to the list of names in your 12· ·numbers, so...
13· ·SEIMS database, right? 13· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Does this first bullet indicate
14· · · ·A.· Yes. 14· ·that through the data matching process we just
15· · · ·Q.· And there's some sort of matching 15· ·discussed, the State Board initially identified
16· ·criteria that are used, right? 16· ·541 people who may have illegally voted due to
17· · · ·A.· That's correct. 17· ·a felony conviction?
18· · · ·Q.· And here it describes a "system of data 18· · · ·A.· It does indicate that they were able to
19· ·audits" that was used for purposes of this 19· ·rule out more than 100 voters initially
20· ·audit, right? 20· ·flagged.· So 100 to the 441 open cases is 541.
21· · · ·A.· Yes. 21· ·So it does state "more than," so there could
22· · · ·Q.· And so what I'm asking is:· Was that 22· ·potentially be more than a hundred that were
23· ·system of data audits using a similar matching 23· ·ruled out.
24· ·process of matching the SEIMS database -- I'm 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Sure.· But let's -- I'll just
25· ·sorry -- matching the list of felons serving 25· ·assume -- I'll just use the number 100 for

Page 78 Page 80
·1· ·purposes of my next question. ·1· ·investigators showed that roughly 20 percent of
·2· · · · · ·So just based on this data in this ·2· ·the people who are identified as illegally
·3· ·bullet, the false positive rate that resulted ·3· ·voting through the data matching turned out to
·4· ·from the data matching was nearly 20 percent, ·4· ·be false positives, right?
·5· ·right?· 100 out of 541? ·5· · · ·A.· In this particular report or audit,
·6· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. ·6· ·yes.
·7· · · ·A.· It would require you to use math ·7· · · ·Q.· So doesn't that suggest to you that
·8· ·skills, but I believe that's fairly correct. ·8· ·roughly 20 percent of the people whose
·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And that error rate was so ·9· ·registrations are canceled because they're
10· ·significant that the State Board wrote here 10· ·matched to that SEIMS database, that they are
11· ·that, "it further supported the need for 11· ·erroneously identified as false positives?
12· ·investigative review of data audits."· Is that 12· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Speculation.
13· ·right? 13· · · ·A.· I don't think I can make that as a
14· · · ·A.· It does state that, yes. 14· ·blanket statement.· I think that's what this
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, we talked earlier 15· ·particular audit produced.
16· ·about -- I'm sorry.· Give me one second. 16· · · ·Q.· Sitting here today, do you have any
17· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, we talked in the context 17· ·reason to assert that the data matching that's
18· ·of -- sorry.· Bear with me a second. 18· ·done on a continual basis to remove
19· · · ·A.· You're fine. 19· ·registrations produces fewer false positives
20· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, so, in the context we talked 20· ·than the process that was used to identify
21· ·about earlier, where the State Board is on a 21· ·people who voted illegally in the 2016 election
22· ·continual basis taking in a list of people 22· ·as shown in this audit?
23· ·serving active felony sentences and comparing 23· · · ·A.· Since we have not conducted another
24· ·it to the SEIMS database, in that context, the 24· ·audit, I don't know that I have and can answer
25· ·State Board doesn't conduct any further 25· ·affirmatively or negatively.
Page 79 Page 81
·1· ·investigation into the circumstances of each ·1· · · ·Q.· So sitting here today, you don't have
·2· ·person before it initiates the cancellation ·2· ·any information to suggest that the false
·3· ·process, right? ·3· ·positive rate or the current ongoing
·4· · · ·A.· There's a -- there's a criteria -- a ·4· ·identification of people whose registration
·5· ·matching criteria, and that's the audits ·5· ·should be matched -- or should be canceled --
·6· ·performed or the process that's performed. ·6· ·is lower than it was in these audits?
·7· · · ·Q.· Right.· So if the matching criteria ·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and
·8· ·pops up and it's a hit, then that person will ·8· · · ·answered.
·9· ·be sent a letter telling them that their ·9· · · ·A.· We have not conducted further audits.
10· ·registration can be canceled right? 10· ·So I do not have an analysis to support one way
11· · · ·A.· In the nutshell, yes.· I mean, there's 11· ·or the other.
12· ·some steps in between there, but yes. 12· · · ·Q.· And assuming -- just assuming for the
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And the State Board doesn't have 13· ·purposes of this question -- that the false
14· ·investigators do a person-by-person 14· ·positive rates for your continual process of
15· ·investigation into each person who matches up 15· ·matching people to the registration records is
16· ·on the list to, you know, confirm that, in 16· ·the same as the false positive rating from the
17· ·fact, they are -- they were convicted of a 17· ·matching process that happened after the 2016
18· ·felony and should be removed from the rolls, 18· ·election, that would mean that roughly
19· ·right? 19· ·20 percent of the people whose registrations
20· · · ·A.· There is not an investigation done on 20· ·are canceled are false positives; is that
21· ·each of those individuals.· That is correct. 21· ·right?
22· ·We do not have that large of an investigations 22· · · ·A.· You're asking me to speculate that
23· ·division, for starters. 23· ·current matching would be -- the false
24· · · ·Q.· And we just talked about that, in the 24· ·positives would be equal to what was found in
25· ·context of this audit, further investigation by 25· ·this particular audit.

Page 82 Page 84
·1· · · ·Q.· I'm asking you just to assume that.· So ·1· ·North Carolina General Assembly passed a law
·2· ·assume for the sake of my question that the ·2· ·that essentially eliminated, quote, parole?
·3· ·false positive rate is the same.· Doesn't that ·3· · · ·A.· I know that there have been changes in
·4· ·mean that roughly 20 percent of people whose ·4· ·parole, but I do not know, as a person
·5· ·registrations are canceled, based on the ·5· ·working -- I don't know beyond that.· I don't
·6· ·ongoing matching process, had their ·6· ·work in that division.
·7· ·registration erroneously canceled as false ·7· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So, Ms. Bell, did you not know
·8· ·positives? ·8· ·that, quote, parole essentially does not exist
·9· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Incomplete ·9· ·in North Carolina today?
10· · · ·hypothetical. 10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· States facts not
11· · · ·A.· I think the best I can say is that if 11· · · ·in evidence.· Calls for a legal conclusion.
12· ·this is the measure, then that is possible, but 12· · · ·A.· I think I -- I think I would have to
13· ·there could be other audits that would prove 13· ·have you -- I would have to have more
14· ·differently if we were to conduct those audits. 14· ·knowledge.
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'd like to now switch gears a 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, did you know that in
16· ·bit and talk about some of the -- the forms 16· ·the 1994 law that I mentioned a moment ago, the
17· ·that voters actually have to fill out that were 17· ·Structured Sentencing Act, North Carolina
18· ·produced in discovery.· And I'm going to pull 18· ·replaced parole with something called
19· ·up now what's been marked as Exhibit E. 19· ·"post-release supervision" for people who are
20· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' E premarked.) 20· ·released from incarceration but still subject
21· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 21· ·to supervision?
22· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, this is a -- do you recognize 22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the
23· ·this document? 23· · · ·law.
24· · · ·A.· I do. 24· · · ·A.· I am familiar -- I am not familiar with
25· · · ·Q.· And can you confirm that this appears 25· ·the precise law.· I am familiar with a
Page 83 Page 85
·1· ·to be a true and accurate copy of a document ·1· ·change -- that there has been a change in what
·2· ·produced by the State Board in discovery in ·2· ·I would say is terminology, though, I do
·3· ·this case? ·3· ·know -- I do know parole would still be a
·4· · · ·A.· It does appear to be so, yes. ·4· ·common term.
·5· · · ·Q.· And, Ms. Bell, is this the voter ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Are you familiar with the term
·6· ·registration form that the State Board ·6· ·post-release supervision?
·7· ·currently makes available for people to ·7· · · ·A.· I have been -- I actually did not know
·8· ·register to vote? ·8· ·of that term until I became executive director.
·9· · · ·A.· It is. ·9· · · ·Q.· But you're familiar with that term
10· · · ·Q.· And now turn to the second page, which 10· ·today?
11· ·is Bates stamped page 352.· And I'm going to 11· · · ·A.· Yes.
12· ·direct your attention, Ms. Bell, to instruction 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And what is that term?· What do
13· ·1 in subpart 5 here. 13· ·you understand that term to mean?
14· · · · · ·Do you see where it says:· "If 14· · · ·A.· The way that I came to understand it is
15· ·previously convicted of a felony, you must have 15· ·that it is a -- it is the term used in lieu of
16· ·fully completed your sentence, including 16· ·the term "parole" now.· As far as I know, they
17· ·probation and/or parole"? 17· ·are the same processes or the same entity with
18· · · ·A.· Yes, that is what it states. 18· ·a different term.
19· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, are you familiar with the 19· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, is it your understanding that
20· ·Structured Sentencing Act of 1994? 20· ·North Carolina's felony disenfranchisement laws
21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 21· ·apply to people who are on post-release
22· · · ·A.· Actually, I don't know -- I don't know 22· ·supervision, meaning that they're not allowed
23· ·it by that -- I don't know that one way or the 23· ·to vote until their post-release supervision is
24· ·other.· I don't know, by that time. 24· ·completed?
25· · · ·Q.· Are you aware that in 1994, the 25· · · ·A.· That is my understanding.

Page 86 Page 88
·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, I would like you to ·1· ·this is me speaking personally -- as an engaged
·2· ·put yourself in the shoes of someone who is on ·2· ·citizen, someone who works in the governmental
·3· ·post-release supervision and who reads this ·3· ·entity, and yet, until recently, I did not know
·4· ·form saying, "You must have completed your ·4· ·that that terminology had been changed, it is
·5· ·sentence, including and/or parole," without ·5· ·perhaps, actually, easier for someone to
·6· ·mentioning post-release supervision. ·6· ·understand what parole is than post-licensing
·7· · · · · ·Could such a person think they're ·7· ·supervision.· So I don't want to speculate one
·8· ·eligible to vote because post-release ·8· ·way or the other.· Because of how terminology
·9· ·supervision isn't mentioned here? ·9· ·has changed because of the law, we interchange
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Outside the scope 10· ·terminology quite frequently in other -- there
11· · · ·of the deposition notice. 11· ·are other instances where we do that.
12· · · · · ·Objection.· Speculative. 12· · · ·Q.· So, Ms. Bell, I'm not asking you to put
13· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Should I proceed on that, 13· ·yourself in the shoes of another person.· I'm
14· · · ·Paul? 14· ·just saying in your own shoes.· Hypothetically,
15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· You can answer it if you have 15· ·if somebody who is on post-release supervision
16· · · ·personal knowledge that would allow you to 16· ·reads this sentence, and then you happen to be
17· · · ·answer it. 17· ·standing right next to them while they're
18· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Okay. 18· ·reading it, and they said, "Ms. Bell, I think I
19· · · ·A.· And I'm sorry.· Could you state your 19· ·might be eligible to vote because this doesn't
20· ·question again? 20· ·mention post-release supervision," can you
21· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Put yourself in the shoes of 21· ·understand why that person would think that?
22· ·somebody who is on post-release supervision, 22· · · ·A.· I can -- what I can state is that when
23· ·who reads this instruction 1, number 5, where 23· ·someone questions whether they're eligible to
24· ·it says you can't vote if you -- or it says, 24· ·vote or not, in particular, with an individual
25· ·"You must have fully completed your sentence, 25· ·who is a felon or has completed their felony
Page 87 Page 89
·1· ·including probation and/or parole," but does ·1· ·sentence, and they're not certain, we aren't
·2· ·not mention post-release supervision.· Could ·2· ·probation officers, we aren't officers of the
·3· ·such a person think that they're eligible to ·3· ·court; therefore, we say that it's best for
·4· ·vote because post-release supervision is not ·4· ·them to speak with that officer if they need
·5· ·mentioned here? ·5· ·clarification.
·6· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Outside the scope ·6· · · ·Q.· So just to make sure I understand that
·7· · · ·of the deposition notice. ·7· ·answer.· You're saying that the State Board of
·8· · · · · ·Objection.· Calls for speculation. ·8· ·Elections does not provide clarification to
·9· · · · · ·If you have knowledge and the ability ·9· ·individuals about their eligibility to vote?
10· · · ·to answer it, you can answer it. 10· · · ·A.· We give them clarification as defined
11· · · ·A.· I don't think I have -- you've asked me 11· ·here as best as to our knowledge, but if they
12· ·to put myself in someone else's shoes.· I don't 12· ·still don't -- if they don't know the
13· ·know whether that makes it clear or unclear for 13· ·distinction between parole or post-licensing,
14· ·them. 14· ·as you mentioned, or if they don't know what
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll give you this as a 15· ·probation is, then the best thing I can do as
16· ·hypothetical.· Let's say somebody on 16· ·an election official is to say, "That's outside
17· ·post-release supervision reads this form and 17· ·of the scope of elections, and you should speak
18· ·says -- comes up to you -- you just happen to 18· ·with your officer as to whether you have
19· ·be standing there -- and they say, "I think I 19· ·completed your sentence or not."
20· ·might be eligible to vote because this doesn't 20· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So I'm just going to ask one
21· ·mention post-release supervision."· Could you 21· ·more time, though.· My question was simply that
22· ·understand why that person would think that? 22· ·hypothetical person, and they say to you, "I
23· · · ·A.· The best answer I can give you is that 23· ·think I might be eligible to vote, because this
24· ·I don't know if I can put myself in someone 24· ·doesn't mention post-release supervision,"
25· ·else's shoes.· And by the fact that as -- and 25· ·could you, at least, understand why they would

Page 90 Page 92
·1· ·think that? ·1· ·supervision.· Am I characterizing that
·2· · · ·A.· Are you asking me as Karen Brinson ·2· ·correctly?
·3· ·Bell, or are you asking -- I -- ·3· · · ·A.· Yes.· I think that's accurate.
·4· · · ·Q.· I'm asking you as the representative ·4· ·Correct.
·5· ·here for the State Board of Elections. ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So do you see number 4 here
·6· · · ·A.· I think that -- I've expressed before, ·6· ·says:· "I have not been convicted of a felony,
·7· ·I think it's difficult for me to assert what ·7· ·or if I have been convicted of a felony, I have
·8· ·someone would have as confusion or not ·8· ·completed my sentence, including any
·9· ·confusion. ·9· ·probation"?
10· · · ·Q.· But can you at least understand why 10· · · ·A.· I do.
11· ·they would say that? 11· · · ·Q.· And so that doesn't even mention
12· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 12· ·parole, does it, Ms. Bell?
13· · · ·answered. 13· · · ·A.· It does not.
14· · · ·A.· I don't think I can answer a question 14· · · ·Q.· And it does not mention post-release
15· ·about understanding as a representative of an 15· ·supervision?
16· ·organization versus -- understanding is about 16· · · ·A.· Correct.
17· ·my individual understanding, not the 17· · · ·Q.· So, again, I'll ask, if you put
18· ·understanding of an organization. 18· ·yourself -- well, if you put yourself in the
19· · · ·Q.· Could you understand why such a person 19· ·shoes of somebody who is on post-release
20· ·might be uncertain or confused if they're 20· ·supervision who reads this, could you
21· ·eligible to vote if they read this when they're 21· ·understand why such a person would think
22· ·on post-release supervision? 22· ·they're eligible to vote, because neither
23· · · ·A.· I don't believe I can answer your 23· ·parole nor post-release supervision is
24· ·question.· I'm sorry. 24· ·mentioned here?
25· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn back now to 25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Outside the scope
Page 91 Page 93
·1· ·the prior page, which is page 351. ·1· · · ·of the notice of deposition.
·2· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, do you see in Section 10 ·2· · · · · ·Objection.· Calls for speculation.
·3· ·here, which is the section that -- and I don't ·3· · · · · ·If you are able to answer based upon
·4· ·know what the right word is -- the affirmation ·4· · · ·your personal knowledge, you can.
·5· ·that a voter must sign, number 4 says:· "I have ·5· · · ·A.· I can't -- I can't determine what
·6· ·not been convicted of a felony, or if I have ·6· ·someone would be able to understand or not
·7· ·been convicted of a felony" -- (inaudible). ·7· ·understand.
·8· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· We're not hearing you. ·8· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, as the executive director of
·9· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·9· ·the State Board of Elections, you have
10· · · ·Q.· Do you not hear me? 10· ·authority over the contents of these forms,
11· · · ·A.· No.· I was about to say, "Did you say 11· ·right?
12· ·something more?" 12· · · ·A.· Yes.
13· · · ·Q.· I could see everyone making gestures. 13· · · ·Q.· Do you think it would be advisable for
14· · · ·A.· I was reading the note, looked up, and 14· ·the State Board of Elections to clarify on here
15· ·I was, like, I think you're talking, but I 15· ·that it applies to people on post-release
16· ·don't hear your voice. 16· ·supervision?
17· · · ·Q.· Yeah.· I was, like, did I just say 17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
18· ·something super offensive?· Everyone is 18· · · ·A.· Do I think it would be advisable for
19· ·starting to gesture. 19· ·the form to be altered?· Is that what you're
20· · · · · ·Can you hear me? 20· ·asking?
21· · · ·A.· Yes.· All I heard was "number 4," so... 21· · · ·Q.· Correct.
22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So, Ms. Bell, do you see on 22· · · ·A.· I don't -- if it's advisable, who is
23· ·number 4 here it says -- so let me ask you 23· ·providing the advice?
24· ·this:· You said a moment ago that in your mind 24· · · ·Q.· Well, you're in charge of the State
25· ·parole might be synonymous with post-release 25· ·Board of Elections, right?

Page 94 Page 96
·1· · · ·A.· Yes. ·1· ·of people to apply for absentee ballots in this
·2· · · ·Q.· As the executive director of the State ·2· ·year's November elections?
·3· ·Board of Elections, do you think this form ·3· · · ·A.· Yes.· That's correct.
·4· ·should be altered to include post-release ·4· · · ·Q.· Potentially, millions of people?
·5· ·supervision? ·5· · · ·A.· I would have to do the math on that.
·6· · · ·A.· Before we change any forms, I actually ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.
·7· ·prefer to consult with our general counsel to ·7· · · ·A.· I hope it's not that much.
·8· ·ensure that we're in compliance with the laws. ·8· · · ·Q.· We can agree --
·9· ·And we are also in the process of updating many ·9· · · ·A.· Well, I shouldn't say I hope.· We're --
10· ·of our forms to be more user-friendly.· But 10· ·yeah, we're expecting a 30 to 40 percent
11· ·that -- that extends beyond the question that 11· ·possible participation.
12· ·you're asking me. 12· · · ·Q.· It's going to be a lot of people,
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll move on. 13· ·correct?
14· · · · · ·I'm going to pull up now what's been 14· · · ·A.· Yes.· Exactly.
15· ·marked as Exhibit F. 15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to direct your
16· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' F premarked.) 16· ·attention to the "Voter's Certification"
17· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 17· ·section on the left side of this form.· Do you
18· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, do you recognize this 18· ·see that?
19· ·document? 19· · · ·A.· I do.
20· · · ·A.· I do. 20· · · ·Q.· And do you see that it says right here
21· · · ·Q.· And I should have said, this is a 21· ·in the final sentence of that first paragraph:
22· ·document that's titled Absentee Application and 22· ·"I have not been convicted of a felony, or if I
23· ·Certificate; is that right? 23· ·have been convicted of a felony, I have
24· · · ·A.· That's correct. 24· ·completed my sentence, including any probation
25· · · ·Q.· Can you confirm, to the best of your 25· ·or parole"?
Page 95 Page 97
·1· ·knowledge, that this is a true and accurate ·1· · · ·A.· I do see that.
·2· ·copy of a document that the State Board ·2· · · ·Q.· Again, that does not mention
·3· ·produced this discovery? ·3· ·post-release supervision, correct?
·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Assumes facts not ·4· · · ·A.· That's correct.
·5· · · ·in evidence. ·5· · · ·Q.· And to the best -- as you sit here
·6· · · ·A.· I can't see an indication -- there we ·6· ·today, the Board currently does not intend to
·7· ·go.· I do see a notation at the bottom that ·7· ·change this language on this form, does it?
·8· ·does appear to have been provided. ·8· · · ·A.· Actually, I don't recall whether that's
·9· · · ·Q.· And, Ms. Bell, is this the State Board ·9· ·been changed.
10· ·of Elections form for voters to apply for an 10· · · ·Q.· You're not aware of any intent to
11· ·absentee ballot? 11· ·change this form currently to include
12· · · ·A.· This is a prior iteration of the form. 12· ·post-release supervision, are you?
13· · · ·Q.· When was the form updated since then? 13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and
14· · · ·A.· We are currently updating due to a 14· · · ·answered.
15· ·change in the law and the number of witnesses 15· · · ·A.· I would have to look at the new proof
16· ·because of coronavirus. 16· ·to determine whether the language has been
17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And is that the only change that 17· ·changed or not.· I don't know off the top of my
18· ·you expect to make to this form currently? 18· ·head.
19· · · ·A.· We have actually redesigned it to make 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to skip ahead now and
20· ·it -- it's one of the forms I was meaning when 20· ·pull up what's been marked as Exhibit H.
21· ·I said we were trying to develop a more 21· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' H premarked.)
22· ·user-friendly format. 22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· And, Dan, one thing that
23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Understood. 23· · · ·could be helpful to me is if you list the
24· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, is it fair to say that you 24· · · ·Bates stamp number as we're going through
25· ·would expect, at least, hundreds of thousands 25· · · ·this.

Page 98 Page 100
·1· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure. ·1· · · ·A.· It is stated as that, yes.
·2· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·2· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn now to two
·3· · · ·Q.· Exhibit H is a document that starts on ·3· ·pages later.· So Bates stamp page 558.· And
·4· ·Bates stamp 537. ·4· ·I'll give you a moment to read this, Ms. Bell.
·5· · · · · ·Do you see that, Ms. Bell? ·5· · · ·A.· (Reviewing.)
·6· · · ·A.· Actually, I don't see the number, but I ·6· · · ·Q.· Do you see here that it says that a
·7· ·do see the -- I would have to move everything ·7· ·poll worker must review certain eligibility
·8· ·off of zoom. ·8· ·statements with the voter, with the final one
·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Don't worry. ·9· ·being:· "Have not been convicted of a felony,
10· · · ·A.· Okay.· Thank you. 10· ·or if they have been convicted of a felony,
11· · · ·Q.· I'll just state for the record, it 11· ·they have completed their sentence, including
12· ·starts on page 537. 12· ·any probation or parole"?
13· · · ·A.· Thank you. 13· · · ·A.· I do see that.
14· · · ·Q.· And I'll try to make sure to do that 14· · · ·Q.· And, again, it just says probation or
15· ·for future ones, but if I don't, just remind 15· ·parole without mentioning post-release
16· ·me. 16· ·supervision, right?
17· · · ·A.· Okay. 17· · · ·A.· Correct.
18· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, this is a document titled 18· · · ·Q.· Would you concede that this may confuse
19· ·"Voting Site Station Guide"; is that right? 19· ·a poll worker as to whether a person is on
20· · · ·A.· That's correct. 20· ·post-release supervision or eligible to vote?
21· · · ·Q.· And have you seen this document before? 21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
22· · · ·A.· Yes. 22· · · ·speculation.
23· · · ·Q.· And can you confirm, to the best of 23· · · ·A.· As I've stated, I don't think I can
24· ·your knowledge, that this is a true and 24· ·attest to someone's confusion or clarity.
25· ·accurate copy of a document that the State 25· · · ·Q.· Let's say, hypothetically, a person who
Page 99 Page 101

·1· ·Board produced in discovery in this case? ·1· ·is on post-release supervision shows up to the
·2· · · ·A.· It does appear to be, yes. ·2· ·polls and asks the poll worker, "I've finished
·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And, Ms. Bell, is this a guide ·3· ·serving my prison sentence, but I'm on
·4· ·that's developed by the State Board that's ·4· ·post-release supervision.· Can I vote?"· The
·5· ·given to poll workers in every polling place in ·5· ·poll worker might consult this document and say
·6· ·North Carolina? ·6· ·"Yes," right?
·7· · · ·A.· That's correct. ·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·8· · · ·Q.· It indicates here on the cover page ·8· · · ·speculation.
·9· ·that it was last updated in 2020, right? ·9· · · ·A.· The poll worker could consult this
10· · · ·A.· Yes. 10· ·document.· That's correct.
11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn now to what's 11· · · ·Q.· And the poll worker might say, "Yes,
12· ·been marked as -- or not what's been marked -- 12· ·you're eligible to vote," because it doesn't
13· ·to Bates stamp page 557.· I can't see my own... 13· ·mention anything about post-release
14· · · ·A.· You're having the same problem I was. 14· ·supervision, right?
15· · · ·Q.· Yeah.· It's on the right side of the 15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
16· ·screen. 16· · · ·speculation.
17· · · ·A.· Yeah, underneath everyone's video. 17· · · ·A.· They may say yes or they may say no.
18· · · ·Q.· One more page.· Okay. 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to pull up now what's
19· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, do you see that this page -- 19· ·been marked as Exhibit I.
20· ·this slide is titled "Step 6: Determination of 20· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' I premarked.)
21· ·Voter Eligibility and Voting Authorization"? 21· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· And, Paul, and others,
22· · · ·A.· Yes. 22· · · ·this is one where the file is so large, I
23· · · ·Q.· Is this the final step for a poll 23· · · ·think that it might be that Daryl is not
24· ·worker to determine whether a voter who shows 24· · · ·able to send it to you.· But I'll try
25· ·up at a polling place is eligible to vote? 25· · · ·sending it, after the deposition, to

Page 102 Page 104
·1· · · ·everyone.· And if we don't get it, we could ·1· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, if somebody is currently on
·2· · · ·use our FTP file transfer or something like ·2· ·post-release supervision, and they're asked
·3· · · ·that.· Is that okay? ·3· ·this question, they would truthfully answer
·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay.· Is it a document ·4· ·"no," right?
·5· · · ·produced in discovery? ·5· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·6· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Correct. ·6· · · ·speculation.
·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay. ·7· · · ·A.· I do not know.
·8· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· And I should say, along ·8· · · ·Q.· If I represent to you or if I ask you
·9· · · ·those lines, that this document starts at ·9· ·to assume for purposes of this question that
10· · · ·Bates stamp number 132. 10· ·post-release supervision is different from
11· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 11· ·probation and different from parole, wouldn't
12· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, this document doesn't have a 12· ·the truthful answer to this question for
13· ·title to it, but do you recognize this 13· ·somebody who is on post-release supervision be
14· ·document? 14· ·"no"?
15· · · ·A.· I believe I do.· Yes. 15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
16· · · ·Q.· And can you confirm, to the best of 16· · · ·speculation.
17· ·your ability, that this is a true and accurate 17· · · ·A.· I think we determined earlier, I have
18· ·copy of a document produced by the State Board 18· ·an association of parole as being
19· ·in discovery in this case? 19· ·post-sentencing supervision.· I don't know if
20· · · ·A.· I believe so, yes. 20· ·that would be the case for an individual
21· · · ·Q.· And am I correct that this is a -- 21· ·answering this question.· They may have the
22· ·pardon me -- this is a manual that's given to 22· ·same understanding or assumption.
23· ·local election officials and poll workers?· Is 23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So it sounds like we agree,
24· ·that right? 24· ·though, that it's possible a person on
25· · · ·A.· It is made available to the county 25· ·post-release supervision could answer this
Page 103 Page 105

·1· ·board of elections to provide, yes. ·1· ·question "no"?
·2· · · ·Q.· And this is developed by the State ·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the
·3· ·Board of Elections? ·3· · · ·testimony.
·4· · · ·A.· That's correct. ·4· · · ·A.· A person could answer "yes" or "no."
·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to go now to Bates ·5· · · ·Q.· But it would be reasonable for a person
·6· ·stamp page 256. ·6· ·to answer "no" who is on post-release
·7· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, my understanding is that this ·7· ·supervision?
·8· ·page shows the script that a poll worker is ·8· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·9· ·supposed to read from if a voter's eligibility ·9· · · ·speculation.· Vague.
10· ·to vote is challenged at the polling place.· Is 10· · · ·A.· They can answer "yes" or "no" depending
11· ·that right? 11· ·on their understanding.
12· · · ·A.· Would you scroll just a little bit so I 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· If somebody who is on
13· ·can see what's above the -- 13· ·post-release supervision did answer this
14· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Do you want me to go on to the 14· ·question "no," they would be allowed to vote,
15· ·prior page? 15· ·right, by the poll worker?
16· · · ·A.· Thank you.· Yes.· That does help. 16· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Incomplete
17· · · · · ·Okay.· Then, yes, this is the script 17· · · ·hypothetical.
18· ·for a challenge. 18· · · ·A.· If an individual -- if any individual
19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And if we look at the fourth 19· ·answers "no" to this question, then they would
20· ·bullet here, it says that the poll worker is 20· ·be allowed to vote.
21· ·supposed to ask the voter:· "Are you currently 21· · · ·Q.· So if a person who is on post-release
22· ·on probation or parole for a felony 22· ·supervision answered "no," they would be
23· ·conviction?" 23· ·allowed to vote?
24· · · · · ·Do you see that? 24· · · ·A.· That is correct.
25· · · ·A.· I do see that. 25· · · ·Q.· And that person could then be

Page 106 Page 108
·1· ·prosecuted for the crime of illegally voting, ·1· ·restitution, you do not have to do anything to
·2· ·right? ·2· ·have your citizenship right restored"?
·3· · · ·A.· If someone who has not completed their ·3· · · ·A.· That is how it reads, yes.
·4· ·felony, votes, then they could be prosecuted, ·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And so, once again, this says
·5· ·correct. ·5· ·"including probation or parole."· It doesn't
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay. ·6· ·mention post-release supervision, correct?
·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Dan, do you want to take a ·7· · · ·A.· That's correct.
·8· · · ·quick break? ·8· · · ·Q.· And this one, unlike the other ones we
·9· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· I was about to ask.· If ·9· ·looked at, also mentions restitution, right?
10· · · ·you think we're wrapping up on some of this 10· · · ·A.· It does.
11· · · ·soon, then I can keep going.· But if not, 11· · · ·Q.· None of the other documents we looked
12· · · ·I'd like to take a break. 12· ·at before mention restitution?
13· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Paul, I've got maybe, I 13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.
14· · · ·would say, about two more minutes of 14· · · ·A.· Not that I recall.
15· · · ·questions on this module.· Can we get 15· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, are you aware that
16· · · ·through that and then take a break? 16· ·individuals convicted of felonies in
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Sure.· Sure. 17· ·North Carolina are often required to pay fees
18· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay. 18· ·for court costs that are different from
19· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· My Apple watch is telling 19· ·restitution?
20· · · ·me to stand. 20· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay.· Calls for a legal
21· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 21· · · ·conclusion.
22· · · ·Q.· I'll skip ahead one exhibit to 22· · · · · ·Objection.· Speculation.
23· ·Exhibit K.· And this is a document that starts 23· · · ·A.· Could you state your question again,
24· ·with Bates stamp number 303. 24· ·please?
25· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' K premarked.) 25· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Are you aware that individuals
Page 107 Page 109

·1· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·1· ·convicted of felonies in North Carolina are
·2· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, do you recognize this ·2· ·often required to pay fees for court costs that
·3· ·document? ·3· ·are different from restitution?
·4· · · ·A.· I do. ·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for a legal
·5· · · ·Q.· And to the best of your knowledge, is ·5· · · ·conclusion.· Calls for speculation.
·6· ·this a document produced by the State Board in ·6· · · ·A.· I actually -- I'm not -- I'm not clear
·7· ·discovery in this case? ·7· ·on that matter.· I actually personally
·8· · · ·A.· I believe it is.· Yes. ·8· ·associate restitution and fees and so forth as
·9· · · ·Q.· And this is a document that's produced ·9· ·being of the same language.· I don't know the
10· ·by the State Board of Elections, right, looking 10· ·distinction there.
11· ·at the top right corner here? 11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So a person who has paid back
12· · · ·A.· It was -- yes, it has been produced at 12· ·their restitution, but still owes other fees
13· ·a point in time by the State Board, yes. 13· ·from their court case, who reads this, they
14· · · ·Q.· And am I correct that this is a 14· ·might think they're eligible to vote, right,
15· ·document that's made specifically for 15· ·because it only mentions restitution?
16· ·individuals convicted of felonies to inform 16· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
17· ·them about their voting rights? 17· · · ·speculation and outside the scope of the
18· · · ·A.· That's correct. 18· · · ·notice.
19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to turn your attention 19· · · ·A.· I don't know what someone else's
20· ·now to the second page of this document and the 20· ·understanding would be.· Obviously, I don't
21· ·top right column, the part that's been 21· ·have a clear understanding.
22· ·highlighted. 22· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· Should we take a
23· · · · · ·Do you see the sentence that reads: 23· · · ·break?
24· ·"However, after completing all terms of your 24· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· That sounds good.
25· ·sentence, including parole, probation, and 25· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Do you want to do five

Page 110 Page 112
·1· ·or ten minutes? ·1· · · ·Q.· I'll go back now to what's been marked
·2· · · ·THE WITNESS:· Can we do ten minutes? ·2· ·as Exhibit G.· And this is a document that
·3· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.· So we'll come ·3· ·starts at Bates stamp number 405.
·4· ·back at 11:26. ·4· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, do you recognize this
·5· · · ·THE WITNESS:· Sounds fine.· Thank you. ·5· ·document?
·6· · · ·(Recess from 11:16 to 11:28 a.m.) ·6· · · ·A.· I do.
·7· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· So, Ms. Bell, are ·7· · · ·Q.· And is -- to the best of your
·8· ·you ready to go back on the record? ·8· ·knowledge, is this a document produced by the
·9· · · ·THE WITNESS:· I am. ·9· ·State Board in discovery?
10· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Court reporter, are you 10· · · ·A.· I believe so, yes.
11· ·all set? 11· · · ·Q.· And is this One Stop Application that
12· · · ·THE REPORTER:· Yes, sir.· Thank you. 12· ·voters fill out when they want to vote -- what
13· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· All right. 13· ·I think of as early voting?
14· · · ·THE WITNESS:· Dan, before we go back 14· · · ·A.· Yes, it is part of our One Stop early
15· ·into questions, can we just amend the 15· ·voting.· It serves as the poll book document
16· ·record, or whatever the right phrase would 16· ·for that.
17· ·be? 17· · · ·Q.· And in section A here, the final thing
18· · · ·I did confirm during the break that we 18· ·that voters have to certify, it says:· "I have
19· ·took that we have amended or requested to 19· ·not been convicted of a felony, or if I have
20· ·be amended, in the new versions of our 20· ·been convicted of a felony, I have completed my
21· ·absentee by mail envelope and voter 21· ·sentence, including any probation or parole."
22· ·registration form, to include -- it does 22· ·Is that right?
23· ·say probation, parole, and 23· · · ·A.· That is what it states.· Yes.
24· ·post-sentencing -- 24· · · ·Q.· And are you aware of any present
25· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Post-release 25· ·efforts to update this form to include
Page 111 Page 113

·1· · · ·supervision? ·1· ·post-release supervision?
·2· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Thank you.· Sorry.· I am ·2· · · ·A.· I do not know whether this is -- I
·3· · · ·stumbling over that, because I have -- in ·3· ·don't know if this one is being revised, but I
·4· · · ·real estate, it's post-licensing.· So all ·4· ·can check and correct the record if need be.
·5· · · ·of these things begin to run together. ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And we spoke earlier about -- I
·6· · · ·But, yes, post -- what is the phrase?· I'm ·6· ·can't remember the exact name, but a voting
·7· · · ·sorry. ·7· ·guide that's provided to coworkers.· Is that
·8· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Post-release ·8· ·right?
·9· · · ·supervision. ·9· · · ·A.· Yes.
10· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Post-release, yeah, 10· · · ·Q.· And that voting guide did not mention
11· · · ·supervision.· Thank you. 11· ·post-release supervision, right?
12· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 12· · · ·A.· I believe that's correct.· Yes.
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So let me clarify that.· Which 13· · · ·Q.· And are you aware of any current
14· ·forms did you say are being amended? 14· ·modifications being made to that guide to
15· · · ·A.· The new iterations of our voter 15· ·include post-release supervision?
16· ·registration forms.· And you showed the old 16· · · ·A.· We are not scheduled to do revisions to
17· ·version of our absentee by mail envelope that I 17· ·that, but that does not mean that we would not.
18· ·indicated we had a new version.· That's in the 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.
19· ·process now, and that's been updated with that 19· · · ·A.· These other things had to be sent to
20· ·phrase. 20· ·printers and so forth, so they are first in the
21· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is the One Stop form being 21· ·order.
22· ·updated as well; do you know? 22· · · ·Q.· And we looked at this document a moment
23· · · · · ·I'll just show you. 23· ·ago titled -- you know, a document that's put
24· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' G premarked.) 24· ·out or has been put out by the State Board of
25· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 25· ·Elections, you know, to inform individuals

Page 114 Page 116
·1· ·convicted of felonies of (inaudible)? ·1· ·very first sentence of this document says:
·2· · · ·A.· I should state that this is actually an ·2· ·"When you are convicted of a felony in North
·3· ·older brochure.· We have a flyer that we have ·3· ·Carolina, you cannot register" -- sorry -- "you
·4· ·been working to substitute.· I do know that ·4· ·cannot vote or register to vote until you have
·5· ·there are actually more current versions of ·5· ·completed all the terms of your felony
·6· ·this -- even this brochure, because this does ·6· ·sentence, including any probation or parole."
·7· ·not have our correct website address, and there ·7· · · · · ·Do you see that?
·8· ·are versions that do have the correct website ·8· · · ·A.· I do.
·9· ·address. ·9· · · ·Q.· And that does not mention post-release
10· · · ·Q.· I will pull up what's been marked as 10· ·supervision, right?
11· ·Exhibit J, which I think might be the current 11· · · ·A.· It does not.
12· ·version.· It's one of the documents 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And if we scroll down to the
13· ·(inaudible). 13· ·fourth row here titled "Am I eligible to vote."
14· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Sorry, Dan.· You trailed off 14· · · · · ·Do you see that row?
15· · · ·there. 15· · · ·A.· I do.· Yes.
16· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· All right.· I'm pulling 16· · · ·Q.· And do you see that it says:· "You must
17· · · ·up what's been marked as Exhibit J, which 17· ·not be serving an active felony sentence,
18· · · ·is one of the documents I skipped earlier. 18· ·including any probation or parole"?
19· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' J premarked.) 19· · · ·A.· That's correct.· That is what it
20· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 20· ·states.
21· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, do you recognize this 21· · · ·Q.· And it does not mention post-release
22· ·document? 22· ·supervision?
23· · · ·A.· Could you make more of the page 23· · · ·A.· It does not.
24· ·visible?· Reduce? 24· · · ·Q.· And I think you said a moment ago,
25· · · ·Q.· Sure. 25· ·you're planning on putting this document into
Page 115 Page 117

·1· · · ·A.· Thank you. ·1· ·circulation or you've sort of started that
·2· · · · · ·Yes, that is the flyer that was ·2· ·process?
·3· ·designed and is being substituted for that ·3· · · ·A.· It has been introduced.
·4· ·brochure. ·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.
·5· · · ·Q.· And to the best of your knowledge, is ·5· · · ·A.· It's just a matter of getting
·6· ·this a document that was produced -- a true and ·6· ·everything updated.
·7· ·accurate copy of a document produced by the ·7· · · ·Q.· And you're not aware of any current
·8· ·State Board in discovery? ·8· ·intentions to modify this document, are you?
·9· · · ·A.· Yes, I believe so. ·9· · · ·A.· It is not scheduled, to my knowledge,
10· · · ·Q.· And I think you just said this, but is 10· ·no.
11· ·this the more current version of the document 11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So I'll switch gears now.
12· ·that the State Board makes available to 12· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, beyond the documents that we
13· ·individuals convicted of felonies to notify 13· ·just looked at, just now and before the break,
14· ·them of their voting rights? 14· ·beyond those documents, isn't it the case that
15· · · ·A.· Yes, it is intended that this would be 15· ·the information provided to felons about their
16· ·introduced into the system over the brochure. 16· ·voting rights is not standard and often
17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And if we go -- and so this 17· ·excludes references to loss of voting rights?
18· ·document is intended specifically for people 18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Assume facts not
19· ·convicted of felonies as sort of an educational 19· · · ·in evidence.· Calls for speculation.
20· ·document?· Do I have that right? 20· · · ·A.· Actually, would you restate your
21· · · ·A.· It would serve for someone convicted of 21· ·question or ask it again, please?
22· ·a felony.· Or if someone is not, and is serving 22· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Isn't it the case that the
23· ·a misdemeanor, it would clarify for them as 23· ·information provided to felons about their
24· ·well. 24· ·voting rights is not standard and often
25· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Fair enough.· So do you see the 25· ·excludes references to the loss of voting

Page 118 Page 120
·1· ·rights? ·1· · · ·A.· Uh-huh.
·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·2· · · ·Q.· -- and the director of the
·3· · · ·speculation. ·3· ·Administrative Office of the Courts?
·4· · · ·A.· Actually, I do think that's a rather ·4· · · ·A.· I believe you asked if it was from
·5· ·broad statement.· I can only indicate what is ·5· ·Kim Westbrook Strach to Secretary Hooks and
·6· ·done in elections. ·6· ·Administrative Officer Warren?· You cut out, so
·7· · · ·Q.· So do you disagree with that statement? ·7· ·I was just clarifying.
·8· · · ·A.· I neither agree or disagree. I ·8· · · ·Q.· Yes.· Is that what this is?
·9· ·don't -- I can't speak for what other entities ·9· · · ·A.· Yes, it is.
10· ·might provide to felons. 10· · · ·Q.· And Kim Strach is your predecessor as
11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Isn't it the case that when 11· ·executive director of the State Board of
12· ·registered to vote, or actually voting, not all 12· ·Elections; is that right?
13· ·voters read the language that we looked at 13· · · ·A.· You cut out again, but I believe you
14· ·earlier requiring them to affirm that they are 14· ·asked if she was my predecessor.· Yes, she is
15· ·not serving a felony sentence? 15· ·my predecessor.
16· · · ·A.· We provide the information to any 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· She was the previous executive
17· ·voter, and it is up to that individual whether 17· ·director of the State Board of Elections?
18· ·they read all the material or not. 18· · · ·A.· That's correct.
19· · · ·Q.· So I'll just ask it one more time. 19· · · ·Q.· Are you able to hear me?· Is this
20· · · · · ·Isn't it the case that when registering 20· ·better?
21· ·to vote or actually voting, not all voters read 21· · · ·A.· Yes.
22· ·the language requiring them to affirm that they 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· For the record, I -- last -- a
23· ·are not serving a felony sentence? 23· ·couple days ago, I went to four different
24· · · ·A.· I can't determine if an individual or 24· ·stores in DC to try to buy a microphone to fix
25· ·all individuals read all of the information. 25· ·these issues, and they were all sold out
Page 119 Page 121

·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to pull up now what's ·1· ·because, apparently, everyone in the world is
·2· ·been marked as Exhibit Q. ·2· ·trying to buy microphones for their computer.
·3· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' Q premarked.) ·3· ·So just for the record, efforts were made to
·4· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·4· ·address the situation.
·5· · · ·Q.· And this is not a document produced in ·5· · · ·A.· Understood.
·6· ·discovery, but it's a document of the State ·6· · · ·Q.· But I apologize.
·7· ·Board of Elections that's just available from ·7· · · · · ·So the subject line of this letter is
·8· ·other sources.· And I'll zoom out to try to let ·8· ·"Uniform notice to felons regarding voting
·9· ·you see it, Ms. Bell. ·9· ·rights in North Carolina."· Correct?
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Dan, just for the record, I 10· · · ·A.· Correct.
11· · · ·believe that document was provided in 11· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, can I ask you to read the
12· · · ·discovery.· It's an attachment to the audit 12· ·second paragraph of this letter, the one that
13· · · ·report for 2017. 13· ·starts with the word "Beyond," into the record?
14· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· Fair enough.· We 14· · · ·A.· Read aloud or read it --
15· · · ·will -- fair enough. 15· · · ·Q.· Read it aloud, please.
16· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· It's appendix 7 of that 16· · · ·A.· Okay.· The paragraph that begins with
17· · · ·document. 17· ·"Beyond"?
18· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay. 18· · · ·Q.· Correct.
19· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 19· · · ·A.· Okay.· "Beyond the promising future in
20· · · ·Q.· So, Ms. Bell, have you seen this 20· ·our data-sharing relationship, I want to make
21· ·document before? 21· ·sure you are aware that the State Board's
22· · · ·A.· I have. 22· ·in-house investigations staff have become aware
23· · · ·Q.· And is this a letter from Kim Westbrook 23· ·that the information provided to felons serving
24· ·Strach to the secretary of the Department of 24· ·active sentences does not appear to be standard
25· ·Public Safety -- 25· ·and often excludes references to the loss of

Page 122 Page 124
·1· ·voting rights.· This issue arises at the ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Can you tell me how that's
·2· ·referral phase of our investigations, when some ·2· ·wrong?
·3· ·district attorneys express understandable ·3· · · ·A.· This -- a letter written in 2017 cannot
·4· ·concern that a felon who has voted may not have ·4· ·assert what the status is from '17 until 2020.
·5· ·been aware of the unlawfulness of his actions. ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So as of 2017, at least, the
·6· ·Although individuals are required to affirm ·6· ·State Board of Elections was of the opinion
·7· ·that they are not serving an active felony ·7· ·that the information provided to voters -- to
·8· ·sentence, both when registering and presenting ·8· ·felons serving active sentences does not appear
·9· ·to vote, we have received feedback that not all ·9· ·to be standard and often excludes references to
10· ·voters read this language prior to signing. 10· ·the loss of voting rights?
11· ·Establishing that the subject of an 11· · · ·A.· That is what this states.· Correct.
12· ·investigation may have knowingly and willingly 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And as of 2017, the State Board
13· ·violated North Carolina election laws 13· ·of Elections determined that although
14· ·prohibiting felons from voting will support 14· ·individuals are required to affirm that they
15· ·successful prosecutions." 15· ·are not serving an active felony sentence, both
16· · · ·Q.· And this letter, Ms. Bell, is from 16· ·when registering to vote and presenting to
17· ·2017; is that right? 17· ·vote, not all voters read this language prior
18· · · ·A.· That's correct. 18· ·to signing?
19· · · ·Q.· So based on what you just read, isn't 19· · · ·A.· That is the feedback they had received
20· ·it the case that the State Board of Elections 20· ·at that time, yes.
21· ·has long known that the information provided to 21· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And does the State Board,
22· ·felons serving active sentences does not appear 22· ·sitting here today, in 2020, have any
23· ·to be standard and often excludes references to 23· ·information to change the conclusion reached in
24· ·loss of voting rights? 24· ·that sentence I just read?
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· You trailed out, Dan. 25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
Page 123 Page 125

·1· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Yeah. ·1· · · · · ·Sorry, Dan.· I just wanted to -- do you
·2· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·2· · · ·mind if I ask you to clarify which sentence
·3· · · ·Q.· Isn't it the case, Ms. Bell, that the ·3· · · ·you're talking about.
·4· ·State Board of Elections has long known that ·4· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Yeah.· I was about to ask
·5· ·the information provided to felons serving ·5· · · ·that.· Which part were you talking about?
·6· ·active sentences does not appear to be standard ·6· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
·7· ·and often excludes references to the loss of ·7· · · ·Q.· The sentence that read:· "Although
·8· ·voting rights? ·8· ·individual voters are required to affirm," dah,
·9· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the ·9· ·dah, dah, dah, "we have received feedback that
10· · · ·evidence. 10· ·not all voters read this language prior to
11· · · ·A.· I don't think that this paragraph says 11· ·signing."
12· ·that it's long known or shortly known. 12· · · · · ·That was the sentence written by the
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So this letter was written in 13· ·State Board in 2017, right?
14· ·2017? 14· · · ·A.· Correct.
15· · · ·A.· That's correct. 15· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board, sitting here
16· · · ·Q.· So since, at least, 2017, the State 16· ·today in 2020, have any new information that
17· ·Board of Elections has known that the 17· ·would alter this conclusion?
18· ·information provided to felons serving active 18· · · ·A.· The conclusion that not all voters read
19· ·sentences does not appear to be standard and 19· ·this language prior to signing?
20· ·often excludes references to the loss of voting 20· · · ·Q.· Correct.
21· ·rights; is that right? 21· · · ·A.· I don't believe we have any new
22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the 22· ·information to that effect or against that.
23· · · ·evidence. 23· · · ·Q.· And how about the prior sentence, that
24· · · ·A.· Yeah.· I don't think that that's what 24· ·the State Board has become aware of
25· ·this states at all. 25· ·information -- sorry -- the State Board has

Page 126 Page 128
·1· ·become aware that the information provided to ·1· · · ·A.· You faded out.
·2· ·felons serving active sentences does not appear ·2· · · ·Q.· This document starts at Bates stamp
·3· ·to be standard and often excludes references to ·3· ·page 406?
·4· ·the loss of voting rights? ·4· · · ·A.· Yes.
·5· · · · · ·That was what they wrote as of 2017, ·5· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And I'm going to turn now to
·6· ·right? ·6· ·409.· Do you see here the sentence I'm hovering
·7· · · ·A.· Correct. ·7· ·over that says:· "Under state law, felon voting
·8· · · ·Q.· Sitting here today in 2020, does the ·8· ·is a strict liability offense, and thus a felon
·9· ·State Board have any new information that would ·9· ·may be convicted of a crime even if he or she
10· ·alter this conclusion? 10· ·does not know that voting while serving an
11· · · ·A.· I believe we have information that 11· ·active sentence is wrong"?· Do you see that?
12· ·would say that there do appear to be standards 12· · · ·A.· I do.
13· ·that have been implemented since this time. 13· · · ·Q.· And so you understand that to mean that
14· · · ·Q.· And we just discussed, Ms. Bell, that 14· ·a person can be convicted of this crime even if
15· ·some of your forms are being updated to include 15· ·he or she did not know that they were
16· ·the reference to post-release supervision, but 16· ·ineligible to vote when they voted?
17· ·some are not; is that correct? 17· · · ·A.· I do see that.· I did not recall when
18· · · ·A.· That's correct. 18· ·you asked the previous question.
19· · · ·Q.· So, at least, as to that issue, the 19· · · ·Q.· Sure.· But that's -- you understand
20· ·information provided is not standard? 20· ·that that's what the current law provides?
21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Argumentative. 21· · · ·A.· Yes.
22· · · ·A.· I don't believe that the question of 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And this same paragraph says
23· ·standard, given that this is being written to 23· ·that the State Board refers suspected cases of
24· ·Secretary Hooks and Judge Warren, I don't 24· ·voting by persons who are serving felony
25· ·believe that the State Board is questioning the 25· ·sentences to local district attorneys for
Page 127 Page 129

·1· ·uniformity of State Board documents.· I think ·1· ·potential prosecution; is that right?
·2· ·they're questioning the uniformity of documents ·2· · · ·A.· That's correct.
·3· ·that would be DPS and AOC. ·3· · · ·Q.· And is that something the State Board
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, do you understand that ·4· ·still does, refer people who are suspected of
·5· ·under the current law, if a person votes while ·5· ·illegally voting with felony sentences to the
·6· ·on felony probation or post-release ·6· ·local prosecutors?
·7· ·supervision, that's a crime for which a person ·7· · · ·A.· That would be the process, yes.
·8· ·can face up to two years in prison? ·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And does the State Board refer
·9· · · ·A.· That is my understanding, yes. ·9· ·everyone who it believes may have voted
10· · · ·Q.· And do you understand this is what's 10· ·illegally while serving a felony sentence to
11· ·known as a strict liability crime, meaning that 11· ·local prosecutors, or does it use any sort of
12· ·it does not matter whether or not the person 12· ·discretion in deciding who to refer?
13· ·knew he was ineligible to vote to be convicted? 13· · · ·A.· We actually have developed a policy
14· · · ·A.· Actually, I don't know it by that 14· ·about our priority areas and how we determine
15· ·terminology. 15· ·investigations.
16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And I'm going to go back now to 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And how does the State Board --
17· ·what was Exhibit C, which was the Post Election 17· ·scratch that.
18· ·Audit. 18· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, are you aware that local
19· · · · · ·And I'm going to -- well, I should say, 19· ·prosecutors have, in fact, prosecuted people in
20· ·at the top, Ms. Bell, this is one of the 20· ·recent years for voting while on probation or
21· ·documents we looked at earlier titled 21· ·post-release supervision?
22· ·"Post-Election Audit Report"; is that right? 22· · · ·A.· Yes, I am aware that such prosecutions
23· · · ·A.· It is, yes. 23· ·have taken place.
24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And this is a document that 24· · · ·Q.· Are you familiar with the so-called
25· ·starts at Bates stamp page 406? 25· ·Alamance 12?

Page 130 Page 132
·1· · · ·A.· I am. ·1· ·the Huffington Post.
·2· · · ·Q.· And so that you're aware that 12 people ·2· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' D premarked.)
·3· ·in Alamance County were criminally prosecuted ·3· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
·4· ·for voting in the 2016 general election while ·4· · · ·Q.· Do you see this on the screen?
·5· ·they were serving probation or post-release ·5· · · ·A.· I do.· I don't -- it's -- you can zoom
·6· ·supervision? ·6· ·out some, because I don't see "Huffington" or
·7· · · ·A.· That is my understanding of the case -- ·7· ·anything to identify that.· But, yes.
·8· ·or the -- the reference. ·8· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Do you see here in the top right
·9· · · ·Q.· Are you aware that 9 of those 12 people ·9· ·corner it says "HuffPost"?
10· ·are African American? 10· · · ·A.· Yes, I do.
11· · · ·A.· I believe I have some knowledge of 11· · · ·Q.· And so this is an article written by a
12· ·that, yes. 12· ·journalist named Sam Levine dated August 13,
13· · · ·Q.· And are you aware that most or maybe 13· ·2018, titled "They Didn't Know They Were
14· ·even all of those 12 people said that they did 14· ·Ineligible to Vote.· A Prosecutor Went After
15· ·not know that they were ineligible to vote? 15· ·Them Anyway."· Do you see that?
16· · · ·A.· That is my recollection from these 16· · · ·A.· I do.
17· ·articles, yes. 17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to scroll down now to
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And are you aware that the 18· ·the bottom five paragraphs of this article.
19· ·district attorney in Hoke County has prosecuted 19· ·And so starting with the paragraph that says:
20· ·four people referred by the State Board of 20· ·"The cases of the 12 voters."· Do you see that?
21· ·Elections for allegedly voting before their 21· · · ·A.· I do.
22· ·rights were restored? 22· · · ·Q.· So I'm going to give you a moment to
23· · · ·A.· I am familiar with that, yes. 23· ·read from there to the end of the story.· And
24· · · ·Q.· Are you aware that all four persons 24· ·just let me know whenever you're ready.
25· ·indicted in Hoke County are African American? 25· · · ·A.· (Reviewing.)· Okay.
Page 131 Page 133

·1· · · ·A.· I do believe I had that understanding, ·1· · · ·Q.· So, Ms. Bell, you see in those
·2· ·yes. ·2· ·paragraphs there's quotes reflecting that
·3· · · ·Q.· You would agree that those prosecutions ·3· ·individuals with felony convictions said they
·4· ·in Alamance and Hoke County were very high ·4· ·wouldn't vote again because they were afraid of
·5· ·profile?· Received a lot of media attention? ·5· ·being prosecuted?· Do you see that?
·6· · · ·A.· I won't determine whether they're high ·6· · · ·A.· I do.
·7· ·profile, but they did receive media attention, ·7· · · ·Q.· And wouldn't you agree that that's a
·8· ·yes. ·8· ·reasonable fear given the potential of going to
·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· They were "in the news," as we ·9· ·prison if you're prosecuted for mistakenly
10· ·say? 10· ·voting while ineligible?
11· · · ·A.· There was news coverage, yes. 11· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Outside the scope
12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Can you understand how, given 12· · · ·of this deposition.· Calls for speculation.
13· ·those prosecutions that received news coverage, 13· · · ·A.· I don't think I can determine
14· ·someone who was previously convicted of a 14· ·reasonable fear when I know that there are
15· ·felony, who is not 100 percent certain of their 15· ·people who have continued to register who are
16· ·voting rights, might be afraid to vote? 16· ·former felons.
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Outside the scope 17· · · ·Q.· Could you understand the fear?
18· · · ·of the deposition notice and calls for 18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Same objection.
19· · · ·speculation. 19· · · ·A.· Personally, I can't say one way or the
20· · · · · ·Karen, if you have knowledge and are 20· ·other.· I am not a former felon, so I don't
21· · · ·able to answer it, you can. 21· ·know what that fear would be.
22· · · ·A.· I don't know if I have knowledge of 22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· In your capacity as the
23· ·what would cause fear for someone. 23· ·executive director of the State Board of
24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to pull up what's been 24· ·Elections, if one of these individuals came to
25· ·marked as Exhibit D, which is an article from 25· ·you and told you that they were afraid of

Page 134 Page 136
·1· ·voting, for the reasons set forth in this ·1· ·the executive director of the State Board of
·2· ·article, would you tell that person that ·2· ·Elections, do you have a general familiarity
·3· ·they're being irrational? ·3· ·with the reasons why voters may or may not
·4· · · ·A.· I would not tell any voter that they're ·4· ·vote?
·5· ·being irrational. ·5· · · ·A.· Are you -- is this a general question
·6· · · ·Q.· Would you tell that voter that you ·6· ·to any -- to all voters or voters in general
·7· ·think that their fears are unreasonable? ·7· ·that may or may not vote?
·8· · · ·A.· Again, that's not how I would work with ·8· · · ·Q.· Yeah.
·9· ·any voter. ·9· · · ·A.· Yes, I think that falls within our
10· · · ·Q.· Would you agree with me, Ms. Bell, that 10· ·capacity.
11· ·if individuals are uncertain or confused about 11· · · ·Q.· And you have -- just, generally
12· ·their eligibility to vote with a felony 12· ·speaking, you have familiarity with the reasons
13· ·conviction, that could be a deterrent to them 13· ·why an individual may or may not register to
14· ·voting? 14· ·vote?
15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.· Calls for 15· · · ·A.· Yes, we have a general familiarity with
16· · · ·speculation. 16· ·that.
17· · · ·A.· Would you restate your question or 17· · · ·Q.· And as a matter of -- based on that
18· ·state it again? 18· ·familiarity, in your role as the executive
19· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Would you agree that if an 19· ·director, wouldn't you agree that if a person
20· ·individual who has a felony conviction is 20· ·is unsure about whether they're lawfully
21· ·uncertain or confused about whether they're 21· ·allowed to vote, that may deter them from
22· ·eligible to vote, that may deter them from 22· ·voting?
23· ·voting? 23· · · ·A.· Yeah, I think the way that I have to
24· · · ·A.· I think the best answer I can give you 24· ·answer that question is that we -- we
25· ·is to not state one way or the other except to 25· ·facilitate voter registration as the State
Page 135 Page 137

·1· ·express my own personal experience as an ·1· ·Board of Elections and the county boards of
·2· ·elections director. ·2· ·elections.· And we do so in a manner that we
·3· · · · · ·I vividly recall -- from time to ·3· ·continue to see individuals register to vote.
·4· ·time -- one of the greatest experiences of my ·4· ·We try to make that opportunity available in as
·5· ·life as an elections administrator was the ·5· ·many ways as possible, and we continue to have
·6· ·trust that a gentleman instilled in me when he ·6· ·registration.· So it is not deterring people
·7· ·finished his felony conviction, came into our ·7· ·from registering to vote.
·8· ·board of elections, was of the minority race in ·8· · · ·Q.· And is it your goal as the executive
·9· ·the county where I worked, and yet trusted that ·9· ·director of the Board of Elections to educate
10· ·I would help him in his application to 10· ·as many people as possible about their
11· ·reregister to vote.· And even learned that he 11· ·eligibility to vote?
12· ·was still illiterate, and yet trusted that I 12· · · ·A.· Yes, that is one of the goals I have
13· ·would help him through that process, and I did. 13· ·set as executive director of the State Board of
14· ·That's the best answer that I can give you to 14· ·Elections.
15· ·these questions, is that there have certainly 15· · · ·Q.· And is one of the reasons you do that
16· ·been individuals who have entrusted in me to 16· ·is because you want to make sure, as much as
17· ·ensure that they became a registered individual 17· ·possible, that everyone who is eligible to vote
18· ·after completing their felony. 18· ·does vote, and everyone who is not eligible to
19· · · ·Q.· As the executive director of the State 19· ·vote doesn't mistakenly vote?· Fair?
20· ·Board of Elections, you're familiar with -- 20· · · ·A.· Even in the mission statement that was
21· ·give me a moment.· Let me make sure I can ask 21· ·in the county where I was a county director, we
22· ·this question in a way that, hopefully, will 22· ·had within that, and I still hold, that it is
23· ·not prompt your counsel to object.· But I might 23· ·our job as an election administrator to ensure
24· ·be wrong about that no matter what. 24· ·everyone's fundamental right to vote.
25· · · · · ·In your capacity as the director, as 25· · · ·Q.· And is one of the reasons why you try

Page 138 Page 140
·1· ·to educate everybody, as many people as ·1· · · ·Q.· Are you aware that many states have
·2· ·possible, about their eligibility to vote is ·2· ·such a regime?
·3· ·because eliminating confusion promotes more ·3· · · ·A.· I'm aware that there are states with
·4· ·voting? ·4· ·such a regime.
·5· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Confusing. ·5· · · ·Q.· And election officials in those states
·6· · · ·Q.· Would you agree with me that the less ·6· ·implement those systems, right?
·7· ·confused people are about their eligibility to ·7· · · ·A.· Just as we do as election
·8· ·vote, the more likely they are to vote? ·8· ·administrators, they administer as their law is
·9· · · ·A.· I don't know that there's a direct ·9· ·written.
10· ·correlation there.· We inform people about 10· · · ·Q.· I'm going to show you now a few
11· ·voting, about the voter registration processes. 11· ·examples of the forms that election officials
12· ·There can be other influences that keep someone 12· ·in those states use to implement the type of
13· ·from voting, including -- I mean, they may not 13· ·regime that plaintiffs are seeking.
14· ·like any of the candidates, quite frankly. 14· · · ·A.· Okay.
15· · · ·Q.· Yeah.· Okay.· I'll move on, Ms. Bell. 15· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' M premarked.)
16· · · · · ·Are you aware of the relief that 16· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
17· ·plaintiffs are seeking in this case? 17· · · ·Q.· I'm going to call up now what's been
18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 18· ·marked as Exhibit M.
19· · · ·A.· I have read some of the court 19· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, this is a voter registration
20· ·documents.· It might be best if you state to me 20· ·form used in Michigan.· Do you see that?
21· ·what the relief is that plaintiffs seek. 21· · · ·A.· I do see that, and the title implies
22· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So are you aware that plaintiffs 22· ·that, yes.
23· ·are seeking -- that plaintiffs are asking that 23· · · ·Q.· I'll represent to you that to the best
24· ·people who are not incarcerated, but are on 24· ·of my knowledge this is Michigan's current
25· ·some form of community supervision, be allowed 25· ·version of their voter registration
Page 139 Page 141

·1· ·to vote? ·1· ·application.
·2· · · ·A.· That is my understanding. ·2· · · ·A.· Okay.
·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to refer, for the ·3· · · ·Q.· I'm going to point you to the left side
·4· ·remainder of this deposition, to what I just ·4· ·of this page, which says -- which is titled
·5· ·described as the regime that plaintiffs seek in ·5· ·"Criminal convictions and registering to vote."
·6· ·this case.· Is that fair? ·6· ·Do you see that?
·7· · · ·A.· That's fine. ·7· · · ·A.· I do.
·8· · · ·Q.· I'll use that as shorthand just so I ·8· · · ·Q.· And do you see that it says:· "If you
·9· ·don't have to repeat that whole thing every ·9· ·have a past criminal conviction and are no
10· ·time for all of my questions. 10· ·longer in jail or prison, you can register and
11· · · ·A.· Understandable. 11· ·vote.· You also can register and vote if you
12· · · ·Q.· Okay. 12· ·are in jail and awaiting trial and sentencing.
13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Dan, could I ask a 13· ·If you are currently serving a sentence in jail
14· · · ·clarification question?· Did you say the 14· ·or prison you can't register to vote."
15· · · ·"regime" that plaintiffs seek? 15· · · · · ·Do you see that?
16· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Correct. 16· · · ·A.· I do.
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay. 17· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, if the Court ruled for
18· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 18· ·plaintiffs in this case, your office could
19· · · ·Q.· Are you aware that at least 17 states, 19· ·change its form to say something like this,
20· ·plus the District of Columbia, have a regime 20· ·right?
21· ·like the one plaintiffs are seeking where 21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
22· ·you're eligible to vote if you're not in 22· · · ·speculation.
23· ·prison? 23· · · ·A.· I think the best way for me to answer
24· · · ·A.· I have not researched to determine 24· ·is that when laws are changed, we do change the
25· ·exact number. 25· ·laws to reflect what the law allows for, and

Page 142 Page 144
·1· ·the same would be true if there were a court ·1· ·on a felony conviction"?
·2· ·decision. ·2· · · ·A.· I do.
·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Would you agree with me that the ·3· · · ·Q.· Would you agree that's pretty
·4· ·three short sentences I just read are ·4· ·straightforward and clear?
·5· ·language -- is language that is used by ·5· · · ·A.· It is clear to me.· I don't know
·6· ·election officials in a state that had a regime ·6· ·whether it's clear to everyone.
·7· ·like the one plaintiffs are seeking? ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And then the last one I'll show
·8· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·8· ·you here, I'm going to pull up, is Exhibit O.
·9· · · ·speculation. ·9· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' O premarked.)
10· · · ·A.· I will agree that you've indicated to 10· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
11· ·me that the state of Michigan allows that this 11· · · ·Q.· And this is a voter application -- or
12· ·is the regime that they allow for and, 12· ·voter registration form for New Jersey.· Do you
13· ·therefore, they have provided this information 13· ·see that?
14· ·on their voter registration form. 14· · · ·A.· I do.
15· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Fair enough.· I'm going to pull 15· · · ·Q.· And I'll represent to you that, to the
16· ·up now Exhibit N. 16· ·best of my knowledge, this is the current
17· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' N premarked.) 17· ·version of New Jersey's voter registration
18· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 18· ·application.· Okay?
19· · · ·Q.· And I will represent to you, Ms. Bell, 19· · · ·A.· Okay.
20· ·that this is a voter -- the most recent copy of 20· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, are you aware that New Jersey
21· ·the voter registration form used in the 21· ·changed its laws in December of 2019 -- so last
22· ·District of Columbia, where I live.· Do you see 22· ·year -- from a system that was like the one
23· ·that? 23· ·that North Carolina currently uses to one
24· · · ·A.· I do. 24· ·that's like plaintiffs seek in this case?
25· · · ·Q.· And I will also represent to you that, 25· · · ·A.· I actually did not recall that
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·1· ·at least as of last week -- I think they ·1· ·New Jersey had done that.
·2· ·actually just voted to change it this week -- ·2· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So you're not aware and you've
·3· ·the District of Columbia has had a system like ·3· ·not heard of any problems that New Jersey
·4· ·the one plaintiffs -- a regime like the one ·4· ·election officials have had in transitioning to
·5· ·plaintiffs seek in this case. ·5· ·such a regime, are you?
·6· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation? ·6· · · ·A.· That has not been discussed with me.
·7· · · ·A.· I will. ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.
·8· · · ·Q.· And I think they -- just, ·8· · · ·A.· Nor have I read anything to that
·9· ·incidentally -- I think they actually just ·9· ·effect, one way or the other.
10· ·voted to allow people in prison to vote.· But 10· · · ·Q.· And so I'm going to point your
11· ·that is not -- 11· ·attention to section 14 here of this
12· · · ·A.· Okay.· That's what I was going to ask 12· ·application.
13· ·is, what was the change?· But, okay. 13· · · · · ·And do you see here in the
14· · · ·Q.· Yeah.· If that -- 14· ·"Declaration" section, in the middle, there's a
15· · · ·A.· So it is beyond the regime that 15· ·bullet that says:· "I am not serving a sentence
16· ·you're -- you're seeking. 16· ·of incarceration as the result of a conviction
17· · · ·Q.· Exactly.· Exactly.· But that's -- I'll 17· ·of any indictable offense under the laws of
18· ·represent to you that that is not yet reflected 18· ·this or another state or of the United States"?
19· ·on this form.· Okay? 19· · · ·A.· I see that bullet point, yes.
20· · · ·A.· Okay. 20· · · ·Q.· So, Ms. Bell, we've now looked at three
21· · · ·Q.· Do you see here -- I'm going to point 21· ·different examples of how states implement a
22· ·you to section 13 here.· Do you see that? 22· ·regime like the one plaintiffs are seeking.
23· · · ·A.· I do. 23· · · · · ·Isn't it fair to say that the Board
24· · · ·Q.· And do you see that there's a box for 24· ·would have a number of ways to implement such a
25· ·voters to check that says:· "I am not in jail 25· ·regime on its forms if the Court did rule for

Page 146 Page 148
·1· ·plaintiffs in this case? ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Sitting here today, however, you
·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·2· ·can't give me a reason why the State Board of
·3· · · ·speculation. ·3· ·Elections wouldn't be able to change and
·4· · · ·A.· The method by which we change forms in ·4· ·implement a change to its forms if the Court
·5· ·North Carolina is based upon the law or the ·5· ·said you had to implement a regime like the one
·6· ·decision of the Court.· And we would alter or ·6· ·plaintiffs seek, right?
·7· ·change our forms based upon the wording of the ·7· · · ·A.· Actually, depending on when that
·8· ·law or the decision of the Court in ·8· ·occurred, I might be able to give you reasons
·9· ·North Carolina and not based upon another ·9· ·why that could be difficult to implement or
10· ·state. 10· ·change, or feasible.· There is nothing about
11· · · ·Q.· Sure.· But if the Court -- just using 11· ·this discussion that is in a vacuum or in a
12· ·these as examples -- if the Court said, "Yes 12· ·bubble.
13· ·we're going to implement the regime that 13· · · ·Q.· Okay.
14· ·plaintiffs seek in this case," just from an 14· · · ·A.· There are other court cases.· There are
15· ·administrative perspective, you would be able 15· ·other deadlines.· There are other variables
16· ·to administer that on your forms, correct? 16· ·that can impact our ability to implement
17· · · ·A.· I would like you to state your question 17· ·anything in elections administration.
18· ·again.· I'm sorry. 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· We talked earlier about how
19· · · ·Q.· Sure.· So, currently, your forms 19· ·you -- and by "you," I mean the State Board of
20· ·implements North Carolina's current law with 20· ·Elections -- receives data on an ongoing basis
21· ·respect to when felons are allowed to vote, 21· ·from the Department of Public Safety; is that
22· ·right? 22· ·right?
23· · · ·A.· Correct. 23· · · ·A.· That's correct.
24· · · ·Q.· If the Court ruled for plaintiffs in 24· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, are you aware that people who
25· ·this case and said North Carolina has to 25· ·are sentenced to probation in North Carolina do
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·1· ·implement a regime like the one plaintiffs seek ·1· ·not receive a term of incarceration before
·2· ·in this case, it wouldn't be very difficult for ·2· ·their probation begins?
·3· ·you to make that change on your forms, right? ·3· · · ·A.· Again, I don't work in the probation --
·4· · · ·A.· I actually need to give some, I guess, ·4· ·I don't work in the court system.· I don't --
·5· ·clarity to the word "difficult." ·5· ·that's -- that's out of my knowledge.
·6· · · · · ·Altering a form may be as simple as ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Fair enough.· I'll just
·7· ·changing it in a word-processing program. ·7· ·represent to you -- and, again, I'll just ask
·8· ·Printing it and making it available, the level ·8· ·you to accept my representation.· And if I'm
·9· ·of difficulty can vary. ·9· ·wrong about this, then it's on me, and my
10· · · ·Q.· Okay. 10· ·questions are worthless.
11· · · ·A.· I can give you an example, that even 11· · · ·A.· Okay.
12· ·trying to update the current forms, the printer 12· · · ·Q.· But I'll represent to you that people
13· ·has difficulty because of COVID-19 and the 13· ·in North Carolina who are sentenced to
14· ·ability for their workers to be available.· So 14· ·probation do not receive a term of
15· ·what could cause difficulty or not cause 15· ·incarceration in prison before their probation
16· ·difficulty could vary at a given time. 16· ·begins.
17· · · ·Q.· Is it fair to say it would be feasible, 17· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation?
18· ·though? 18· · · ·A.· Fair enough.
19· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So under the regime that
20· · · ·answered. 20· ·plaintiffs seek in this case, such people
21· · · ·A.· I think feasibility is, as well, 21· ·wouldn't be ineligible to vote for any period
22· ·about -- the feasibility to change a form is 22· ·of time, right, because they've never been
23· ·very different than implementing a form.· So 23· ·incarcerated?
24· ·there could be variables that could impact the 24· · · ·A.· I believe that's what you've described.
25· ·ability to immediately pivot and do that. 25· ·Right.

Page 150 Page 152
·1· · · ·Q.· And for such people, then, if we're ·1· · · ·A.· And they -- and your regime is -- it
·2· ·living in a world where it's the regime that ·2· ·moves forward.
·3· ·plaintiffs seek, the Department of Public ·3· · · ·Q.· Right.· Plaintiffs' dream comes true
·4· ·Safety wouldn't need to send you any data about ·4· ·and our regime is implemented.· That means
·5· ·those people at all, right, because they would ·5· ·everyone who is on probation is allowed to
·6· ·never be subject to the period of ·6· ·vote.
·7· ·disenfranchisement? ·7· · · · · ·Will you accept that for my
·8· · · ·A.· I think I would need to know more ·8· ·hypothetical?
·9· ·information and work with those agencies to ·9· · · ·A.· Yes.
10· ·ensure that we're properly -- I don't know that 10· · · ·Q.· So in that world, you wouldn't need to
11· ·process well enough to say that we would not 11· ·receive information from the Department of
12· ·need to receive information. 12· ·Public Safety about people on probation, right?
13· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Am I correct that under the 13· · · ·A.· That seems logical.· Correct.
14· ·current system, you only receive information 14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So I'm going to also represent
15· ·from the Department of Public Safety about 15· ·to you -- again, I'll just ask you to accept
16· ·people who are ineligible to vote because of 16· ·this representation -- that about half the
17· ·their convictions?· Right? 17· ·people convicted of felonies in North Carolina
18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the 18· ·are sentenced to probation and no terms of
19· · · ·evidence. 19· ·incarceration.
20· · · ·A.· Actually, what I think we've 20· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation?
21· ·established is that they provide us a list of 21· · · ·A.· Sure.
22· ·who are active felons, and then we determine 22· · · ·Q.· Roughly half, I'll say.
23· ·their eligibility. 23· · · ·A.· I don't know any different.
24· · · ·Q.· Sure.· You don't receive a list of 24· · · ·Q.· Sure.· We talked earlier about how the
25· ·people convicted of misdemeanors in 25· ·State Board has a list of all the people who
Page 151 Page 153

·1· ·North Carolina, right? ·1· ·are serving an active felony sentence and are
·2· · · ·A.· That's correct. ·2· ·ineligible to vote; is that right?
·3· · · ·Q.· And is the reason you don't receive a ·3· · · ·A.· Yes.
·4· ·list of people convicted of misdemeanors ·4· · · ·Q.· So under the regime that plaintiffs
·5· ·because such people are still allowed to vote, ·5· ·seek, there would be about half as many people
·6· ·so you don't need to know their information? ·6· ·who the Board would need to put on that list,
·7· · · ·A.· That sounds correct, yes. ·7· ·right?
·8· · · ·Q.· So if somebody convicted of probation ·8· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·9· ·never becomes ineligible to vote, then like the ·9· · · ·speculation.
10· ·people convicted of misdemeanors, you would 10· · · ·A.· I'll answer yes based upon what you
11· ·never need to receive their information from 11· ·represented.
12· ·DPS, right? 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And we talked earlier about how
13· · · ·A.· I think the answer to your question is 13· ·the county boards of elections take that list
14· ·that seems reasonable.· What we have 14· ·that we just mentioned, and then they notify
15· ·established that there are other factors that 15· ·people that their registration is canceled, or
16· ·I'm not aware of in probation that would make 16· ·has been denied if they're trying to register
17· ·them ineligible to vote. 17· ·for the first time; is that right?
18· · · ·Q.· And let's say, hypothetically, that 18· · · ·A.· I would answer to your -- the way you
19· ·under the regime plaintiffs seek, everyone who 19· ·stated it, yes.
20· ·is on probation is allowed to vote.· So there's 20· · · ·Q.· So under the regime that the plaintiffs
21· ·no other factors that might prevent them as it 21· ·seek, the county boards of elections would only
22· ·relates to their conviction.· Okay? 22· ·need to send such notifications to about half
23· · · ·A.· Okay.· Meaning there's no fees or 23· ·the people that they currently do, right?
24· ·anything associated with that? 24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
25· · · ·Q.· Right. 25· · · ·speculation.

Page 154 Page 156
·1· · · ·A.· The county boards of elections would ·1· ·that?
·2· ·send notice to those who are being removed or ·2· · · ·A.· I do.
·3· ·denied, no matter whether that's 50 percent ·3· · · ·Q.· Under the regime that plaintiffs seek,
·4· ·or -- ·4· ·instead of adding people to that list when they
·5· · · ·Q.· Right. ·5· ·finish their post-release supervision, you
·6· · · ·A.· -- or 80 percent. ·6· ·could just add them to that list when they
·7· · · ·Q.· And just as a logical matter, as you ·7· ·finish their term of incarceration, right?
·8· ·put it before, if only about half the people ·8· · · ·A.· I think -- it's not -- well, I would
·9· ·become ineligible to vote from what is the case ·9· ·rely on DPS to provide the correct status to --
10· ·currently, then the county boards of elections 10· ·in order for us to receive that data on that
11· ·would only need to send about half the number 11· ·list.
12· ·of notification letters, right? 12· · · ·Q.· Sitting here today, you're not aware of
13· · · ·A.· I mean, you are in a hypothetical, but 13· ·any reason that, instead of using the date that
14· ·if it's -- I mean, like, whatever the list is 14· ·somebody finishes their post-release
15· ·is what they're going to -- to mail. 15· ·supervision, you couldn't use the date that
16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So I'm going to transition now 16· ·they finished their term of incarceration; is
17· ·from people who are on probation and talk about 17· ·that right?
18· ·people who did receive a term of incarceration. 18· · · ·A.· Provided that -- again, I think I would
19· · · · · ·And as we talked before, people in 19· ·need to have more information of what the
20· ·North Carolina, currently, who are released 20· ·decision by the Court or the law allowed for
21· ·from incarceration are released on something 21· ·and whether there are any other conditions in
22· ·called "post-release supervision."· I'm sure 22· ·that.
23· ·you recall that discussion? 23· · · ·Q.· Okay.
24· · · ·A.· Yes. 24· · · ·A.· But provided that that's the, you know,
25· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And are you aware that the 25· ·the criteria, and that's -- but that status
Page 155 Page 157

·1· ·Department of Public Safety maintains data on ·1· ·conveys that criteria, then we could receive it
·2· ·when such people are released from prison under ·2· ·and process.
·3· ·post-release supervision? ·3· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, sitting here today, you have
·4· · · ·A.· Well, actually, I'm not aware of what ·4· ·no basis to believe that the State Board
·5· ·they maintain.· I know what we receive. ·5· ·couldn't implement the regime that plaintiffs
·6· · · ·Q.· Sure.· You have no reason to doubt, ·6· ·seek in this case, right?
·7· ·though, that the Department of Public Safety ·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
·8· ·keeps data of when people are let out of ·8· · · ·A.· Actually, I think I stated that there
·9· ·prison, right? ·9· ·probably is information that we would need to
10· · · ·A.· That seems logical. 10· ·learn in order to know whether we could
11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And so if, in fact, the 11· ·implement.· I think -- I think that -- but to
12· ·Department of Safety has that data, that's 12· ·do the caliber of job that I would want to do,
13· ·information that the Board could receive from 13· ·I would want to have other conversation to make
14· ·the Department of Safety if it needed to, 14· ·sure that we all understand the definitions and
15· ·right? 15· ·what that status means.· I would not want to
16· · · ·A.· To the best of my knowledge, yes. I 16· ·say that we could just immediately implement.
17· ·don't know if there's any restrictions on us 17· ·I think there's additional steps in there.
18· ·receiving that data or anything that might 18· · · ·Q.· But sitting here today, you can't cite
19· ·prohibit it. 19· ·for me any information that you wouldn't be
20· · · ·Q.· Fair enough.· We talked earlier about 20· ·able to obtain that would make it impossible
21· ·the, quote, Felon Completed List, I believe it 21· ·for you to implement that regime, right?
22· ·was called, that the State Board maintains 22· · · ·A.· I have no knowledge, but I would want
23· ·about people who had been ineligible to vote 23· ·to assert that there's nothing.
24· ·but have since completed their felony sentences 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· There's nothing specific you can
25· ·and are now reeligible to vote.· Do you recall 25· ·cite for me today that would prevent you from

Page 158 Page 160
·1· ·implementing that regime? ·1· ·of this interrogatory asks the State Board to:
·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and ·2· ·"State with specificity the purported
·3· · · ·answered. ·3· ·governmental interests in denying
·4· · · ·A.· As I said, there's -- there's -- I do ·4· ·disenfranchised persons the right to vote"?
·5· ·not have knowledge of that, no. ·5· · · · · ·Do you see that?
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Thank you. ·6· · · ·A.· I do.
·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Dan, what were you thinking ·7· · · ·Q.· Can you hear me?
·8· · · ·in terms of timing?· This might be a good ·8· · · ·A.· I can.
·9· · · ·time for a break. ·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And, Ms. Bell, I'll represent to
10· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Yeah.· I was about to 10· ·you that in the actual interrogatories
11· · · ·say.· I suspect I have somewhere in the 11· ·themselves, which is not part of this document,
12· · · ·area of a half hour left. 12· ·the definition section at least, the term
13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay. 13· ·"Disenfranchised Persons," with a capital D and
14· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Although, I hate giving 14· ·a capital P, that was defined as persons on
15· · · ·quotes, because I might be wrong, but 15· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision
16· · · ·that's what I would suspect. 16· ·who are not eligible to vote in North Carolina.
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Well, let me ask Karen, then. 17· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation?
18· · · · · ·Karen, do you want to take a break and 18· · · ·A.· I will.
19· · · ·come back, if it's going to be half an 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So this interrogatory asks the
20· · · ·hour, plus or minus?· Do you want to take a 20· ·State Board to identify the governmental
21· · · ·break for lunch and come back? 21· ·interest in denying the right to vote to
22· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Is it within reason to 22· ·persons on probation, parole, or post-release
23· · · ·ask Brian if he -- the amount of time that 23· ·supervision for a felony conviction; is that
24· · · ·he would need? 24· ·right?
25· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· Would you like to stay 25· · · ·A.· That is what it states, yes.
Page 159 Page 161

·1· · · ·on the record here? ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And then the interrogatory --
·2· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· We can go off the ·2· ·I'm going to scroll down here to page 4. I
·3· · · ·record. ·3· ·think this is page 4.
·4· · · · · ·(Brief discussion off the record.) ·4· · · · · ·And right above where the bullet point
·5· · · · · ·(Recess from 12:24 to 12:32 p.m.) ·5· ·starts, do you see that it says, for the
·6· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Everybody ready to go ·6· ·record:· "The State Board" -- I'm sorry -- "The
·7· · · ·back on the record? ·7· ·State Board responds that the State may have a
·8· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· Yes, sir. ·8· ·number of legitimate governmental interests in
·9· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Good to go. ·9· ·enacting and enforcing the citizenship
10· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 10· ·restoration statute in question."· And it then
11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, this will be the final 11· ·lists nine such governmental interests.· Do you
12· ·exhibit I show you today, I promise. 12· ·see that?
13· · · · · ·(Plaintiffs' P premarked.) 13· · · ·A.· I do.· I see three of them, yes.
14· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· There's four and then there's
15· · · ·Q.· So this exhibit has been marked as 15· ·the other five.· Do you see that?
16· ·Exhibit P.· And it is the State Board's Amended 16· · · ·A.· Yes, I see that.
17· ·Response to Interrogatory Number 7 of the 17· · · ·Q.· Did you contribute to putting together
18· ·Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories. 18· ·this list of --
19· · · · · ·Do you see that, Ms. Bell? 19· · · · · ·(Interruption.)
20· · · ·A.· I do. 20· · · ·A.· I'm sorry.· I didn't hear your
21· · · ·Q.· Have you seen this document before? 21· ·question.
22· · · ·A.· I believe I have, yes. 22· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, did you contribute to putting
23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to scroll down now to 23· ·together this list of purported governmental
24· ·Interrogatory Number 7. 24· ·interests?
25· · · · · ·And do you see that the first sentence 25· · · ·A.· No, I did not.

Page 162 Page 164
·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Other than your attorneys from ·1· ·Elections reviewed this list before it was
·2· ·the Attorney General's Office, who else was ·2· ·provided to plaintiffs?
·3· ·involved in putting this list together? ·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and
·4· · · ·A.· I'm not aware of who outside of the ·4· · · ·answered.
·5· ·Attorney General's Office. ·5· · · ·A.· I don't know.· I do not know.
·6· · · ·Q.· Was anyone at the State Board of ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm going to, for the purposes
·7· ·Elections involved in putting this list ·7· ·of my next questions, I'm going to exclude what
·8· ·together? ·8· ·you see here as the first and the third
·9· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and ·9· ·bullets.· Do you want to just take a second to
10· · · ·answered. 10· ·read those bullets?
11· · · ·A.· I would have to ask the counsel from 11· · · ·A.· So you want me to read the first and
12· ·the Attorney General's Office who they worked 12· ·the third bullets?
13· ·with.· I don't... 13· · · ·Q.· Just to yourself, so you know what I'm
14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is it fair to say that to the 14· ·talking about.
15· ·best of your knowledge sitting here today, 15· · · ·A.· But just those two, is what you're
16· ·nobody from the Attorney General's Office -- 16· ·saying?
17· ·sorry.· To the best of your knowledge sitting 17· · · ·Q.· Correct.· Correct.
18· ·here today, nobody from the State Board of 18· · · ·A.· Okay.· (Reviewing.)· Okay.
19· ·Elections was involved in putting this list 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So my next questions are going
20· ·together? 20· ·to relate to only the other seven bullets --
21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 21· ·interests listed in the other seven bullets,
22· · · ·answered. 22· ·but not those two.· Okay?
23· · · ·A.· I don't know one way or the other. 23· · · ·A.· Okay.· So you just asked me to read two
24· · · ·Q.· So you're not affirmatively aware of 24· ·that you don't want me to refer to?
25· ·anyone from the State Board in particular who 25· · · ·Q.· How about this?· Do you want me to --
Page 163 Page 165

·1· ·was involved? ·1· ·do you want to just take a second to read all
·2· · · ·A.· Again, I would have to -- I would want ·2· ·nine bullets so we make sure we're on the same
·3· ·to ask counsel from the Attorney General's ·3· ·page?
·4· ·Office who they worked with. ·4· · · ·A.· I think that's the better method, if
·5· · · ·Q.· Did you review this list before -- even ·5· ·you don't mind.· If I'm going to answer
·6· ·though you weren't involved in putting it ·6· ·questions, I'd like to know what I'm answering
·7· ·together, did you review this list before it ·7· ·the questions about.· So, yes, I'd like to read
·8· ·was sent to the plaintiffs as part of this ·8· ·the others.
·9· ·interrogatory response? ·9· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Just tell me when you want me to
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 10· ·scroll to the next page.
11· · · ·answered. 11· · · ·A.· Okay.· (Reviewing.)
12· · · ·A.· I don't recall reviewing this list, and 12· · · · · ·You can scroll to the next page.
13· ·it's in a draft form. 13· · · ·Q.· (Scrolling.)
14· · · ·Q.· To the best of your knowledge, did 14· · · ·A.· (Reviewing.)· Okay.
15· ·anyone from the State Board of Elections review 15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· And, Dan, just for
16· ·this list before it was sent to plaintiffs? 16· · · ·clarification, are you going to be asking
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 17· · · ·questions about the last bullet as well?
18· · · ·answered. 18· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· This bullet?
19· · · ·A.· I do not know if that would have been 19· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Yeah.
20· ·a -- if the -- who the AG's office would have 20· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· I believe that's --
21· ·worked with from our agency on that matter -- 21· · · ·yeah, the seven of -- the seven of the
22· ·on this matter, sorry. 22· · · ·nine.
23· · · ·Q.· But sitting here today, you can't tell 23· · · · · ·MR. COX:· So the Court's order said you
24· ·me that you affirmatively know that any 24· · · ·can ask questions about A through F, and
25· ·individual person from the State Board of 25· · · ·that's number G in your notice of

Page 166 Page 168
·1· · · ·deposition. ·1· · · ·Dan, can I ask a clarifying question?
·2· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· I hadn't picked ·2· · · ·THE WITNESS:· Yeah, I was going to say,
·3· · · ·up on that.· But how about this?· I'll ·3· ·I need you to clarify that.
·4· · · ·exclude those three, then.· So include the ·4· · · ·But go ahead, Paul.
·5· · · ·first, the third, and the last bullet. ·5· · · ·MR. COX:· Well, Dan, do you mind if I
·6· · · ·Okay? ·6· ·ask you to clarify?
·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Exclude those three, right? ·7· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Yeah.· Go ahead.· Go
·8· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Exclude those three.· So ·8· ·ahead.
·9· · · ·I'm only asking about the other six.· Okay? ·9· · · ·MR. COX:· When you said the State
10· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Okay. 10· ·Board, are you referring to the Board as
11· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: 11· ·the board, or the Board as a whole agency
12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, putting aside any 12· ·or what?· Because --
13· ·research that was done by your lawyers at the 13· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.
14· ·Attorney General's Office, did the State Board 14· · · ·MR. COX:· Do you understand the
15· ·of Elections do any factual research or 15· ·difference?
16· ·investigation into the interests served by the 16· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Yeah.· So I'm
17· ·current disenfranchisement scheme -- today, in 17· ·referring -- when I say the State Board,
18· ·present day -- in order to generate this list 18· ·I'm referring to the entire agency that you
19· ·of six bullets? 19· ·oversee.
20· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection. 20· · · ·THE WITNESS:· Okay.· And now will you
21· · · · · ·Karen, if answering this question might 21· ·state your question?
22· · · ·require you to divulge any communication 22· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.
23· · · ·between the State Board and its outside 23· · · ·THE WITNESS:· I might need you to
24· · · ·counsel in creating this document, then 24· ·clarify something that you're asking me.
25· · · ·don't answer that.· If you have knowledge 25· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.
Page 167 Page 169

·1· · · ·otherwise, you can answer it. ·1· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Go ahead.
·2· · · ·A.· Dan, if you'll state your question ·2· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
·3· ·again. ·3· · · ·Q.· Putting aside any discussions with your
·4· · · ·Q.· Yeah. ·4· ·lawyers at the Attorney General's Office, did
·5· · · ·A.· I don't know if I can say "yes" or "no" ·5· ·the State Board engage in any discussions about
·6· ·to it, but... ·6· ·the interests that the current
·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Subject to Mr. Cox's ·7· ·disenfranchisement scheme actually serves in
·8· ·qualification, and putting aside any research ·8· ·practice today before providing this list?
·9· ·that was done by your lawyers at the Attorney ·9· · · ·A.· I don't know what the right process for
10· ·General's Office, did the State Board of 10· ·me to do here is, but that -- you're -- you're
11· ·Elections itself conduct any factual research 11· ·asking a question in a very legal format, but I
12· ·or investigation into the interests served by 12· ·don't know if I need clarification from my
13· ·the current disenfranchisement scheme, in 13· ·counsel to understand or if I need you to
14· ·present day, in order to generate this list of 14· ·clarify more.
15· ·six government interests listed in those six 15· · · ·Q.· How about I try to ask it a little bit
16· ·bullets? 16· ·differently?
17· · · ·A.· I do not know. 17· · · ·A.· Thank you.
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Putting aside any discussions 18· · · ·Q.· Are you aware of any discussions,
19· ·with your lawyers at the Attorney General's 19· ·internal discussions within the State Board of
20· ·Office, did the State Board engage in any 20· ·Elections, about the interests -- that occurred
21· ·discussions about the interests that the 21· ·about the interests that the current
22· ·current disenfranchisement scheme actually 22· ·disenfranchisement scheme serves in practice
23· ·serves in practice today before providing this 23· ·today before this list was provided?
24· ·list? 24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 25· · · ·A.· Yeah.· I mean, what do you mean by the

Page 170 Page 172
·1· ·practices? ·1· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
·2· · · ·Q.· We talked about a moment ago that the ·2· · · ·A.· In this case do you mean the agency or
·3· ·interrogatory asks about the governmental ·3· ·the Board?
·4· ·interests that support the current ·4· · · ·Q.· The agency.
·5· ·disenfranchisement scheme, right? ·5· · · ·A.· Then I do not know of such, no.
·6· · · ·A.· That we administer the law as it's ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'm now going to turn to each of
·7· ·written. ·7· ·the interests, the six interests that we're
·8· · · ·Q.· Right.· But the interrogatory that we ·8· ·talking about.
·9· ·talked about up here asks for to state with ·9· · · · · ·Can you hear me?
10· ·specificity the purported government interests 10· · · ·A.· Now we can.
11· ·in denying disenfranchisement, right? 11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I have a mumbling problem that I
12· · · ·A.· Correct. 12· ·try to fight as much as I can.
13· · · ·Q.· And so my question is:· Are you aware 13· · · · · ·So do you see these interests listed
14· ·of any discussions within the State Board of 14· ·here on the bottom of page 4, onto page 5, that
15· ·Elections about what are the current -- the 15· ·says:· "Regulating, streamlining, and promoting
16· ·purported government interests in denying 16· ·voter registration and electoral participation
17· ·disenfranchised persons the right to vote today 17· ·among North Carolinians convicted of felonies
18· ·before this list was provided? 18· ·who have been reformed"?
19· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Same objection.· Vague. 19· · · ·A.· I see that bullet point, yes.
20· · · ·A.· The only way I know -- the best answer 20· · · ·Q.· The State Board of Elections is the
21· ·I can give you is no.· The reason I asked about 21· ·primary agency in North Carolina that oversees
22· ·practices is because -- so we've established 22· ·voter registration, right?
23· ·that we are updating some of our forms.· So 23· · · ·A.· That's correct, along with the county
24· ·that would indicate discussion, but I don't 24· ·boards of elections.
25· ·believe it's to -- I don't think it is to the 25· · · ·Q.· And the State Board is an agency that
Page 171 Page 173

·1· ·legal framework that you're presenting. ·1· ·is knowledgeable about, quote, electoral
·2· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Did the State Board undertake ·2· ·participation of North Carolinians?
·3· ·any research or investigation into whether the ·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
·4· ·regime that plaintiffs seek would better serve ·4· · · ·A.· I was going to ask:· What do you define
·5· ·the interests listed in those six bullets that ·5· ·"electoral participation"?· Does that mean the
·6· ·we're talking about in the current ·6· ·percentage of turnout, or do you have another
·7· ·disenfranchisement scheme? ·7· ·definition?
·8· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection. ·8· · · ·Q.· Well, so this -- this -- you understand
·9· · · · · ·Karen, in answering this, if you have ·9· ·this bullet point was written by the State
10· · · ·knowledge about any research that was done 10· ·Board of Elections, right?
11· · · ·in connection with representation in this 11· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague and calls
12· · · ·case, then don't answer that question.· If 12· · · ·for a legal conclusion.
13· · · ·you have information independent of that, 13· · · ·A.· Actually, my assumption is that it was
14· · · ·that you can provide, you can answer that 14· ·written by the Attorney General's Office and
15· · · ·question. 15· ·not by the State Board of Elections.
16· · · ·A.· Actually, I do not have knowledge of 16· · · ·Q.· What was meant in this bullet point by
17· ·such. 17· ·the words "electoral participation"?
18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Putting aside any discussions 18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
19· ·you had with your counsel at the Attorney 19· · · ·speculation.
20· ·General's Office, has the State Board engaged 20· · · ·A.· Any explanation of electoral
21· ·in any deliberations about whether the regime 21· ·participation would be voter turnout and
22· ·that plaintiffs seek in this case would better 22· ·participation in an election, what percentage
23· ·serve the interests listed in those six bullets 23· ·of participation.
24· ·than the current disenfranchisement scheme? 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So is the State Board of
25· · · ·A.· And in this case -- 25· ·Elections asserting that, as a factual matter

Page 174 Page 176
·1· ·in present day, that disenfranchisement of ·1· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Or may I request a break
·2· ·persons on probation, parole, or post-release ·2· · · ·to speak with my general counsel and not
·3· ·supervision regulates, streamlines, and ·3· · · ·with Mr. Cox?
·4· ·promotes voter registration and electoral ·4· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Paul, I will agree to
·5· ·participation among North Carolinians convicted ·5· · · ·that, that you can talk with her and I
·6· ·of felonies? ·6· · · ·won't seek that information.
·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Compound.· Vague. ·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay.
·8· · · ·A.· Actually, I would like to take a ·8· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay?
·9· ·moment.· I would like to speak with counsel to ·9· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Thank you.
10· ·make sure that I'm understanding what I'm 10· · · · · ·(Recess from 12:51 to 12:55 p.m.)
11· ·representing here.· Not to your question, but 11· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· I'm back.· I apologize.
12· ·to this line of questioning. 12· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· That's okay.
13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Karen, do you need to talk to 13· · · · · ·Madam Court Reporter, are you ready?
14· · · ·make sure that you're not revealing any 14· · · · · ·THE REPORTER:· Yes.
15· · · ·attorney-client information? 15· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· Would you like me
16· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· That's right. 16· · · ·to ask the question again, Ms. Bell?
17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· All right. 17· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Yes, please.· Thank you.
18· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Paul, my understanding 18· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Sure.
19· · · ·is that communications during depositions 19· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
20· · · ·are not privileged.· So I want to find that 20· · · ·Q.· Is the State Board of Elections
21· · · ·out. 21· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present
22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Well, if that's your -- if 22· ·day, the disenfranchisement of persons on
23· · · ·that's what you're -- if that's the 23· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision
24· · · ·position you're going to take, then I won't 24· ·regulates, streamlines, and promotes voter
25· · · ·have a conversation with my client, but I 25· ·registration and electoral participation among
Page 175 Page 177

·1· ·will instruct her, if she is worried that ·1· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies?
·2· ·she is going to reveal attorney-client ·2· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague and
·3· ·communications, not to answer the question. ·3· · · ·compound.
·4· ·And then I can find out whether she's wrong ·4· · · ·A.· I know you're going to get tired of
·5· ·with that. ·5· ·repeating, but I'd like to make sure that I'm
·6· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· So, Paul, under the ·6· ·hearing you correctly.· Will you state it
·7· ·protective order that was issued yesterday, ·7· ·again?
·8· ·Ms. Bell has to answer questions about ·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Sure.· And before I state it
·9· ·these bullet points as they relate to ·9· ·again, maybe I'll just -- what I'm asking is,
10· ·factual assertions, and that's exactly what 10· ·is the State Board asserting -- well, I'll just
11· ·my question was.· So she can't -- you can't 11· ·read the question again, actually --
12· ·instruct her not to answer. 12· · · ·A.· Okay.
13· · · ·MR. COX:· I can instruct her -- I can 13· · · ·Q.· -- rather than characterizing my own
14· ·always instruct her not to answer a 14· ·questions.
15· ·question if it's going to reveal 15· · · · · ·Is the State Board of Elections
16· ·attorney-client communications.· Nothing 16· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present
17· ·about this court order abridges the 17· ·day, the disenfranchisement of persons on
18· ·attorney-client privilege. 18· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision
19· · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· Do you want to 19· ·regulates, streamlines, and promotes voter
20· ·take a break to talk with Ms. Bell, and 20· ·registration and electoral participation among
21· ·then we can resume? 21· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies?
22· · · ·MR. COX:· Yeah.· Do you agree that I 22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Compound.· Vague.
23· ·can talk with Ms. Bell and you're not going 23· · · ·A.· If you're asking whether the State has
24· ·to seek the information disclosed between 24· ·had a policy -- the State Board has developed a
25· ·us? 25· ·policy about this, I would answer no.

Page 178 Page 180
·1· · · ·Q.· Could you define to me what you mean by ·1· ·talking about promotes voter registration and
·2· ·the word "policy"? ·2· ·electoral participation among North Carolinians
·3· · · ·A.· Outside of administering the law, as it ·3· ·convicted of felonies -- so let's say somebody
·4· ·is written, the State Board has not developed ·4· ·asserts that -- and then the question is:· What
·5· ·other policy. ·5· ·factual evidence do you have to support that
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· How about this?· I'm going to ·6· ·assertion?
·7· ·take the three verbs in here one at a time. ·7· · · · · ·And so what I'm asking is:· Does the
·8· ·Because you see there's three verbs in here. ·8· ·State Board have any factual evidence that the
·9· · · ·A.· I do. ·9· ·disenfranchisement of people on community
10· · · ·Q.· Regulating, streamlining, and 10· ·supervision promotes voter registration and
11· ·promoting.· So I'm going to start with 11· ·electoral participation among North Carolinians
12· ·"promoting" or "promotes." 12· ·convicted of felonies?
13· · · · · ·Is the State Board asserting that, as a 13· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
14· ·factual matter, in present day, the 14· · · ·A.· So my previous response to you is that
15· ·disenfranchisement of persons on probation, 15· ·I don't believe the State Board has asserted or
16· ·parole, or post-release supervision promotes 16· ·taken a position that disenfranchisement
17· ·voter registration and electoral participation 17· ·promotes voter registration.
18· ·among North Carolinians convicted of felonies? 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.
19· · · ·A.· I don't believe the State Board has 19· · · ·A.· So if we have not taken a position or
20· ·asserted one way or the other.· So I would 20· ·asserted, then I don't believe I can say that
21· ·defer to the Attorney General's Office who 21· ·we have factual information one way or the
22· ·wrote this interrogatory. 22· ·other either.
23· · · ·Q.· But, Ms. Bell, respectfully, I'm asking 23· · · ·Q.· So when you say "one way or the other,"
24· ·for the State Board's position, not the 24· ·am I correct that sitting here today, you do
25· ·position of the Attorney General's Office. 25· ·not have factual evidence you can cite to me
Page 179 Page 181

·1· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and ·1· ·that would support such an assertion?
·2· · · ·answered. ·2· · · ·A.· Not that I'm aware of.
·3· ·BY MR. JACOBSON: ·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· In fact, Ms. Bell, doesn't
·4· · · ·Q.· Is the State Board asserting that, as a ·4· ·disenfranchising people on probation, parole,
·5· ·factual matter, sitting here today, the ·5· ·or post-release supervision prevent such people
·6· ·disenfranchisement of people on community ·6· ·registering to vote and participating in
·7· ·supervision promotes voter registration and ·7· ·elections?
·8· ·electoral participation among North Carolinians ·8· · · ·A.· I believe when you asked this earlier
·9· ·convicted of felonies? ·9· ·in your questioning, I identified that I don't
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and 10· ·know whether it promotes or discourages.· We
11· · · ·answered. 11· ·administer the law as it's written.
12· · · ·A.· I believe I stated that I don't believe 12· · · ·Q.· Ms. Bell, if somebody is
13· ·the State Board has asserted that one way or 13· ·disenfranchised, they're not allowed to vote,
14· ·the other -- has asserted or not. 14· ·right?
15· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board of Elections have 15· · · ·A.· That's correct.
16· ·any factual evidence that the 16· · · ·Q.· And they're not allowed to register to
17· ·disenfranchisement of people on probation, 17· ·vote?
18· ·parole, or post-release supervision promotes 18· · · ·A.· They can complete a voter registration
19· ·voter registration and electoral participation 19· ·form, but they may not be processed as a
20· ·among North Carolinians convicted of felonies? 20· ·registered voter.
21· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 21· · · ·Q.· So if you disenfranchise a person, it
22· · · ·A.· What do you mean by "factual 22· ·prevents them from registering to vote and
23· ·information"? 23· ·voting, correct?
24· · · ·Q.· So if one were to say, as an assertion, 24· · · ·A.· It prevents them from voting.
25· ·that the disenfranchisement of the people we're 25· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And wouldn't the regime that

Page 182 Page 184
·1· ·plaintiffs seek in this case, in which persons ·1· ·parole, or post-release supervision streamlines
·2· ·on community supervision are allowed to vote, ·2· ·voter registration and electoral participation
·3· ·wouldn't that better promote voter registration ·3· ·among North Carolinians convicted of felonies?
·4· ·and electoral participation among such persons? ·4· · · ·A.· I don't know that we are asserting
·5· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·5· ·that.
·6· · · ·speculation. ·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board have any
·7· · · ·A.· I do believe you're asking me to make a ·7· ·factual evidence that disenfranchising people
·8· ·correlation that I don't know if there's a ·8· ·on probation, parole, or post-release
·9· ·direct correlation or not. ·9· ·supervision streamlines voter registration and
10· · · ·Q.· What does the word "promote" mean to 10· ·electoral participation among North Carolinians
11· ·you? 11· ·convicted of felonies?
12· · · ·A.· "Promote" means to encourage or to 12· · · ·A.· I cannot say yes to the question that
13· ·publicize -- it depends on what -- in what 13· ·you're asking.
14· ·context, but to promote means to -- it's -- 14· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board of
15· ·it's a forward motion.· It's a -- it's a move 15· ·Elections believe that the current
16· ·in that direction, so... 16· ·disenfranchisement scheme streamlines voter
17· · · ·Q.· So if you take somebody who is 17· ·registration and electoral participation among
18· ·currently not allowed to vote, and you tell 18· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies more
19· ·them that they are allowed to vote, doesn't 19· ·than the regime sought by plaintiffs?
20· ·that promote their voter registration and 20· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· And this is
21· ·electoral participation? 21· · · ·outside the scope and it violates the
22· · · ·A.· Yes. 22· · · ·Court's order.
23· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So I'd like to now think of it 23· · · · · ·Karen, I'm going to instruct you not to
24· ·from the standpoint under the current law after 24· · · ·answer that question, because it requires
25· ·somebody's rights have been restored.· So when 25· · · ·you to do some legal analysis.
Page 183 Page 185

·1· ·they finish their felony probation, for ·1· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Paul, I'm asking as a
·2· ·instance, or post-release supervision. ·2· · · ·factual matter with the word
·3· · · · · ·Does the State Board have any factual ·3· · · ·"streamlining."
·4· ·evidence that having withheld that person's ·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· I understand, Dan.· But
·5· ·voting rights for the duration of their ·5· · · ·you're asking her to interpret two
·6· ·community supervision promotes their voter ·6· · · ·different legal schemes and to apply those
·7· ·registration or electoral participation after ·7· · · ·legal schemes to a set of facts.· That's
·8· ·their rights are restored? ·8· · · ·why I'm objecting.· If you want to ask a
·9· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague and ·9· · · ·question that's purely factual in nature, I
10· · · ·confusing. 10· · · ·won't object.
11· · · ·A.· I don't know that we have that 11· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
12· ·information.· No, I do not know. 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· You recall how I defined the
13· · · ·Q.· I'll move on now to "streamline," the 13· ·regime that plaintiffs are seeking in this
14· ·verb "streamline" or "streamlining." 14· ·case; is that right?
15· · · · · ·Is the State Board asserting that, as a 15· · · ·A.· I do.
16· ·factual, in present day, the disenfranchisement 16· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board have any reason to
17· ·of persons on probation, parole, or 17· ·doubt that such a regime would streamline voter
18· ·post-release supervision streamlines voter 18· ·registration and electoral participation among
19· ·registration and electoral participation among 19· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies?
20· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies? 20· · · ·A.· The Board has not taken a position on
21· · · ·A.· I think -- actually, will you state 21· ·that regime, because that is not the law as we
22· ·your question one more time, please? 22· ·would administer.· So our ability to streamline
23· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Is the State Board of Elections 23· ·that process is not determined.
24· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, today, the 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And finally on the verb
25· ·disenfranchisement of people on probation, 25· ·"regulates."· Would you agree with me,

Page 186 Page 188
·1· ·Ms. Bell, that the regime that plaintiffs seek ·1· · · ·A.· State your question again, please.
·2· ·in this case would also, quote, regulate the ·2· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Is the State Board of Elections
·3· ·voter registration and electoral participation ·3· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present
·4· ·among North Carolinians convicted of felonies? ·4· ·day, the disenfranchisement of persons on
·5· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for ·5· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision
·6· · · ·speculation. ·6· ·simplifies the administration of the process of
·7· · · ·A.· Be it your regime, or as it stands, ·7· ·restoring voting rights to people with felony
·8· ·that that is the administrative capacity of our ·8· ·convictions?
·9· ·agency, is to regulate the law in that -- as ·9· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
10· ·it's written. 10· · · ·A.· I don't -- I don't know that that's the
11· · · ·Q.· Okay. 11· ·assertion that's being made here.
12· · · ·A.· So that's all I can answer to is, we 12· · · ·Q.· What is the assertion that's being made
13· ·would administer the law as it's written. 13· ·here, in your view?
14· · · ·Q.· That's fine.· I'll move on now to 14· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for a legal
15· ·another bullet point.· And let's look at the 15· · · ·conclusion.
16· ·second one here, which is:· "Simplifying the 16· · · ·Q.· Let me ask it this way:· Ms. Bell, are
17· ·administration of the process to restore the 17· ·you -- I just want to make sure I understand
18· ·rights of citizenship to North Carolinians 18· ·your last answer -- are you saying that the
19· ·convicted of felonies who have served their 19· ·second bullet point listed here is asserting
20· ·sentences."· Do you see that one? 20· ·something different from what I asked?
21· · · ·A.· I do. 21· · · ·A.· I'm saying that what you may define as
22· · · ·Q.· And, Ms. Bell, isn't it the case that 22· ·simplifying may not be what I define as
23· ·the State Board of Elections administers the 23· ·simplifying.
24· ·process of both preventing people with felony 24· · · ·Q.· Okay.· How would you define
25· ·convictions from voting and then allowing them 25· ·"simplifying"?
Page 187 Page 189

·1· ·to reregister to vote once they've completed ·1· · · ·A.· My perspective, as the executive
·2· ·their sentences? ·2· ·director, is that simplifying could be
·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. ·3· ·efficiencies in how we administer a process.
·4· · · ·A.· That is -- we do administer. ·4· ·Or it could be -- simplified could be the fact
·5· · · ·Q.· Okay. ·5· ·that we use technology even though that's not a
·6· · · ·A.· Yes. ·6· ·simple process.
·7· · · ·Q.· And is the State Board of Elections ·7· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And so under your definition of
·8· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present ·8· ·"simplify," whatever that is, is the State
·9· ·day, the disenfranchisement of persons on ·9· ·Board of Elections asserting that, as a factual
10· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision 10· ·matter, in present day, the disenfranchisement
11· ·simplifies the administration of the process of 11· ·of people on community supervision simplifies
12· ·restoring voting rights to persons with felony 12· ·the administration of the process of restoring
13· ·convictions? 13· ·voting rights to people with felony
14· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 14· ·convictions?
15· · · ·A.· As I read this bullet point, what the 15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
16· ·State Board is asserting is that we are charged 16· · · ·A.· I will state that I don't believe the
17· ·with the administration of the process. 17· ·State Board has issued a policy or made an
18· · · ·Q.· Well, Ms. Bell, the bullet point says 18· ·assertion to that.
19· ·"simplify."· And so what I'm asking is:· Is the 19· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board of
20· ·State Board asserting, as a factual matter, 20· ·Elections have any factual evidence that
21· ·today, disenfranchising people on community 21· ·disenfranchising people on probation, parole,
22· ·supervision, simplifies the administration of 22· ·or post-release supervision simplifies the
23· ·the process of restoring voting rights? 23· ·administration of the process of restoring
24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.· Misstates 24· ·voting rights?
25· · · ·the evidence. 25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.

Page 190 Page 192
·1· · · ·A.· I do not know. ·1· ·simplify the process or reduce the process.
·2· · · ·Q.· So sitting here today, there's no ·2· ·There may be other elements introduced.
·3· ·factual evidence you could point me to? ·3· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll turn now to another bullet
·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and ·4· ·in the top -- the first full bullet on page 5,
·5· · · ·answered. ·5· ·which says:· "Avoiding confusion among North
·6· · · ·A.· I do not know.· I would defer to the ·6· ·Carolinians convicted of felonies as to when
·7· ·Attorney General's Office. ·7· ·their rights are restored."
·8· · · ·Q.· But in your capacity -- and I'm sorry ·8· · · · · ·Do you see that?
·9· ·to keep asking -- but in your capacity as, you ·9· · · ·A.· I do.
10· ·know, a designated witness for the State Board 10· · · ·Q.· And is it correct, Ms. Bell, that the
11· ·of Elections, sitting here today, you can't 11· ·State Board of Elections interacts with voters
12· ·personally point me to any evidence, factual 12· ·who may have confusion about their eligibility
13· ·evidence, that disenfranchising people on 13· ·to vote due to a felony conviction?
14· ·community supervision simplifies administration 14· · · ·A.· It's correct that the State Board of
15· ·of the process of restoring voting rights? 15· ·Elections interacts with voters, felon or not
16· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.· Asked and 16· ·felon.
17· · · ·answered. 17· · · ·Q.· But including voters who may have
18· · · ·A.· I cannot.· To me, the question is about 18· ·confusion about their eligibility, right?
19· ·the administration of elections. 19· · · ·A.· Yes.
20· · · ·Q.· Okay. 20· · · ·Q.· Is the Board of Elections asserting
21· · · ·A.· Or bullet point, rather.· I'm sorry. 21· ·that, as a factual matter, in present day, the
22· · · ·Q.· That's okay.· You recall that we talked 22· ·disenfranchisement of people on probation,
23· ·about earlier about how, under the regime that 23· ·parole, or post-release supervision avoids
24· ·plaintiffs seek, the state and county boards of 24· ·confusion among North Carolinians convicted of
25· ·elections may need to process data on far fewer 25· ·felonies as to when their rights are restored?
Page 191 Page 193

·1· ·people, maybe as much as half as many people, ·1· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
·2· ·because those people wouldn't be sentenced to a ·2· · · ·A.· State your question again, please.
·3· ·term of imprisonment?· Do you remember that? ·3· · · ·Q.· Is the North Carolina Board of
·4· · · ·A.· I believe you presented that as a ·4· ·Elections asserting that, as a factual matter,
·5· ·hypothetical. ·5· ·in present day, the disenfranchisement of
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So assuming, again, that that ·6· ·people on probation, parole, or post-release
·7· ·hypothetical, you know, under that ·7· ·supervision avoids confusion among North
·8· ·hypothetical, processing data on fewer people ·8· ·Carolinians convicted of felonies as to when
·9· ·makes administration of the process easier, ·9· ·their rights are restored?
10· ·right? 10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
11· · · ·A.· I believe I answered your previous 11· · · ·A.· I don't believe that the State Board
12· ·question to say that I would want to look into 12· ·has stated one way or the other that the
13· ·that more and make sure that I understand what 13· ·disenfranchisement of felons avoids confusion,
14· ·those changes would mean and whether that would 14· ·if that's your question.
15· ·change our processes. 15· · · ·Q.· So I just want to clarify, because you
16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· But everything else being 16· ·said the disenfranchisement of felons, and my
17· ·equal -- and I hear what you're saying -- but 17· ·question is specific to the disenfranchisement
18· ·everything else being equal, processing data on 18· ·of people with felony convictions who are on
19· ·fewer people makes administration of any 19· ·some form of community service.
20· ·process easier, right? 20· · · ·A.· Okay.· So your clarification, go ahead,
21· · · ·A.· I don't believe I can concur with that, 21· ·please.
22· ·because it -- are we comparing apples to 22· · · ·Q.· So with that clarification, is the
23· ·apples?· Are the procedures going to change in 23· ·State Board asserting that, as a factual
24· ·terms of what we would need to administer? 24· ·matter, in present day, the disenfranchisement
25· ·Reducing the quantity doesn't necessarily 25· ·of such people who are on community supervision

Page 194 Page 196
·1· ·avoids confusion among North Carolinians ·1· · · ·A.· Yes.
·2· ·convicted of felonies as to when their rights ·2· · · ·Q.· And you can correct me if I'm wrong,
·3· ·are restored? ·3· ·but I think you've acknowledged that it's at
·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. ·4· ·least possible that some persons would be -- on
·5· · · ·A.· I don't believe that the State Board ·5· ·post-release supervision would be confused by
·6· ·has asserted that disenfranchising such persons ·6· ·that omission?
·7· ·avoids confusion. ·7· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates prior
·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board have any ·8· · · ·testimony.
·9· ·factual evidence that disenfranchising people ·9· · · ·A.· I don't -- I don't recall that I stated
10· ·on probation, parole, or post-release 10· ·that.
11· ·supervision avoids confusion among persons 11· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll just ask you, then.· Do you
12· ·convicted of felonies about their eligibility 12· ·believe it's, at least, possible that some
13· ·to vote? 13· ·people on post-release supervision could be
14· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 14· ·confused by the omission of post-release
15· · · ·A.· I don't know of factual evidence about 15· ·supervision on those forms and manuals?
16· ·the enfranchise or disenfranchisement, if such 16· · · ·A.· I believe I stated that I don't know
17· ·person exists. 17· ·whether that creates confusion or not.
18· · · ·Q.· So my question was a little bit 18· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Ms. Bell, do you agree that
19· ·different.· It was about avoiding confusion. 19· ·compared to the current disenfranchisement
20· · · · · ·And so my question is:· Does the State 20· ·scheme, a much less confusing role would be
21· ·Board have any factual evidence that 21· ·that if you're not in prison, you're allowed to
22· ·disenfranchising people on community 22· ·vote?
23· ·supervision avoids confusion? 23· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 24· · · ·speculation.
25· · · ·A.· I don't know of factual evidence -- 25· · · ·A.· Would you state your question one more
Page 195 Page 197

·1· · · ·Q.· Okay. ·1· ·time, please?
·2· · · ·A.· -- that we have to that effect of ·2· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Would you agree that compared to
·3· ·disenfranchising such persons avoids confusion. ·3· ·the current scheme, a much less confusing role
·4· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And do you recall that we talked ·4· ·would be that if you're not incarcerated or in
·5· ·earlier about the examples and high-profile ·5· ·prison, you're allowed to vote?
·6· ·examples of whether people who voted who ·6· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
·7· ·weren't allowed to vote and were prosecuted who ·7· · · ·speculation.
·8· ·said that they just didn't know that they ·8· · · ·A.· I don't -- one, I don't think I have a
·9· ·ineligible?· Do you remember that? ·9· ·point of comparison, because we have not had
10· · · ·A.· I remember that news article, yes. 10· ·the regime that you suggest to determine
11· · · ·Q.· And, you know, with the Alamance 12 and 11· ·whether that would create confusion or not.
12· ·the four individuals in Hoke County?· Do you 12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Well, let's think about this
13· ·remember that? 13· ·from the perspective of election administrators
14· · · ·A.· Yes. 14· ·and poll workers and so on.· And, actually, I
15· · · ·Q.· So as to those individuals, the current 15· ·think they're active workers.
16· ·disenfranchisement scheme did not avoid 16· · · · · ·Wouldn't it be much less confusing for
17· ·confusion, right? 17· ·them to just know that if somebody is not
18· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for 18· ·incarcerated, they're allowed to vote?
19· · · ·speculation. 19· · · ·A.· As compared to?
20· · · ·A.· I don't think I can make that 20· · · ·Q.· Just in general.· If somebody shows up
21· ·determination based upon one news article. 21· ·to vote in person, that means they're not
22· · · ·Q.· Okay.· You recall that we talked 22· ·incarcerated, right?
23· ·earlier about how some of the State Board's 23· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Is that a question?
24· ·forms and manuals failed to mention 24· ·BY MR. JACOBSON:
25· ·post-release supervision, right? 25· · · ·Q.· I'll ask a question.· If somebody shows

Page 198 Page 200
·1· ·up at a polling place, they're not ·1· · · ·evidence and is vague.
·2· ·incarcerated, right?· We can agree on that? ·2· · · · · ·Actually, I'll withdraw the "Misstates
·3· · · ·A.· We would assume that. ·3· · · ·the evidence," because I don't think that
·4· · · ·Q.· I mean, unless -- ·4· · · ·you're referring to that.· My bad, Dan.
·5· · · ·A.· There was a gentleman who was ·5· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· No problem.
·6· ·incarcerated who was out and about last week, ·6· · · ·A.· State your question one more time.
·7· ·so... ·7· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Is the State Board of Election
·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· As a general matter, unless the ·8· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present
·9· ·State Board of Elections is planning on opening ·9· ·day, the disenfranchisement of people on
10· ·polling places in prisons, we can agree that if 10· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision
11· ·a person shows up at a polling place, they're 11· ·eliminates burdens on North Carolinians
12· ·not physically incarcerated, right? 12· ·convicted of felonies to take extra steps to
13· · · ·A.· That would -- I think that would be the 13· ·have their rights restored after having
14· ·assumption, yes. 14· ·completed their sentences?
15· · · ·Q.· And so wouldn't it be very simple for 15· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.
16· ·election officials to know that because that 16· · · ·A.· I don't believe the State Board is
17· ·person is not incarcerated, they're not 17· ·asserting that.· I think -- I don't believe the
18· ·disqualified by virtue of a felony conviction? 18· ·State Board is asserting that.
19· · · ·A.· Did you ask if it would be easier?· Was 19· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board of Elections have
20· ·that your question? 20· ·any factual evidence that disenfranchising
21· · · ·Q.· Would it be straightforward?· You're an 21· ·people on probation, parole, or post-release
22· ·election official, right?· You can just know, 22· ·supervision eliminates burdens on North
23· ·if the person is here physically, they're not 23· ·Carolinians convicted of felonies to take extra
24· ·incarcerated, and so they're not disqualified 24· ·steps to have their rights restored?
25· ·because of any felony conviction. 25· · · ·A.· I do not know.
Page 199 Page 201

·1· · · ·A.· No matter -- ·1· · · ·Q.· So sitting here today, you can't point
·2· · · ·Q.· When that -- ·2· ·me to any factual evidence of such?
·3· · · ·A.· No matter the circumstance, it's going ·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Asked and
·4· ·to still be our job to ensure that they meet ·4· · · ·answered.
·5· ·the qualifications. ·5· · · · · ·Karen, you can answer that question
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay. ·6· · · ·again.
·7· · · ·A.· So I don't determine -- just like I ·7· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Yeah.· I'm reading the
·8· ·don't determine age by looking at someone. I ·8· · · ·statement.
·9· ·ask that question. ·9· · · ·A.· I do not know.
10· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll turn to the next bullet -- 10· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Under the regime that plaintiffs
11· ·or a bullet here:· "Eliminating burdens on 11· ·seek in this case, where you're eligible to
12· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies to take 12· ·vote if you're not in prison, does the State
13· ·extra steps to have their rights restored after 13· ·Board have any evidence or reason to believe
14· ·having completed their sentences." 14· ·that that would impose additional burdens on
15· · · · · ·Do you see that? 15· ·North Carolinians convicted of felonies to take
16· · · ·A.· I do. 16· ·extra steps to have their rights restored?
17· · · ·Q.· Is the State Board of Elections 17· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
18· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present 18· · · ·speculation.
19· ·day, the disenfranchisement of people on 19· · · ·A.· Since that has not been the law, we
20· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision 20· ·would not have anything to come to for that.
21· ·eliminates burdens on North Carolinians 21· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll turn to the second-to-last
22· ·convicted of felonies to take extra steps to 22· ·one now:· "Encouraging compliance with court
23· ·have their rights restored after having 23· ·orders."
24· ·completed their sentence? 24· · · · · ·Do you see that?
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Misstates the 25· · · ·A.· I do.

Page 202 Page 204
·1· · · ·Q.· Is the State Board of Elections ·1· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board have any
·2· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present ·2· ·factual evidence that withholding voting rights
·3· ·day, the disenfranchisement of people on ·3· ·to people on probation, parole, or post-release
·4· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision ·4· ·supervision leads to greater compliance with
·5· ·encourages compliance with court orders? ·5· ·court orders?
·6· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. ·6· · · ·A.· I don't know that we have evidence one
·7· · · ·A.· Do you want to clarify? ·7· ·way or the other.
·8· · · ·Q.· I can repeat the question. ·8· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Does the State Board have any
·9· · · ·A.· Okay. ·9· ·evidence that the disenfranchisement regime
10· · · ·Q.· Does the State Board of Elections -- 10· ·that plaintiffs are seeking in this case would
11· ·I'm sorry.· Is the State Board of Elections 11· ·be to less compliance with court orders?
12· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present 12· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for
13· ·day, the disenfranchisement of people on 13· · · ·speculation.
14· ·probation, parole, or post-release supervision 14· · · ·A.· I don't know that we have anything one
15· ·encourages compliance with court orders? 15· ·way or the other.
16· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague. 16· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Last one:· "Ensuring that all
17· · · ·A.· I don't think that there's an assertion 17· ·persons convicted of felonies fully satisfy
18· ·here.· I think that what this states is that we 18· ·their obligations before their citizenship
19· ·are ensuring the compliance with court orders 19· ·rights are restored."
20· ·that would not allow someone to vote if they 20· · · · · ·Do you see that?
21· ·are a felon as the law is written. 21· · · ·A.· Yes.
22· · · ·Q.· So I'm going to ask you to assume that 22· · · ·Q.· What does "obligations" mean in this
23· ·"court orders" in this sentence refers to the 23· ·bullet point?
24· ·terms of somebody's probation or parole or 24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for a legal
25· ·post-release supervision.· You know, you have 25· · · ·conclusion.· Calls for speculation.
Page 203 Page 205

·1· ·to be present once a week before your officer, ·1· · · ·A.· The way I read this bullet point is
·2· ·you owe this amount of money, et cetera, ·2· ·that the State Board and, therefore, the county
·3· ·et cetera. ·3· ·boards of elections, ensure that all persons
·4· · · · · ·Will you accept that representation? ·4· ·convicted of felony offenses fully satisfy
·5· · · ·A.· I will. ·5· ·their obligations before their rights of
·6· · · ·Q.· Okay.· So if that's what "court orders" ·6· ·citizenship are restored.· So if they are
·7· ·means here, is the State Board asserting that, ·7· ·registering to vote, if they are able to answer
·8· ·as a factual matter, in present day, the ·8· ·the question regarding their status of -- their
·9· ·disenfranchisement of people on community ·9· ·felony status.
10· ·supervision encourages compliance with court 10· · · ·Q.· Okay.· And that's -- and just to
11· ·orders? 11· ·clarify, that's what "obligation" means here?
12· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for 12· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Call for a legal
13· · · ·speculation.· Vague. 13· · · ·conclusion.· Calls for speculation.
14· · · ·A.· If the court order is that they have 14· · · ·A.· That would be my interpretation, that
15· ·not completed their sentence, then we are 15· ·that is not -- I don't know what the legal
16· ·administering the law as it's written. 16· ·definition would be.
17· · · ·Q.· But is the State Board asserting that 17· · · ·Q.· Okay.· Is the State Board of Elections
18· ·the fact that disenfranchisement encourages 18· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present
19· ·individuals convicted of felonies to comply 19· ·day, disenfranchising people on community
20· ·with the terms of their probation, parole, or 20· ·supervision ensures that all people convicted
21· ·post-release supervision? 21· ·of felonies fully satisfy their obligations
22· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Calls for 22· ·before their rights of citizenship are
23· · · ·speculation.· Vague. 23· ·restored?
24· · · ·A.· I don't know that the State Board has 24· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Objection.· Vague.· Calls for
25· ·asserted that. 25· · · ·speculation.

Page 206 Page 208
·1· · · ·A.· State your question one more time, ·1· · · ·Q.· Do you know whether those investigators
·2· ·please. ·2· ·were relying on the same data that the State
·3· · · ·Q.· Sure.· Is the State Board of Elections ·3· ·Board of Elections gets to identify people
·4· ·asserting that, as a factual matter, in present ·4· ·serving an active sentence and are registered
·5· ·day, ensuring that disenfranchising people on ·5· ·voters when they perform that audit to make
·6· ·community supervision ensures that all people ·6· ·those determinations about people who voted
·7· ·convicted of felony offenses fully satisfy ·7· ·while serving a felony sentence?
·8· ·their obligations before their rights of ·8· · · ·A.· I don't know precisely what all data
·9· ·citizenship are restored? ·9· ·was used.· I would assume that that was part of
10· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Same objections. 10· ·the data, if not all.· I don't know.
11· · · ·A.· As the law is written currently, which 11· · · ·Q.· But you don't know for sure?
12· ·we administer, community supervision or 12· · · ·A.· I don't know for sure.
13· ·community -- I believe you said community 13· · · ·Q.· Just a couple of quick questions.
14· ·supervision or community service? 14· · · · · ·Roughly how long do you think you spent
15· · · ·Q.· Community supervision, yeah. 15· ·preparing for this deposition between
16· · · ·A.· Community supervision would mean that 16· ·conversations with attorneys, conversations
17· ·they had not fulfilled their obligations and, 17· ·with staff, reviewing the materials, and any
18· ·therefore, would not be allowed to register to 18· ·other preparation you undertook?
19· ·vote. 19· · · ·A.· I would say, including the time that I
20· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Okay.· I believe I'm 20· ·spent reading documents, 8 to 10, maybe
21· · · ·done with questions, but I'd like to take 21· ·12 hours.
22· · · ·two minutes just to confer with my 22· · · ·Q.· And if you can just kind of give us a
23· · · ·colleagues to make sure I didn't miss 23· ·general synopsis of the things you weren't able
24· · · ·anything. 24· ·to do today because you were preparing -- or
25· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay. 25· ·today or yesterday or any day before that --
Page 207 Page 209

·1· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Let's go off the record ·1· ·because you were preparing for this deposition
·2· · · ·for two minutes. ·2· ·or upon conducting your deposition?
·3· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Sure. ·3· · · ·A.· I postponed meetings pertaining to the
·4· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Thanks. ·4· ·absentee by mail envelope that we need to have
·5· · · · · ·(Recess from 1:33 to 1:36 p.m.) ·5· ·sent to printers this week.
·6· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Back on the record. ·6· · · · · ·I've postponed a meeting dealing with
·7· · · · · ·Plaintiffs have no further questions ·7· ·voter registration and enhancements in our
·8· · · ·for now subject to reserving the right to ·8· ·SEIMS system that we need to have out.· We need
·9· · · ·re-cross if anyone else asks questions. ·9· ·to have tested, developed -- or excuse me --
10· · · · · · · · · · ·EXAMINATION 10· ·developed, tested, and ready to go out during
11· ·BY MR. COX: 11· ·our release on August 28th.
12· · · ·Q.· Okay.· I'll ask just a couple of 12· · · · · ·I postponed a meeting dealing with our
13· ·questions, Karen. 13· ·help desk process improvement and incident
14· · · · · ·And for the record, this is Paul Cox 14· ·escalation.
15· ·from the Attorney General's Office. 15· · · · · ·I am not able to work on the tracking
16· · · · · ·Do you recall that you and Mr. Jacobson 16· ·of our responses to COVID-19.
17· ·were discussing a 2017 audit report produced by 17· · · · · ·We have numerous follow-ups after
18· ·the State Board of Elections? 18· ·awarding our CARES Act funds to the counties.
19· · · ·A.· I do. 19· · · · · ·I am currently trying to work with
20· · · ·Q.· Do you recall that there was a 20· ·possible income contributions for our PPE, and
21· ·discussion about false positives in terms of 21· ·I can't do that while I'm in depositions.
22· ·the number of people that the investigators 22· · · · · ·We have a new director of training
23· ·determined had voted illegally because they 23· ·going on that I could not further participate
24· ·were serving a felony sentence? 24· ·in.
25· · · ·A.· I do. 25· · · · · ·We have a state conference that's

Page 210
·1· ·coming up that I need to be prepared for.
·2· · · · · ·I could go on, but that's some of the
·3· ·things that immediately come to mind.
·4· · · · · ·MR. COX:· Okay.· Thank you.· No further
·5· · · ·questions.
·6· · · · · ·Brian, do you have any questions?
·7· · · · · ·MR. RABINOVITZ:· There are no questions
·8· · · ·from the legislative defendants.
·9· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· Nothing further from the
10· · · ·plaintiffs.
11· · · · · ·Ms. Bell, I truly do appreciate your
12· · · ·time today.· Thank you.
13· · · · · ·THE WITNESS:· Thank you.
14· · · · · ·MR. JACOBSON:· So plaintiffs will take
15· · · ·one copy, and you can send it to me.
16· · · · · ·MR. COX:· And defendants will take one
17· · · ·copy, electronic.
18· · · · · ·(Time noted: 1:42 p.m.)
19· · · · · ·(Signature waived.)
20
21
22
23
24
25
Page 211
·1· · · · · · · · · REPORTER'S CERTIFICATE
·2
·3· ·NORTH CAROLINA· )
·4· ·WAKE COUNTY· · ·)
·5
·6· · · · · · I, Denise Y. Meek, a Court Reporter and
· · ·Notary Public in and for the State of North Carolina,
·7· ·do hereby certify that prior to the commencement of
· · ·the examination, KAREN BRINSON BELL, was duly
·8· ·remotely sworn by me to testify to the truth, the
· · ·whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
·9
· · · · · · · I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is a
10· ·verbatim transcript of the testimony as taken
· · ·stenographically by me at the time, place, and on the
11· ·date hereinbefore set forth, to the best of my
· · ·ability.
12
· · · · · · · I DO FURTHER CERTIFY that I am neither a
13· ·relative nor employee nor attorney nor counsel of any
· · ·of the parties to this action, and that I am neither
14· ·a relative nor employee of such attorney or counsel
· · ·hereto, and that I am not financially interested in
15· ·the action.
16· · · · · · IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my
· · ·hand this 31st day of July 2020.
17
18
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ____________________________
19· · · · · · · · · · · · · · DENISE Y. MEEK
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Court Reporter/Notary Public
20· · · · · · · · · · · · · · State of North Carolina
21
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · COMMISSION:· 201519500202
22· · · · · · · · · · · · · · EXPIRATION:· July 8, 2025
23
24
25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: 1..7
132 102:10 207:17 23 92:5
1 161:2,3
14 145:11 2018 132:13
172:14
1 7:23 8:25 17 124:4 2019 12:23
12:23 139:19 16:4 40 96:10
83:13 144:21 405 112:3
1994 83:20,
86:23
25 84:16 2020 72:12 406 127:25
1.a 7:25 99:9 128:3
1:33 207:5
1.f 8:1 124:4,22 408 76:16
1:36 207:5 125:16
10 91:2 409 72:24
1:42 210:18 126:8
208:20 128:6
21 71:22
100 13:8,10 2 441 76:19
77:19,20, 256 103:6 77:4,20
25 78:5 2 51:20 282 34:7
131:15 5
20 78:4 283 39:18
10:02 52:3 80:1,8
286 28:13 5 83:13
11:16 110:6 81:19 82:4
40:16 86:23
11:26 110:4 2006 19:13, 172:14
28th 209:11
24 192:4
11:28 110:6
2011 17:12 3 50 154:3
12 19:21 19:14
129:25 3 72:23 537 98:4,12
130:2,9,14 2015 17:12
30 96:10 541 77:3,4,
132:20 2016 16:3 16,20 78:5
195:11 71:20 30(b)(6)
208:21 72:1,3 7:22 8:3, 557 99:13
12:24 159:5 80:21 13 558 100:3
81:17 303 106:24
12:32 159:5 130:4 6
12:51 176:10 333 53:10
2017 71:22
351 91:1 6 99:20
12:55 176:10 119:13
13 132:12 122:17 352 83:11
123:14,16 7
143:22
124:3,5,12 4
13-1 8:7,9, 7 119:16
125:13
15 159:17,24
126:5 4 91:5,21,

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: 8..advising
accept 124:8,15 186:23
8 65:19,21, 126:2 administration
23 143:6 128:11 13:7
8 208:20
149:8,17 150:22 16:13,16,
80 154:6 152:7,15, 153:1 21 17:23
20 160:17 197:15 22:25
9 203:4 208:4 45:10
access 39:5 actual 20:2 148:17
9 130:9
accurate 160:10 186:17
9:55 52:3 187:11,17,
10:8 add 156:6
27:12,20 22 188:6
A adding 156:4 189:12,23
52:25 53:5
71:15 83:1 additional 190:14,19
a.m. 52:3 157:17 191:9,19
110:6 92:3 95:1
98:25 201:14 administrative
abbreviated 102:17 14:12
address
73:11 115:7 42:11,17, 120:3,6
abbreviation acknowledged 25 114:7,9 146:15
73:12 196:3 121:4 186:8
ability administer administrator
Act 83:20
27:12,20 84:17 14:6,7 135:5
43:17 209:18 17:21 18:9 137:23
52:24 53:5 45:6 140:8 administrators
87:9 actions 146:16 16:12
102:17 122:5 170:6 140:8
147:14,25 active 181:11 197:13
148:16 31:10,20 185:22
185:22 32:5,9,20 186:13 admit 73:16
33:15,19 187:4 75:5
abridges
175:17 34:2 38:6, 189:3 advice 93:23
17 42:7,8 191:24 advisable
absentee 74:9 75:11 206:12
94:22 93:13,18,
76:1 78:23 administering 22
95:11 96:1 116:17
110:21 178:3 advise 54:19
121:24 203:16
111:17 122:7,22 advising
209:4 123:6,18 administers 41:2,6

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: affirm..application
affirm 133:7 156:20 and/or 83:17
118:14,22 134:10,19 181:13,16 86:5 87:1
122:6 136:19 182:2,18, another's
124:14 138:6 19 195:7 48:12
125:8 142:3,10 196:21
144:3 197:5,18 answering
affirmation
175:22 206:18 50:20
91:4 104:21
176:4 allowing
affirmatively 185:25 165:6
80:25 186:25 166:21
196:18
162:24 197:2 aloud 76:20 171:9
163:24 198:2,10 121:14,15 answers
afraid ahead 32:14 alter 125:17 24:19
131:16 59:21 126:10 105:19
133:4,25 97:19 146:6 AOC 127:3
African 106:22 altered apologize
130:10,25 168:4,7,8 93:19 94:4 121:6
169:1
AG's 163:20 Altering 176:11
193:20
age 199:8 147:6 apparently
Alamance
agencies amend 110:15 121:1
129:25
150:9 130:3 amended appears
agency 15:20 131:4 110:19,20 82:25
17:5,8 195:11 111:14 appendix
50:4,18 159:16 119:16
allegedly
51:11 130:21 American Apple 106:19
73:17 130:10,25
allowed apples
163:21 amount
13:25 15:5 191:22,23
168:11,18 158:23
58:13
172:2,4, 203:2 application
59:19,24
21,25 54:21
85:22 analogous
186:9 94:22
105:14,20, 63:1
agree 48:1,6 112:11
23 136:21
96:8 analysis 135:10
138:25
104:23 81:10 141:1
146:21
118:8 184:25 144:11,18
151:5,20
131:3 145:12
152:5

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: applies..attorney's
applies 180:15,20 19:19 attention
93:15 194:6 assisted 83:12
apply 85:21 203:25 20:14 96:16
95:10 96:1 asserting 107:19
associate 131:5,7
185:6 173:25 109:8
176:21 145:11
April 71:22 association
177:10,16 attest 36:3
area 158:12 178:13 104:18 59:22 60:3
areas 129:14 179:4 assume 56:7, 61:4 76:7
183:15,24 11 77:25 100:24
Argumentative
184:4 82:1,2 attested
126:21
187:8,16, 104:9 61:7 62:9
arises 122:1 20 188:3, 117:18
19 189:9 attesting
Arnold 6:10 198:3
192:20 202:22 63:10
article
193:4,23 208:9 attests
131:25
199:18 60:2,10
132:11,18 assumed 16:3
200:8,17,
134:2 attorney
18 202:2, Assumes
195:10,21 13:20 6:5,22 9:9
12 203:7,
48:21 95:4 21:24
articles 17 205:18
22:13
130:17 206:4 assuming 44:15
asks 101:2 assertion 81:12 130:19
160:1,19 49:3 191:6 162:2,5,
170:3,9 179:24 assumption 12,16
207:9 180:6 104:22 163:3
aspect 15:4 181:1 173:13 166:14
21:5 188:11,12 198:14 167:9,19
189:18 169:4
Assembly assurance
202:17 171:19
84:1 50:19,23
assertions 173:14
assert 80:17 Atkinson 178:21,25
7:25
90:7 124:4 6:13 26:18 190:7
175:10
157:23 attachment 207:15
asserts
asserted 119:12 attorney's
180:4
178:20 attempts 53:15,24
179:13,14 assigned
58:18 54:8 57:21

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: attorney-client..Bates
58:10 209:11 126:1 95:11
59:9,16 authority 129:18,22 ballots 20:4
60:12 61:3 55:24 130:2,9, 96:1
attorney- 93:10 13,18,24
138:16,22 ballpark
client
Authorization 139:19 35:23
174:15
99:21 140:1,3 based 18:10,
175:2,16,
18 avoid 73:21 144:20 12 40:12
195:16 145:2 44:7,8
attorneys
148:24 62:16 63:5
122:3 avoiding
151:16 78:2 82:5
128:25 192:5
154:25 93:3
162:1 194:19
155:4 122:19
208:16 avoids 156:12 136:17
audio 27:15 192:23 162:4,24 146:5,7,9
193:7,13 169:18 153:10
audit 71:8,
194:1,7, 170:13 195:21
19 72:2,
11,23 181:2
10,12,19 basis 36:6,
195:3
74:12 12 56:24
75:20 awaiting B 74:16 75:9
76:4,5,6 141:12 78:22
back 34:6
79:25 awarding 80:18
38:1 40:16
80:5,15, 209:18 148:20
62:13
22,24 157:4
aware 9:21 76:15
81:25
10:5 23:13 90:25 Bates 28:13
119:12
44:19,25 109:11 34:7 53:10
127:18,22
45:12 66:5 110:4,8,14 72:24
207:17
69:20 112:1 76:16
208:5
83:25 127:16 83:11
audits 72:8, 97:10 158:19,21 97:24 98:4
17 74:1,5 108:15,25 159:7 99:13
75:19,23 112:24 176:11 100:3
76:8 78:12 113:13 207:6 102:10
79:5 81:6, 117:7 103:5
bad 46:2
9 82:13,14 121:21,22 106:24
200:4
August 122:5 112:3
125:24 ballot 20:9 127:25
132:12

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Bear..board
128:2 88:12,18 175:8,20, 18 43:2
Bear 78:18 90:3 91:2, 23 176:16 44:4 46:5,
22 92:12 178:23 12,13,17,
began 12:23 93:8 94:18 181:3,12 23 47:3,7,
begin 111:5 95:9,24 186:1,22 17,20,21
98:5,18 187:18 49:17,24
begins
99:3,19 188:16 50:12
121:16
100:4 192:10 53:1,6,13
149:2,16
102:12 196:18 55:4,12,16
begun 11:8 103:7 210:11 56:2,12,
behalf 6:23 104:1 Biennial 17,18,22
107:2 52:10 57:5,10
believes
108:15 62:4,5,25
129:9 bit 26:14
110:7 64:2 67:4,
Bell 7:1,9 112:4 52:17 53:3 14,22 68:3
9:2,7,12 114:21 82:16 69:7,17
13:23 117:12 103:12 70:4,5,18,
14:24 119:9,20 169:15 19 71:16,
15:11 121:11 194:18 19 72:2,7,
23:12 34:8 122:16 blanket 11,13,20
35:16 123:3 80:14 73:7,13
39:19 126:14 75:9 77:2,
board 6:6
40:23 41:5 127:4,20 15 78:10,
8:5,22
49:10 129:18 21,25
12:20
51:14 133:1 79:13
13:6,9
52:6,14 134:10 83:2,6
14:10
53:11 138:15 89:7 90:5
15:3,11
62:4,10 140:19 93:9,14,25
19:12 21:6
63:19 141:17 94:3 95:2,
23:14,22
64:17 142:19 9 97:6
25:4,5,13
66:15 144:20 99:1,4
26:2
71:2,7,18, 145:20 102:18
27:13,21,
25 73:1 148:24 103:1,3
23 28:2,3,
78:15,17, 157:3 107:6,10,
18,24
20 82:22 159:11,19 13 112:9
29:11,23
83:5,12,19 160:9 113:24
36:19 37:1
84:7,15 161:22 115:8,12
40:9,14
85:19 86:1 166:12 119:7
41:10,17,

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Board's..bullet
120:11,17 13,19 boards 13:8, briefed
122:20 179:4,13, 10 43:12 21:12
123:4,17 15 180:8, 44:10 45:1 bring 23:4
124:6,12, 15 183:3, 53:21
21 125:13, 15,23 54:5,11 Brinson 9:2,
15,24,25 184:6,14 56:3,6 12 90:2
126:9,25 185:16,20 67:15 broad 118:5
127:1 186:23 68:13
broadly 16:9
128:23 187:7,16, 69:15,20
129:3,8,16 20 188:2 72:21 brochure
130:20 189:9,17, 137:1 114:3,6
133:23 19 190:10 153:13,21 115:4,16
135:8,20 192:11,14, 154:1,10 brochures
136:1 20 193:3, 172:24 47:14
137:1,9,13 11,23 190:24
bubble
145:23 194:5,8,21 205:3
148:12
148:2,19 198:9 book 112:15
152:25 199:17 bullet 30:14
153:6 200:7,16, border 68:9 41:25
155:13,22 18,19 bottom 95:7 76:18,22,
157:4 201:13 132:18 25 77:13
160:1,20 202:1,10, 172:14 78:3
161:6,7 11 203:7, 103:20
bounds 8:21
162:6,18, 17,24 145:15,19
25 163:15, 204:1,8 box 143:24 161:4
25 166:14, 205:2,17 break 10:10, 165:17,18
23 167:10, 206:3 11 51:23 166:5
20 168:10, 207:18 106:8,12, 172:19
11,17 208:3 16 109:23 173:9,16
169:5,19 110:18 175:9
Board's 7:22
170:14 117:13 186:15
8:3,8,12
171:2,20 158:9,18, 187:15,18
13:13,17
172:3,20, 21 175:20 188:19
14:3 21:17
25 173:10, 176:1 190:21
121:21
15,24 192:3,4
159:16 Brian 6:21
176:20 199:10,11
178:24 158:23
177:10,15, 204:23
195:23 210:6
24 178:4, 205:1

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: bullets..Carolina's
bullets 104:5,15 cancellation 22,23
164:9,10, 105:8 79:2 33:6,8,13,
12,20,21 108:20 candidates 21 34:3
165:2 109:4,5,16 138:14 45:16
166:19 117:19 51:16 55:5
167:16 118:2 capability 56:2 57:10
171:5,23 131:18 43:18 59:1 62:17
burdens 133:12 capacity 64:1 65:9
199:11,21 134:15 10:17,19 66:13,19,
200:11,22 141:21 12:3,9 25 67:2,17
201:14 142:8 14:18 68:8,10,
146:2 15:8,17 11,12,14,
buy 120:24 153:8,24 16:2 19:8 16,19,21,
121:2 173:11,18 20:23 24,25
182:5 133:22 69:1,2,4,
C 186:5 135:25 18 70:11,
188:14 136:10 12 73:13
caliber
195:18 186:8 84:1,9,17
157:12 196:23 99:6
190:8,9
call 140:17 197:6 108:17
capital
205:12 201:17 109:1
160:13,14
called 30:24 203:12,22 116:3
204:12,24, capitals 121:9
32:16 33:9
25 205:13, 73:5 122:13
37:7 62:13
64:3 84:18 24 careful 45:9 144:23
154:22 campaign 146:5,9,25
CARES 209:18
155:22 13:11 148:25
Carolina 149:13
calls 34:25 17:22
6:5,22 151:1
36:1 43:6 cancel 53:22 12:20 152:17
44:13 54:6 57:24 13:5,25 154:20
45:22 canceled 17:10,17, 160:16
47:10 74:19 24 18:4,12 172:21
48:10 65:2 79:10 80:9 28:19 193:3
84:11 87:8 81:5,20 29:1,13
93:2 Carolina's
82:5,7 30:5,8,20
100:21 19:23
153:15 31:11,21,
101:7,15 69:13
25 32:1,6,
85:20

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Carolinians..clarify
146:20 117:14,22 112:18 checklist
Carolinians 118:11,20 cetera 50:6,8
172:17 122:20 203:2,3 chief 13:4
173:2 123:3
130:7 challenge choice 15:25
174:5 103:18 16:18
177:1,21 138:17
178:18 139:6 challenged circulation
179:8,20 141:18 103:10 117:1
180:2,11 143:5
change 60:17 circumstance
183:20 144:24
85:1 94:6 199:3
184:3,10, 146:1,14,
95:15,17 circumstances
18 185:19 25 147:2
97:7,11 79:1
186:4,18 149:20
124:23
192:6,24 154:9 cite
141:19,24
193:8 157:6 157:18,25
143:2,13
194:1 171:12,22, 180:25
146:4,7
199:12,21 25 172:2
147:3,22 citizen 88:2
200:11,23 182:1
148:3,4,10
185:14 citizenship
201:15 191:15,23
186:2,22 61:24
Carpenter 201:11 changed 108:2
6:17 204:10 88:4,9 161:9
case 9:9 97:9,17 186:18
cases 12:1
10:25 141:24 204:18
73:25
11:2,3,9, 144:21 205:6,22
76:19
10,12,17 changing 206:9
77:20
12:8 21:13 128:23 147:7 city 16:15
22:7,10 132:20 characterizing clarification
23:16,24 148:14 92:1 48:24
25:14,20
cast 20:3,8 177:13 89:5,8,10
26:2 27:22
charge 93:24 139:14
53:2,7 Center 15:25
165:16
71:16 83:3 Certificate charged 169:12
99:1 94:23 16:18 193:20,22
102:19 187:16
104:20 Certification clarify
96:16 check 113:4 30:21
107:7
143:25 37:25 39:8
109:13 certify

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: clarifying..conclusion
68:5,20 common 85:4 191:22 completing
73:6 93:14 communication comparison 107:24
111:13 45:18 197:9 135:18
115:23 47:6,16 completion
125:2 complete
48:3,15 10:4,7 65:7
168:3,6,24 50:5,18
169:14 51:6 compliance
166:22 181:18 13:10 94:8
193:15
202:7 communications completed 201:22
205:11 50:23 14:25 15:6 202:5,15,
174:19 33:10,11, 19 203:10
clarifying 175:3,16 25 41:7 204:4,11
120:7
168:1 community 42:1 47:15 comply
66:18,24 50:3,9 203:19
clarity 49:8 138:25 55:7,14,18
100:24 components
179:6 61:4,18 20:8
147:5 180:9 62:13,15,
clear 58:14 182:2 16 63:4,12 compound
87:13 183:6 64:3,4 174:7
109:6,21 187:21 70:6,23 177:3,22
144:4,5,6 189:11 72:10 computer
client 190:14 83:16 121:2
174:25 193:19,25 85:24
concede
194:22 86:4,25
colleagues 100:18
203:9 88:25
206:23 205:19 89:19 92:8 concern
collecting 206:6,12, 96:24 122:4
23:19 13,14,15, 100:11 conclusion
16 106:3 44:14
Columbia
company 17:2 112:20 84:11
139:20
116:5 108:21
142:22 comparable 155:21,24 109:5
143:3 64:12 187:1 124:23
column compared 199:14,24 125:17,18
107:21 196:19 200:14 126:10
committed 197:2,19 203:15 173:12
57:7 comparing completes 188:15
78:23 60:1 204:25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: concur..convicted
205:13 confuse 11:22 continues
concur 100:18 17:17 56:22
191:21 confused 33:15,19 contribute
48:8,18 34:2 42:8 161:17,22
conditions
156:21 90:20 consult 94:7 contributions
134:11,21 101:5,9 209:20
conduct 138:7 consultant
11:14 13:8 196:5,14 conversation
72:7,16 15:24 157:13
confuses
78:25 contact 174:25
82:14 49:4 42:10,16, conversations
167:11 confusing 24 43:3, 24:10
conducted 41:13 49:7 10,13 44:5 208:16
24:15 72:2 138:5 contacting
183:10 conveys
80:23 81:9 44:10,20 157:1
196:20 45:2
conducting 197:3,16 convicted
209:2 contents 13:13,18
confusion
conducts 93:10 18:2
48:25
15:12 90:8,9 context 28:19,25
confer 100:24 62:11 29:12
206:22 138:3 63:8,25 30:4,8,11
192:5,12, 78:17,20, 31:13
conference 24 79:25 34:14
18,24
22:23 182:14 45:16
193:7,13
209:25 46:4,9,11,
194:1,7, continual
confirm 11,19,23 36:12 16 51:18
27:11,19 195:3,17 74:15 75:9 52:7 53:16
44:16 196:17 78:22 54:14
52:23 53:4 197:11 80:18 55:7,18
71:13 81:14 56:14
connection
79:16 57:13,25
171:11 continue 58:8,18
82:25
94:25 consent 6:8, 56:7 59:5 64:1
98:23 11,15,19, 137:3,5 65:10,17
102:16 24 continued 66:11,16,
110:18 considered 133:15 22 68:7,23
70:10

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: conviction..correct
74:16 205:4,20 193:18 40:18 41:9
79:17 206:7 copied 24:7 42:7,9,15,
83:15 conviction 23 43:1
91:6,7 copies 26:19 46:7,14,20
31:11,15, 29:23,24
92:6,7 16,25 49:15,16
96:22,23 32:5,21 copy 7:17 56:21
100:9,10 33:12 8:17 26:22 57:15
107:16 34:20,23 27:12,20 58:20
108:16 35:5,25 52:25 53:5 62:10
109:1 37:16 71:15 83:1 64:16,21
112:19,20 38:25 40:2 95:2 98:25 65:1 66:20
114:1 61:3 62:2, 102:18 67:3 68:22
115:13,19, 11 63:9 115:7 69:3 70:3,
21 116:2 69:1 72:4 142:20 17 71:23,
127:13 77:4,17 210:15,17 24 72:6
128:9,14 103:23 74:21
corner
131:14 134:13,20 75:17
107:11
150:25 135:7 76:23 78:8
132:9
151:4,8,10 141:9 79:21
152:17 coronavirus 92:4,16
144:1
172:17 11:13,15 93:21
145:16
174:5 95:16 94:24
151:22
177:1,21 160:23 correct 96:3,13
178:18 192:13 10:24 12:5 97:3,4
179:9,20 198:18,25 14:22 98:20 99:7
180:3,12 15:7,11 100:17
183:20 convictions 101:10
17:16
184:3,11, 14:14 102:6,21
23:11 26:5
18 185:19 40:25 41:2 103:4
27:17
186:4,19 51:16 55:2 105:24
28:11
192:6,24 57:23 106:5
29:5,25
193:8 133:3 107:14,18
30:5,19
194:2,12 141:5 108:6,7
31:7,22
199:12,22 150:17 113:4,12
32:25
200:12,23 186:25 114:7,8
34:5,20,21
201:15 187:13 116:19
35:16,20,
203:19 188:8 120:18
21 36:17,
204:17 189:14 121:9,10,
18,21

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Corrections..coverage
18 122:18 7:14 9:22, 44:4,9 51:16
123:15 24 21:3,7, 45:1 46:5, 53:17 55:2
124:11 17 24:1,5, 17,23 62:11 63:8
125:14,20 6 25:18,21 47:3,7,17, 64:2,18
126:7,17, 26:18 21 53:21 66:13
18 129:2 44:16 94:7 54:5,11 69:12,18
139:16 135:23 56:3,18 89:3
146:16,23 162:11 61:17 62:5 108:18
148:23 163:3 67:14,22 109:2,13
150:13 166:24 68:3,13 110:10
151:2,7 169:13 69:7,15,20 138:19
152:13 171:19 70:5,19 141:17
156:9 174:9 102:25 142:1
164:17 176:2 130:3,19, 145:25
170:12 counties 25 131:4 146:6,8,
172:23 19:21 135:9 11,12,24
180:24 20:14 137:1,21 148:4,14
181:15,23 36:6,23 153:13,21 149:4
192:10,14 37:5,11,20 154:1,10 156:20
196:2 38:23 172:23 175:17
Corrections 39:3,11 190:24 176:13
29:19 40:18 195:12 201:22
44:20 205:2 202:5,15,
correctly 19,23
33:4 92:2 209:18 couple
120:23 203:6,10,
177:6 county 13:8, 14 204:5,
10 17:10, 207:12
correlation 208:13 11
138:10 16,23
Court's
182:8,9 18:18 court 7:13,
19:2,4,7, 17 8:16 165:23
correspondence 13 28:2 11:2,3 184:22
55:24 30:24 28:20 courts
costs 108:18 31:13,15 29:1,13 66:12,17,
109:2 36:11,19, 30:5,9,12, 23 120:3
20 37:22 20 31:12 cover 27:24
council
39:6 40:9, 32:1,22 99:8
16:15
19 41:10, 33:13
counsel 18 43:12 47:24 coverage
6:14,18 131:11,13

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: COVID..current
COVID 22:22 108:13,20 175:13,22 creating
COVID-19 109:4,16 176:3,7 166:24
147:13 114:14 177:2,22 crime 53:16
209:16 117:18 179:1,10, 55:7 57:7,
118:2 21 180:13 8 58:9
coworkers 119:10 182:5
113:7 59:5 64:1
122:25 183:9 68:8,23
Cox 6:4 123:9,22 184:20 106:1
7:10 13:20 124:25 185:4 127:7,11
21:15,19 126:21 186:5 128:9,14
24:5 26:24 131:17 187:3,14,
28:21 29:3 133:11,18 24 188:9, crimes 51:18
34:25 36:1 134:15 14 189:15, 52:8 54:15
41:13 43:6 138:5,18 25 190:4, 55:18
44:13 139:13,17 16 193:1, 65:11,17
45:22 141:21 10 194:4, 66:11,16
46:25 142:8 14,24 74:17
47:10 146:2 195:18 criminal
48:10,21 147:19 196:7,23 141:5,9
49:21 150:18 197:6,23
criminally
53:25 153:8,24 199:25
130:3
63:13 65:2 157:7 200:15
69:22 70:1 158:2,7, 201:3,17 criteria
75:2 78:6 13,17 202:6,16 75:16
80:12 81:7 162:9,21 203:12,22 76:10
82:9 83:21 163:10,17 204:12,24 79:4,5,7
84:10,22 164:3 205:12,24 156:25
86:10,15 165:15,19, 206:10,25 157:1
87:6 90:12 23 166:7, 207:3,11, CSI_NCSBE_
92:25 20 167:25 14 210:4, 000048 25:1
93:17 95:4 168:5,9,14 16 cumbersome
97:13,22 169:24 Cox's 167:7 26:15
100:21 170:19
101:7,15 171:8 create 48:24 current 8:8
102:4,7 172:1 197:11 12:10,18
104:5,15 173:3,11, creates 15:21,23
105:2,8,16 18 174:7, 196:17 17:4 19:8
106:7,17 13,17,22 28:1 31:1,

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: cut..defendants'
9,24 32:19 Dan 7:10 database 206:5
33:11 34:1 97:22 29:9 33:3, 208:25
38:16 57:5 106:7 7 37:6,16 days 35:8,
72:21 110:14 56:11 11 120:23
73:15 114:14 58:22
81:3,23 119:10 74:6,14, DC 120:24
113:13 122:25 18,24 deadline
114:5,11 125:1 75:13,24 11:20
115:11 139:13 78:24
deadlines
117:7 158:7 80:10
148:15
127:5 165:15 databases
128:20 167:2 dealing
28:2,17,24
140:24 168:1,5 11:1,12,
42:9,15,23
144:16 185:4 13,15
56:7 62:12
146:20 200:4 209:6,12
64:3,5
147:12 Daniel 6:9 dealt 19:22
150:14 date
9:8 156:13,15 December
166:17
Darryl 6:13 144:21
167:13,22 dated 71:22
169:6,21 Daryl 101:23 132:12 deciding
170:4,15 129:12
data 37:11 day 23:2
171:6,24 decision
62:16 166:18
182:24 44:17
73:25 74:5 167:14
184:15 142:2
75:18,23 174:1
195:15 146:6,8
77:1,14 176:22
196:19 156:20
78:2,4,12 177:17
197:3
80:3,17 178:14 Declaration
cut 42:12 148:20 183:16 145:14
53:3 150:4 187:9
Defendant
120:6,13 155:1,8, 188:4
7:21 8:2,
cutting 38:8 12,18 189:10
5,7,12
156:10 192:21
190:25 193:5,24 defendants
D
191:8,18 199:19 6:24
dah 125:8,9 208:2,8,10 200:9 210:8,16
data-sharing 202:3,13 defendants'
daily 29:8,
121:20 203:8 8:25
11 36:6
205:19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: defer..differently
defer 178:21 160:3,21 133:12 93:5 97:16
190:6 170:11,16 139:4 99:24
define 173:4 Department 166:1 118:24
178:1 29:18,20 208:15 129:14
188:21,22, 49:11,18, 209:1,2 131:6
24 25 55:6 depositions 133:13
62:17 42:14 139:24
defined 150:22
89:10 64:19,23 174:19
65:9 68:1 209:21 197:10
160:14 199:7,8
185:12 119:24 deputy 21:21
148:21 25:17,23 determined
definition 150:3,15 104:17
31:4 33:16 152:11 describe 124:13
160:12 155:1,7, 29:6 185:23
173:7 12,14 describes 207:23
189:7 75:18
depending deterrent
205:16
105:10 designated 134:13
definitions 148:7 190:10 deterring
157:14
depends designed 137:6
Degraffenreid 182:13 115:3 develop
25:3
depicting designee 95:21
deliberations 34:16 7:22 8:3, developed
171:21 13
deposed 40:13 99:4
denial 39:20 10:13,16 desk 209:13 103:2
40:4,17 12:6 129:13
54:13 details 42:4
deposition 177:24
60:13 deter 134:22 178:4
6:8,12,16,
denied 54:22 136:21 209:9,10
20,25 7:24
57:4 60:6 10:20 11:7 determination develops
153:16 12:2,8 99:20 37:2
154:3 21:2,9 195:21
difference
deny 56:18 22:4 23:6 determinations 168:15
57:12,16, 86:11 87:7 208:6
93:1 differently
19 58:3
determine 34:17
101:25
denying 74:18 76:3 82:14
131:18

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: difficult..disqualified
169:16 25 136:1, 77:2,15 177:17
difficult 19 137:9, 126:14 178:15
13:1 90:7 13,21 145:6 179:6,17,
147:2,5 189:2 discussing 25 180:9,
148:9 209:22 51:15 16 183:16,
directors 207:17 25 184:16
difficulty 187:9
147:9,13, 17:18 discussion 188:4
15,16 disagree 148:11 189:10
direct 118:7,8 154:23 192:22
20:13,15 disclosed 159:4 193:5,13,
83:12 175:24 170:24 16,17,24
96:15 207:21 194:16
discourages
138:9 discussions 195:16
181:10
182:9 167:18,21 196:19
discovery 169:3,5, 199:19
directed 22:11,16 18,19 200:9
72:14 23:15,24 170:14 202:3,13
direction 25:14,24 171:18 203:9,18
182:16 27:14,22 204:9
disenfranchise
directly 53:1 71:16
181:21 disenfranchisi
48:4 82:18 83:2
ng 181:4
95:3 99:1 disenfranchise
director 184:7
102:5,19 d 160:4,13
10:18,19 187:21
107:7 170:17
12:4,19 189:21
112:9 181:13
14:19 190:13
115:8 disenfranchise
15:9,18 194:6,9,22
119:6,12 ment 20:24
17:9,14 195:3
discretion 25:6,9 200:20
19:14 85:20
21:21 129:12 205:19
150:7 206:5
25:17,23 discuss
166:17
72:15,18 51:17 167:13,22 displayed
76:6 85:8 discussed 169:7,22 35:11
93:8 94:2 20:18 55:4 170:5,11 displays
120:2,11, 56:12 63:7 171:7,24 29:5
17 133:23 74:7,13,14 174:1
135:2,19, disqualified
75:1,8 176:22 198:18,24

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: distinction..efficiencies
distinction 72:1,23 114:12,18 41:24
89:13 76:4,17 117:12,14 54:13 55:4
109:10 82:23 83:1 127:1,2,21 62:12
distributes 94:19,22 138:20 64:17
49:19 95:2 98:3, 208:20 74:13,14
50:1,14 18,21,25 Doe 58:17, 75:1
51:5 101:5,10 25 60:8,19 78:15,21
102:4,9, 104:17
distributing 12,14,18 double-check 113:5
50:24 106:23 55:20,23 114:18
district 107:3,6,9, doubt 155:6 118:14
19:17 15,20 185:17 127:21
122:3 112:2,5,8, 148:18
DPS 29:20
128:25 15 113:22, 152:24
47:13,24
130:19 23 114:22 153:12
49:25
139:20 115:6,7, 155:20
50:11,13,
142:22 11,18,20 181:8
23 51:5
143:3 116:1,25 190:23
74:6,7,15,
117:8 195:5,23
division 24 127:3
119:5,6, early
15:15,19, 151:12
11,17,21 112:13,14
20 19:4 156:9
127:24
79:23 84:6 draft 163:13 easier 88:5
128:2
divulge 159:21 191:9,20
dream 152:3
166:22 160:11 198:19
due 31:10,
DOC 28:15 166:24 educate
20,25 32:5
39:7 documents 137:9
72:4 77:3,
21:6 22:4, 138:1
document 16 95:14
27:5,6,9, 6,8,14,16, 192:13 educational
13,17,21, 20 23:4,7, 115:19
duly 9:3
23,25 28:7 14,19,23
effect
41:6 24:4,12 duration
125:22
52:13,20, 26:1,7 183:5
145:9
25 53:6 28:5,8
195:2
55:11 29:22 E
51:10 efficiencies
61:11,14
71:8,11,15 55:11 earlier 189:3
108:11 11:11

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: efforts..eligible
efforts 19:13,14, 124:6,13 17 206:3
13:13 17 28:3,24 130:21 207:18
112:25 33:22 133:24 208:3
121:3 36:8,20 135:2,5,8, electoral
election 37:1 40:10 20 136:2 172:16
15:16 41:10,11, 137:1,2,9, 173:1,5,
16:11,12, 18 44:4,10 14 148:3, 17,20
16,21 45:2 46:6, 17,20 174:4
17:18,22 13,17,23 153:13,21 176:25
22:25 27:7 47:3,4,7, 154:1,10 177:20
40:24 8,17,18, 162:7,19 178:17
45:19 20,21 163:15 179:8,19
48:4,15 53:1,22 164:1 180:2,11
64:8 71:20 54:6,12 166:15 182:4,21
72:1,3,12 56:3 57:11 167:11 183:7,19
74:24 76:2 64:2 67:2, 169:20 184:2,10,
80:21 14,15,17, 170:15 17 185:18
81:18 22,23 172:20,24 186:3
89:16 68:3,13,16 173:10,15,
69:7,16, 25 176:20 electronic
102:23 24:12,16,
122:13 17,21 177:15
70:5,18,19 179:15 21 210:17
127:17
130:4 71:20 181:7 elements
137:23 72:8,17 183:23 192:2
140:5,7,11 73:7,14 184:15
eligibility
142:6 75:9 89:8, 186:23
28:20 29:2
145:4 17 90:5 187:7
48:8,19
173:22 93:9,14,25 188:2
89:9 99:21
197:13 94:3 95:10 189:9,20
100:7
198:16,22 96:2 190:11,19,
103:9
200:7 103:1,3 25 192:11,
134:12
107:10 15,20
elections 137:11
113:25 193:4
6:6 11:14 138:2,7
118:6 198:9
12:20 150:23
119:7 199:17
13:4,6,7,9 192:12,18
120:12,17 200:19
17:2,9,14 194:12
122:20 202:1,10,
18:10 123:4,17 11 205:3, eligible

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: eliminated..evidence
31:18 else's 194:16 entitled
32:4,11 87:12,25 engage 27:7
33:21,23 109:19 167:20 entity 85:17
41:8,20 email 24:18, 169:5 88:3
42:6 43:4, 20,22
15 44:11, engaged 88:1 entrusted
25:1,5,8, 171:20 135:16
21 45:4,20 10,11
46:7,18,24 26:18,20 enhancements envelope
47:9 48:17 209:7 110:21
56:8 60:10 emailing
ensure 49:25 111:17
62:6,23 7:16 209:4
50:13 94:8
64:9 66:19 emails 24:7 135:17 equal 81:24
68:15 69:9 25:13 137:23 191:17,18
70:21 86:8
enabling 150:10 erroneously
87:3,20
18:19 199:4 80:11 82:7
88:19,23
enacting 205:3
89:23 error 78:9
90:21 161:9 ensures
205:20 escalation
92:22 enactment
206:6 209:14
99:25 8:14
100:20 ensuring essentially
encourage
101:12 49:18 84:2,8
182:12
109:14 202:19 established
116:13 encourages 204:16 150:21
134:22 202:5,15 206:5 151:15
137:17,18 203:10,18 170:22
entail 19:18
139:22 Encouraging
enter 7:17 Establishing
160:16 201:22
201:11 122:11
entered
end 16:4 estate 111:4
eliminated 42:18 7:13,16
84:2 132:23 8:17 everyone's
eliminates entire 27:5 7:19 99:17
enforcement
199:21 168:18 137:24
8:6,14
200:11,22 entities evidence
enforcing
eliminating 16:14 13:21
161:9 48:22 54:1
138:3 118:9
199:11 enfranchise 84:11 95:5

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: exact..factual
117:19 117:17,25 144:8 extra
123:10,23 121:25 159:12,15, 199:13,22
150:19 122:23 16 200:12,23
179:16 123:7,20 exhibits 201:16
180:5,8,25 124:9 26:10
183:4 126:3 F
184:7 exist 84:8
excuse 38:7
187:25 existing face 127:8
209:9
189:20 38:18 facilitate
190:3,12, executive
exists 136:25
13 194:9, 10:17,19
12:4,19 194:17 fact 39:11
15,21,25
200:1,3,20 14:19 expanding 49:5 79:17
201:2,13 15:8,18 16:23 87:25
204:2,6,9 72:14,18 129:19
expect
76:6 85:8 155:11
exact 35:8 95:18,25
93:8 94:2 181:3
54:25 70:9 120:11,16 expecting 189:4
113:6 133:23 96:10 203:18
139:25 135:19 experience factors
examination 136:1,18 16:20 151:15,21
7:21 8:2 137:8,13 135:1
9:5 207:10 189:1 facts 13:20
experiences 48:21
examined 9:4 exhibit 8:17 135:4 84:10 95:4
examining 51:20,21 117:18
explain 31:6
8:12 52:10 71:3 185:7
49:1 50:21
82:19
examples 94:15 explanation factual 7:25
140:11 97:20 98:3 173:20 166:15
145:21 101:19 167:11
express
146:12 106:22,23 173:25
122:3 175:10
195:5,6 112:2 135:1 176:21
exceed 45:10 114:11,17
119:2 expressed 177:16
exclude 72:20 90:6 178:14
127:17
164:7 179:5,16,
131:25 extends
166:4,7,8 22 180:5,
140:18 94:11
excludes 142:16 8,21,25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: faded..felons
183:3,16, 162:14 24 54:8,14 122:4
24 184:7 fairly 78:8 55:2,13, 128:7,8
185:2,9 14,17,18, 133:20
187:8,20 falls 14:19 24 56:4,9, 155:21
188:3 136:9 14 57:2,7, 192:15,16
189:9,20 false 78:3 9 58:9,12 202:21
190:3,12 80:4,11,19 59:5,18 felonies
192:21 81:2,13, 60:19,20 13:14,19
193:4,23 16,20,23 62:7,22 18:2 56:15
194:9,15, 82:3,7 63:2,3 107:16
21,25 207:21 64:13,16, 108:16
199:18 25 65:5,6, 109:1
familiar
200:8,20 11,13,18, 114:1
24:3 83:19
201:2 24 66:7,20 115:13,19
84:24,25
202:2,12 feedback 152:17
85:5,9
203:8 122:9 172:17
129:24
204:2 124:19 174:6
130:23
205:18 125:9 177:1,21
135:20
206:4 178:18
familiarity fees 108:17
faded 27:15 109:2,8,12 179:9,20
136:2,12,
128:1 151:23 180:3,12
15,18
failed 183:20
fault 65:21 felon 28:15 184:3,11,
195:24 30:24
fear 131:23 18 185:19
fair 23:1 32:16 186:4,19
133:8,14,
35:23 33:10,19, 192:6,25
17,21
72:22 25 37:7 193:8
76:9,13,14 fears 134:7 38:4,15 194:2,12
95:24 feasibility 39:4,6,7, 199:12,22
115:25 147:21,22 16 40:19 200:12,23
119:14,15 42:1 57:10 201:15
feasible
137:19 59:23 61:6 203:19
147:17
139:6 62:13,15 204:17
148:10
142:15 63:11 205:21
145:23 federal 64:3,4
147:17 11:1,2 65:14 felons 13:16
149:6,18 52:8 67:25 14:8 33:15
155:20 53:14,16, 88:25 34:2 42:8

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: felony..finishes
65:5,6 56:6 57:2, 155:24 185:24
73:4,25 14,22 160:23 finance
74:9 75:25 58:1,18 183:1 13:11
117:15,23 61:5,18 186:24 17:22
118:10 62:1 64:14 187:12
121:8,23 65:17 188:7 find 55:10
122:14,22 66:23 189:13 60:5 61:11
123:5,18 67:23 72:4 192:13 174:20
124:8 74:17 193:18 175:4
126:2 75:12 198:18,25 fine 35:9
133:16 76:11 205:4,9 78:19
146:21 77:4,17 206:7 110:5
150:22 78:23 207:24 139:7
193:13,16 79:18 208:7 186:14
felony 13:24 83:15 felt 55:22 finish 46:21
14:14,25 85:20
fewer 80:19 49:13
15:6,14 88:25
190:25 64:18,25
18:8,14,19 91:6,7
191:8,19 66:6
19:1 92:6,7
156:5,7
20:12,24 96:22,23 field 16:13 183:1
25:6,9 100:9,10
fight 172:12 finished
28:19 103:22
106:4 figure 71:6 18:19 42:5
29:1,12
112:19,20 file 24:21 45:17
30:4,8,11
115:22 101:22 47:23
31:3,10,
116:2,5,17 102:2 48:19
11,14,20,
118:15,23 56:5,9
21 32:5,6, files 24:12
122:7 57:1,3
9,20 33:12
124:15 fill 82:17 62:8,21
34:9,15,19
127:6 112:12 63:2,10
37:15
128:24 64:7,13
38:6,17,25 fills 60:9
129:5,10 66:1 70:17
40:2,25 final 96:21
131:15 101:2
41:1,17 99:23
133:3 135:7
42:5 45:16 100:8
134:12,20 156:16
46:4,9,11 112:17
51:6,18 135:7,18 finishes
144:1 159:11
52:8 53:16 41:16
54:15 55:2 153:1 finally 8:10 60:19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: firmware..gestures
156:14 format 95:22 front 24:18 25:18,20
firmware 169:11 26:22 71:20 72:3
20:5 forms 35:13 FTP 102:2 84:1 94:7
82:16 130:4
fix 120:24 fulfilled 136:2,5,6,
93:10 206:17
flagged 94:6,10 15 176:2
77:20 95:20 full 9:10 197:20
111:14,16 23:2 192:4 198:8
flyer 114:3
126:15 208:23
115:2 full-time
140:11 16:2 General's
follow 18:22
145:25 6:5,23
follow-ups fully 83:16
146:4,7, 21:24
209:17 86:25
16,19 162:2,5,
204:17
form 47:18 147:3,12 12,16
205:4,21
57:12 148:4 163:3
206:7
59:23 170:23 166:14
195:24 function 167:10,19
60:2,5
83:6 86:4 196:15 26:11 169:4
87:17 forward fundamental 171:20
93:19 94:3 6:14,18 137:24 173:14
95:10,12, 152:2 178:21,25
funds 209:18
13,18 182:15 190:7
96:17 future 72:17 207:15
found 81:24 98:15
97:7,11 generally
110:22 fourth 33:24 121:19
136:11
111:21 41:25
generate
112:25 103:19 G
116:13 166:18
138:25
gather 24:4 167:14
140:20 frame 36:8
141:19 gathering gentleman
framework 23:23 135:6
142:14,21
143:19 171:1 198:5
gears 51:25
144:12 frankly 82:15 gesture
147:6,22, 138:14 117:11 91:19
23 163:13 frequently general gestures
181:19 25:5,7
193:19 21:17 91:13
88:10 24:1,5,6

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: give..hundreds
give 7:4 8:4 16:14 happened highlighted
10:3 14:7 88:2 81:17 107:22
35:7 50:15 160:3,20 happy 52:19 historical
67:23 161:8,11, 63:20 8:14
78:16 23 170:3
87:15,23 hardware hit 79:8
greater
89:10 20:6 Hoke
204:4
100:4 hate 158:14 130:19,25
132:22 greatest
he'll 26:20 131:4
134:24 135:4 195:12
135:14,21 group 16:11 head 97:18
hold 11:6
147:4,11 hear 10:23
guess 37:25 15:22
148:2,8 17:13
147:4 19:16
170:21 38:7,9
guide 98:19 137:22
208:22 42:20
99:3 63:24 home 36:20
giving 10:7
113:7,10, 91:10,16, honestly
158:14
14 20 120:19 11:4
goal 137:8
160:7 Hooks 120:5
goals 137:12 H 161:20 126:24
God 7:6 172:9
hairs 32:2 hope 96:7,9
191:17
good 7:9 half
heard 42:22 hour
9:7 30:18 152:16,22
49:11 158:12,20
51:22 52:1 153:5,22
109:24 91:21 hours 208:21
154:8,11
158:8 145:3
158:12,19 hovering
159:9 191:1 hearing 91:8 128:6
Gotcha 36:9 177:6
hand 7:2 Huffington
government 51:9 held 20:19 132:1,6
16:16 17:5 64:20,24 helpful Huffpost
19:8 65:25 97:23 132:9
20:18,19 handing high 13:2 hundred
55:17 49:12 131:4,6 51:10
167:15
handled 24:1 high-profile 77:6,22
170:10,16
happen 87:18 195:5 hundreds
governmental
88:16 95:25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: hung..indication
hung 77:11 identifying 158:1 incidentally
hypo 59:2 23:19 implements 143:9
39:12 146:20 include 94:4
hypothetical
60:8,18,24 illegally implies 97:11
61:8 68:21 15:13 140:21 110:22
82:10 77:3,16 112:25
80:2,21 imply 43:17 113:15
87:16
89:22 106:1 impose 126:15
105:17 129:5,10 201:14 166:4
152:8 207:23 included
impossible
154:13 illiterate 157:20 18:13 24:7
191:5,7,8 135:12 includes
imprisonment
hypothetically immediately 191:3 30:10
88:14 147:25 including
improvement
100:25 157:16 8:7 83:16
209:13
151:18 210:3 86:5 87:1
in-house
impact 92:8 96:24
I 121:22
147:24 100:11
148:16 inaudible 107:25
ID 11:1 38:6 91:7
implement 108:5
identification 114:1,13 112:21
15:4
81:4 incarcerated 116:6,18
140:6,12
identified 145:21,24 138:24 138:13
77:2,15 146:13 149:23 192:17
80:2,11 147:1 197:4,18, 208:19
181:9 148:4,5,9, 22 198:2, income
16 157:5, 6,12,17,24 209:20
identify
24:24 11,16,21 incarceration Incomplete
37:8,14 implemented 84:20 82:9
39:12 126:13 145:16 105:16
40:20 72:2 152:4 149:1,15
independent
80:20 152:19
implementing 171:13
132:7 154:18,21
16:18,23 indicating
160:20 156:7,16
18:1,7 30:13
208:3 incident
147:23
209:13 indication

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: indictable..interchange
95:6 118:25 43:3,13 54:6
indictable 122:6 49:13,20 initiates
145:17 124:14 50:1 55:5, 73:24 79:2
133:3,24 13,16 56:4
indicted 134:11 57:5 62:7, instance
130:25 135:16 21 63:5 66:12
individual 137:3 64:20,25 183:2
18:21 51:6 195:12,15 65:25 66:6 instances
55:14 60:1 203:19 67:5 68:2 88:11
66:22 68:7 ineligible 69:15 70:6
instilled
88:24 31:2,21,24 81:2
135:6
90:17 32:8 34:19 117:15,23
104:20 118:16,25 instruct
40:1 67:2,
105:18 121:23 44:3
16 68:18
118:17,24 122:21 175:1,12,
72:4 74:9
125:8 123:5,18 13,14
127:13
134:20 124:7,23 184:23
128:16
135:17 130:15 125:16,22, instructing
136:13 132:14 25 126:1, 8:23
163:25 133:10 9,11,20
instruction
149:21 142:13
individual's 44:2 68:1
150:16 150:9,12,
63:10 83:12
151:9,17 14 151:6,
individuals 86:23
153:2 11 152:11
44:10 155:13 instructs
154:9
46:14 156:19 9:24
155:23
47:25 50:2 157:9,19
195:9 intend 97:6
51:17 171:13
54:14 influences intended
174:15
63:25 138:12 175:24 115:15,18
65:25 inform 64:8 176:6 intent 54:23
66:6,11,16 107:16 179:23 97:10
67:5,15 113:25 180:21 intentions
79:21 89:9 138:10 183:12 117:8
107:16
information initially interacts
108:16,25
19:3 36:5, 77:2,15,19 192:11,15
113:25
115:13 12 42:10, initiate interchange
16,24

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: interest..Jersey
88:9 26:21 134:3,5 10,13,25
interest introduced issue 122:1 111:8,12,
63:19 115:16 126:19 25 114:16,
160:21 117:3 20 119:4,
issued 175:7 14,18,19
interests 192:2 189:17 123:2
8:4 160:3 investigation issues 20:23 125:6
161:8,11, 18:25 77:6 25:6,8 132:3
24 164:21 79:1,15, 120:25 139:16,18
166:16 20,25 140:16
167:12,15, 122:12 items 7:25
142:18
21 169:6, 166:16 39:1 50:8
144:10
20,21 167:12 iteration 158:10,14
170:4,10, 171:3 95:12 159:2,6,
16 171:5, investigations 10,14
iterations
23 172:7, 15:12,15 165:18,20
73:10
13 19:4 73:24 166:2,8,11
111:15
internal 79:22 168:7,13,
169:19 121:22 J 16,22,25
122:2 169:2
interpret
129:15 Jacobson 6:9 174:18
185:5
7:9 9:6,8 175:6,19
investigative
interpretation 13:22 176:4,8,
205:14 78:12
26:17,25 12,15,18,
investigator 27:2 38:9, 19 179:3
interrogatorie
s 159:18 74:1 12,13 185:1,11
160:10 investigators 51:24 197:24
interrogatory 79:14 80:1 52:2,5 200:5
159:17,24 207:22 62:3 71:1 206:20
160:1,19 208:1 82:21 91:9 207:1,4,6,
161:1 94:17 16 210:9,
involved
163:9 98:1,2 14
17:25
170:3,8 101:21 jail
18:6,18,24
178:22 102:6,8,11 141:10,12,
23:18,22
106:13,18, 13 143:25
Interruption 162:3,7,19
21 107:1
161:19 163:1,6 Jersey
109:22,25
introduce irrational 110:3,7, 144:12,20

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Jersey's..left
145:1,3 207:13 158:5 127:5
Jersey's Katelyn 162:15,17 128:7,20
144:17 21:18 25:2 163:14 140:8
166:25 141:25
job 12:10, kickoff 171:10,16 146:5,8,20
18 15:21, 22:23 156:20
knowledgeable
22,23 Kim 119:23 170:6
16:1,24,25 65:5 173:1
120:5,10 178:3
17:4 19:9, 181:11
18 20:13, kind 11:16 L
182:24
15 137:23 208:22
land 73:22 185:21
157:12 knew 55:22 186:9,13
199:4 127:13 language
201:19
97:7,16 202:21
jobs 20:21 knowingly
109:9 203:16
John 58:17, 122:12
118:13,22 206:11
25 60:8,19 knowledge 122:10
23:25 28:6 124:17 lawfully
journalist
45:14 125:10,19 136:20
132:12
64:24 66:5 142:5 laws 13:11
judge 75:7 67:10,13,
large 22:19 85:20 94:8
126:24 19 69:20
79:22 122:13
judging 75:6 71:14 141:24,25
101:22
June 12:23 84:14 144:21
86:16 87:9 latest 28:6, 145:17
Justice 89:11 93:4 9
6:14,18 lawsuit
95:1 98:24 law 11:1 11:13
107:5 14:2,6,7
K 112:8 15:2,4,16 lawyers 21:8
115:5 18:5,12,16 166:13
Karen 9:2,12 117:9 167:9,19
20:11
90:2 130:11 169:4
43:22,25
131:20 131:20,22 44:3,8,19, leads 204:4
158:17,18 140:24 25 45:6,8,
166:21 144:16 learn 157:10
11,12
171:9 149:5 learned
84:1,16,
174:13 155:16 135:11
23,25 88:9
184:23 157:22 95:15 left 96:17
201:5

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: legal..logical
141:3 49:4,6 38:5,14, listed 53:23
158:12 54:25 15,16,22 77:5
legal 44:13 70:22 79:9 39:4,6,17 164:21
84:11 119:23 40:19 167:15
108:20 121:7,12 42:1,2 171:5,23
109:4 122:16 43:10 172:13
169:11 123:13 52:11 188:19
171:1 124:3 54:7,20 listing 29:7
173:12 letters 57:6,20
58:3,10 lists 29:7,
184:25 54:12,23 10,24 30:3
185:6,7 154:12 60:7
62:13,15, 37:19
188:14 level 13:2 39:12
204:24 16 63:1,3,
17:17 19:2 4 64:3,4, 41:25 42:4
205:12,15 147:8 44:7 45:2
12,16
legally 19:1 levels 16:15 74:7,8,9, 53:23
legislative 16 75:1, 56:7,13,
Levine 17,18,23
6:24 210:8 11,12,25
132:12 57:19,22
76:11,12,
legislature 63:12 64:6
liability 13 78:22
16:15 127:11 161:11
79:16
legitimate 128:8 97:23 live 68:9,
161:8 lieu 85:15 150:21,24 11,24 69:1
letter 151:4 142:22
life 135:5
34:11,18, 152:25
lives 68:21
23 35:5, limited 7:24 153:6,13
8:4 154:14 living
17,24
36:19,22, 155:21 66:18,25
lines 102:9
25 37:2,10 156:4,6,11 70:11
list 30:24 161:18,23 150:2
39:22,23
31:1,2,9, 162:3,7,19
40:4,8,9, loaded 16:9
23,24 163:5,7,
12,21 local 102:23
32:7,16, 12,16
41:6,21 128:25
17,19,20 164:1
43:10,11, 129:6,11,
33:5,9,10, 166:18
13 46:5, 18
11,20,24, 167:14,24
12,17,22
25 34:1,13 169:8,23 logical
47:2,8,19
37:8,9,17 170:18 152:13
48:23

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: long..matching
154:7 lower 81:6 44:5,17 marked 8:25
155:10 lunch 158:21 58:14 26:19
long 12:21 62:14 68:5 51:20 52:9
16:1 35:4 80:13 89:6 53:10 71:3
M
122:21 95:18,19 82:19
123:4,12 machines 98:14 94:15
208:14 20:3 114:23 97:20
121:20 99:12
longer Madam 8:16 135:21 101:19
33:14,16, 176:13 137:4,16 112:1
19 34:2 made 102:25 147:3 114:10,17
42:7 107:15 151:16 119:2
141:10 113:14 157:13,20 131:25
looked 121:3 165:2 140:18
40:18,23 188:11,12 174:10,14 159:15
54:12 55:1 189:17 177:5 match 32:23
91:14 mail 110:21 182:7 34:3 60:5,
108:9,11 111:17 188:17 11 61:1
113:22 154:15 191:13 74:23
117:13 209:4 195:20 75:10
118:13 206:23 76:10
127:21 main 11:23 208:5
matched
145:20 maintain makes 83:7
30:2 56:23 35:18
lose 73:16 87:13 38:17
62:12 115:12
loss 64:12 80:10 81:5
191:9,19
117:17,25 155:5 matches 38:5
121:25 making 91:13 74:16
maintains 147:8
122:24 79:15
123:7,20 28:18,25
29:23 manner 137:2 matching
124:10
126:4 64:2,6 manual 32:17
155:1,22 102:22 33:25 37:8
lot 52:16 38:5,15
Maintenance manuals
96:12 39:4,17
131:5 52:11 195:24
196:15 42:2 62:16
Love 21:18, make 7:11, 64:4 74:25
19 25:2 15 12:7 March 17:12 75:10,15,
14:13 38:2 23,24,25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: material..misdemeanors
76:10 199:1,3,18 meetings Michigan
77:1,14 200:8 209:3 140:20
78:4 79:5, 202:2,12 members 6:7 142:11
7 80:3,17 203:8 24:8 25:5 Michigan's
81:15,17, 205:18 140:24
23 82:6 206:4 mention
87:2,21 microphone
material matters 8:13 88:20 120:24
118:18 meaning 89:24 microphones
materials 85:22 92:11,14 121:2
50:6,12, 95:20 97:2
14,24 127:11 101:13 middle
51:4,5 151:23 108:6,12 145:14
208:17 means 29:19 113:10 millions
math 78:7 152:4 116:9,21 96:4
96:5 157:15 195:24
mind 48:13
matter 7:4, 182:12,14 mentioned 91:24
23 12:5 197:21 9:8 22:2 125:2
109:7 203:7 44:15 165:5
117:5 205:11 49:10 52:6 168:5
127:12 meant 173:16 84:16 86:9 210:3
135:24 87:5 89:14
measure mine 73:22
136:17 92:24
82:12 153:14 minimum
154:3,7
measures 48:2,6
163:21,22 mentioning
173:25 50:13 86:6 minority
176:21 media 131:5, 100:15 135:8
177:16 7 mentions minus 158:20
178:14 108:9
medications minutes 58:3
179:5 109:15
10:6 106:14
183:24
meet 21:8, met 21:14 110:1,2
185:2
11 33:16 206:22
187:8,20 method
199:4 207:2
188:3 16:19,20,
189:10 meeting 22 37:12, misdemeanor
192:21 21:16,25 13 146:4 115:23
193:4,24 209:6,12 165:4 misdemeanors
198:8

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: misheard..North
150:25 91:24 73:17 22,23
151:4,10 100:4 75:12 33:6,8,13,
misheard 113:22 national 21 34:3
17:15 116:24 67:7 45:16
132:22 51:16 55:5
mission 135:21 nature 41:23 56:2 57:10
16:10 170:2 185:9 59:1 62:17
137:20 174:9 NCSBE 73:6, 64:1 65:9
Misstates Monday 22:23 24 66:19,25
53:25 67:2,17
money 203:2 necessarily
84:22 68:10,11,
29:8,21
105:2 month 31:16 12,14,16,
191:25
123:9,22 19,21,24
months 35:25 needed 39:8
150:18 69:2,4,18
187:24 morning 7:9 155:14 70:12
196:7 9:7 22:23 negatively 73:13
199:25 motion 80:25 84:1,9,17
200:2 182:15 85:20 99:6
network 67:8
108:17
mistakenly move 63:20 news 131:9, 109:1
133:9 94:13 98:7 11,13 116:2
137:19 138:15 195:10,21 121:9
misunderstood 182:15
no-contact 122:13
58:6 183:13
52:12 144:23
186:14
modifications 146:5,9,
moves 152:2 nonprofit
113:14 20,25
16:5,7 148:25
modify 117:8 mumbling
172:11 North 6:5,22 149:13
module 12:20 151:1
106:15 13:5,25 152:17
N
moment 12:14 17:10,17, 154:20
22:3 37:5 N.C.G.S. 24 18:4,12 160:16
52:6 8:6,9,15 19:23 172:17,21
53:12,21 28:19 173:2
named 132:12
55:20 29:1,13 174:5
63:15 names 37:9 30:5,8,20 177:1,21
76:17 54:19 31:11,21, 178:18
84:16 62:14 25 32:1,6, 179:8,20

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: notation..objection
180:2,11 notices 207:22 86:10,12
183:20 40:24 numbers 87:6,8
184:3,10, 54:16,17, 77:12 90:12
18 185:19 18 92:25
186:4,18 numerous 93:2,17
notification
192:5,24 11:18 95:4 97:13
41:11,19 73:11
193:3,7 69:8 70:20 100:21
194:1 209:17 101:7,15
154:12
199:12,21 nutshell 104:5,15
200:11,22 notifications 105:2,8,16
79:11
201:15 153:22 108:13,22
notation notify 13:13 O 109:4,16
95:7 67:9,11,15 117:18
68:17 oath 9:14 118:2
note 7:11 115:13 123:9,22
91:14 object 9:22
153:14 135:23 124:25
noted 39:4 185:10 126:21
notifying
210:18 131:17
18:1 34:12 objecting 133:11,18
notice 7:24 39:25 8:22 185:8 134:15
14:7 34:9 November objection 138:5,18
37:23 96:2 13:20 141:21
39:20
number 24:24 28:21 29:3 142:8
40:17
35:8,11 35:1 36:1 146:2
46:5,10
77:25 41:13 43:6 147:19
54:13,14
86:23 44:13 150:18
58:17
91:5,21,23 45:22 153:8,24
60:14
92:5 95:15 46:25 157:7
67:23
97:24 98:6 47:10 158:2
68:14
102:10 48:10,21 162:9,21
69:10,12,
106:24 49:21 163:10,17
14,21
112:3 53:25 164:3
86:11 87:7
139:25 63:13 65:2 166:20
93:1
145:24 69:22 70:1 167:25
109:18
154:11 75:2 78:6 169:24
121:8
159:17,24 80:12 81:7 170:19
131:18
161:8 82:9 83:21 171:8
154:2
165:25 84:10,22 172:1
165:25

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: objections..outset
173:3,11, 157:20 89:4,18 opinion
18 174:7 occurred 120:6 124:6
177:2,22 24:10 203:1 opportunity
179:1,10, 148:8 officers 137:4
21 180:13 169:20 65:18,25
182:5 opposing
October 16:3 89:2 26:17
183:9
184:20 Offices
offense order 7:14
186:5 66:20 53:24 54:9 8:21,22
187:3,14, 128:8 official 64:8
24 188:9, 145:17 13:4 48:5, 113:21
14 189:15, 16 89:16 156:10
offenses
25 190:4, 198:22 157:10
205:4
16 193:1, 165:23
206:7 officials
10 194:4, 166:18
offensive 40:24
14,24 167:14
91:18 45:19
195:18 175:7,17
55:13 56:5
196:7,23 office 6:5, 184:22
62:7 64:8
197:6 23 21:24 203:14
102:23
199:25 53:15 140:5,11 orders
200:15 57:21 142:6 201:23
201:3,17 58:10 145:4 202:5,15,
202:6,16 59:10,16 198:16 19,23
203:12,22 61:3 120:3
older 114:3 203:6,11
204:12,24 141:18 204:5,11
205:12,24 162:2,5, omission
organization
objections 12,16 196:6,14
163:4,20 16:5,7,10
206:10 ongoing
166:14 90:16,18
objects 9:23 50:18
167:10,20 56:23 81:3 organizational
obligation 169:4 21:5
82:6
205:11 171:20 148:20 organized
obligations 173:14 16:6
178:21,25 open 76:19
204:18,22
190:7 77:20 outlining
205:5,21
207:15 opening 58:15
206:8,17
officer 198:9 outset 8:19
obtain
51:12

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: oversee..people
oversee pardon 194:10 passed 84:1
13:10,12, 102:22 199:20 past 141:9
17 14:3 parentheses 200:10,21
15:9,18 202:4,14, Paul 6:4
52:11 7:10 69:25
168:19 24 203:20
Parker 21:21 204:3 86:14
overseeing
parole 47:13 101:21
14:20 part 19:20 106:13
51:12 20:13,15
oversees 83:17 168:4
172:21 22:11,16 174:18
84:2,4,8, 23:24 53:1
oversight 18 85:3,16 175:6
107:21 176:4
13:6 86:5 87:1 112:14
88:6 89:13 185:1
owe 203:2 125:5 207:14
91:25 160:11
owes 109:12 92:12,23 pay 108:17
163:8
96:25 208:9 109:2
P 100:12,15
participate people
103:22 13:13,18,
p.m. 159:5 104:11,18 209:23
176:10 23 14:4,
107:25 participating 13,24
207:5 108:5 181:6
210:18 15:5,12
110:23 participation 18:1,7,11,
pages 100:3 112:21 96:11 19,25
paid 109:11 116:6,18 172:16 20:11
160:15,22 173:2,5, 30:10 31:2
paper 24:11 174:2 17,21,22, 32:20
paragraph 176:23 23 174:5 33:7,21
53:11,20 177:18 176:25 34:1 35:17
54:3,5 178:16 177:20 37:14
96:21 179:18 178:17 38:5,16,24
121:12,16 181:4 179:8,19 39:12,23
123:11 183:17 180:2,11 40:5,20
128:22 184:1,8 182:4,21 42:4,16
132:19 187:10 183:7,19 43:3,14
paragraphs
188:5 184:2,10, 44:20 45:2
132:18 189:21 17 185:18 47:22
133:2 192:23 186:3 49:12 52:7
193:6 53:15

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: percent..persons
55:1,17 155:2,8,23 performed 194:17
56:5,14,19 156:4 76:7,8 197:21
57:19 58:4 179:6,17, 79:6 198:11,17,
63:1 64:7, 25 180:9 perils 42:13 23
13,18,25 181:4,5 person's
65:10,17 183:25 period
149:21 57:24
70:16 184:7 183:4
74:16,17, 186:24 150:6
23 75:11 187:21 person-by-
person 18:14
person 79:14
76:1,11,12 188:7 25:16
77:3,5,6, 189:11,13, 31:13 personal
16 78:22 21 190:13 41:16 12:5 86:16
80:2,8,21 191:1,2,8, 45:16 93:4 135:1
81:4,15,19 19 192:22 46:21 47:5 personally
82:4 83:7 193:6,18, 48:2,7,18 10:16 88:1
84:19 25 194:9, 55:6 56:8 109:7
85:21 22 195:6 57:1 62:5, 133:19
93:15 196:13 8 68:14,20 190:12
96:1,4,12 199:19 69:8,21
115:18 200:9,21 persons
70:6,9,19
129:4,19 202:3,13 79:2,8,15 28:18,25
130:2,9, 203:9 84:4 86:7 29:12 30:4
14,20 204:3 87:3,22 31:10,24
133:15 205:19,20 88:13,21 33:11 37:8
137:6,10 206:5,6 89:22 72:3
138:1,7, 207:22 90:19 128:24
10,24 208:3,6 92:21 130:24
143:10 100:19,25 160:4,13,
percent 78:4 14,22
148:24 80:1,8 104:24
149:12,20 105:4,5, 170:17
81:19 82:4 174:2
150:1,5, 96:10 21,25
16,25 109:11 176:22
131:15 177:17
151:4,5,10 154:3,6 127:5,7,12
152:12,17, 128:14 178:15
25 153:5, percentage 134:2 182:1,4
15,23 173:6,22 136:19 183:17
154:8,17, perform 76:5 163:25 187:9,12
18,19 208:5 181:21 188:4

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: perspective..polls
194:6,11 129:23 190:24 161:4
195:3 198:1,11 201:10 172:19
196:4 places 204:10 173:9,16
204:17 198:10 207:7 186:15
205:3 210:10,14 187:15,18
plaintiff's 188:19
perspective plaintiffs'
52:4 190:3,12,
146:15 159:18 7:21 8:2
189:1 23:15 27:1 21 197:9
197:13 plaintiffs 51:20 201:1
6:11,15,19 70:25 204:23
perspectives 205:1
8:11 9:9 82:20
73:19 11:17 94:16 points 30:14
pertain 22:11,15 97:21 41:25
13:16 138:17,21, 101:20 175:9
pertaining 22,23 106:25
139:5,15, policies 8:8
7:25 14:8, 111:24
16 209:3 21 140:13 114:19 policy
141:18 119:3 129:13
pertains 142:7 177:24,25
132:2
18:4 143:4,5 178:2,5
140:15
pertinent 144:24 142:17 189:17
24:9 145:22 144:9 poll 11:25
146:1,14, 152:3 99:5,23
phase 122:2
24 147:1 159:13 100:7,19
phone 24:9 148:6
planning 101:2,5,9,
phrase 149:20 11 102:23
150:3 72:11
110:16 103:8,20
151:19 116:25
111:6,20 105:15
153:4,20 198:9
physically 112:15
156:3 plans 72:19 197:14
198:12,23
157:5 point 10:10
picked 166:2 163:8,16 polling
11:4 26:11 99:5,25
pivot 147:25 164:2 51:14
171:4,22 103:10
place 14:11 76:18,22, 198:1,10,
182:1 25 107:13
34:24 35:5 184:19 11
99:5,25 141:3
185:13 143:21 polls 101:2
103:10 186:1 145:10,19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: pops..preparing
pops 79:8 85:6,21,23 187:10 precise
Porter 6:10 86:3,6,8, 188:5 84:25
22 87:2,4, 189:22 precisely
position 17,21 192:23
11:6 12:22 208:8
88:15,20 193:6
19:19 89:24 194:10 precluded
20:19 90:22 195:25 8:11
174:24 91:25 196:5,13, predecessor
178:24,25 92:14,19, 14 199:20 120:10,14,
180:16,19 23 93:15 200:10,21 15
185:20 94:4 97:3, 202:4,14,
prefer 94:7
positions 12 100:15, 25 203:21
20:18 20 101:1, 204:3 premarked
4,13 26:19 27:1
positive Post-selection
104:2,10, 52:4 70:25
78:3 81:3, 71:8
13,25 82:20
14,16 82:3 post- 94:16
105:6,13,
positives sentencing 97:21
21 108:6
80:4,11,19 110:25 104:19 101:20
81:20,24 111:8,10 110:24 106:25
82:8 113:1,11, postponed 111:24
207:21 15 116:9, 209:3,6,12 114:19
possess 21 126:16 119:3
potential
29:16 63:1 127:6 132:2
129:1
129:21 140:15
possesses 133:8
130:5 142:17
29:11 potentially 144:9
154:22
post 111:6 155:3 77:22 96:4 159:13
127:17 156:5,14 PPE 209:20 preparation
132:1 160:15,22 208:18
practice
Post-election 174:2 167:23 prepare
127:22 176:23 169:8,22 21:1,9,13
177:18
post-licensing practices 22:4,17
178:16
88:6 89:13 179:18 16:21 prepared
111:4 181:5 170:1,22 210:1
post-release 183:2,18 precinct preparing
84:19 184:1,8 11:25 208:15,24

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: present..problem
209:1 13:18 14:4 103:15 107:25
present 8:6 18:7 122:10 108:5
21:16,20, 186:24 124:17 110:23
24 112:24 prevents 125:10,19, 112:21
166:18 181:22,24 23 196:7 116:6,18
167:14 priority 127:6
previous 129:20
174:1 37:7,19 129:14
176:21 130:5
120:16 prison 101:3 148:25
177:16 128:18 127:8
178:14 149:2,3,
180:14 133:9 14,15
183:16 191:11 139:23
187:8 151:8,16,
previously 141:10,14 20 152:5,
188:3 143:10
189:10 61:19,24 12,18
74:7 75:8 149:15 154:17
192:21 155:2,9
193:5,24 83:15 160:15,22
131:14 196:21 174:2
199:18 197:5
200:8 176:23
primarily 201:12
202:2,12 177:18
39:16
203:1,8 prisons 178:15
primary 198:10 179:17
205:18
16:10 181:4
206:4 privilege
19:21 183:1,17,
presented 37:21,24 175:18
25 184:8
191:4 39:5 privileged 187:10
presenting 172:21 174:20 188:5
122:8 printer probation 189:21
124:16 147:12 47:13 192:22
171:1 51:12 193:6
printers
65:18,24 194:10
pretty 144:3 113:20
68:11,25 199:20
prevent 10:7 209:5
70:13 200:10,21
45:1 Printing 83:17 87:1 202:4,14,
61:20,22 147:8 89:2,15 24 203:20
151:21 92:9 96:24 204:3
prior 40:8,
157:25 100:12,14
12 61:8 problem
181:5 103:22
73:7 91:1 99:14
preventing 95:12 104:11 172:11

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: problems..prosecutors
200:5 117:2 27:13,21 12,14,20
problems 129:7 52:25 53:6 promotes
145:3 135:13 55:11 138:3
150:11 71:15 174:4
procedural 157:2 80:15
22:6 176:24
169:9 82:18 83:2 177:19
procedure 185:23 95:3 99:1 178:12,16
43:9,22 186:17,24 102:5,18 179:7,18
63:14 187:11,17, 107:6,9,12 180:1,10,
23 188:6 112:8 17 181:10
procedures
189:3,6, 115:6,7 183:6
8:8 13:18
12,23 119:5
14:4,11, promoting
190:15,25 207:17
12,16,20 172:15
191:9,20 produces
15:3,9 178:11,12
192:1 80:19
18:1,7,18,
209:13 prompt
23 22:6 professional
26:15 35:7 processed 135:23
12:9 20:23
49:18,23 61:21 proof 97:15
65:6,14 profile
191:23 properly
181:19 131:5,7
proceed 150:10
processes program
86:13 prosecuted
16:23 147:7
process 21:4 106:1,4
20:14 prohibit
23:18 24:4 129:19
85:17 44:19
32:10 130:3,19
138:11 155:19
35:12 133:5,9
191:15
36:4,7 prohibiting 195:7
37:22 processing 122:14 prosecution
52:12 60:4 36:11
prohibits 129:1
70:14 37:20
44:9 45:13 prosecutions
74:25 61:23
75:24 191:8,18 promise 122:15
77:1,14 159:12 129:22
procurement
79:3,6 promising 131:3,13
19:23
80:20 121:19 Prosecutor
produced
81:14,17 132:14
23:14,20, promote
82:6 94:9
23 26:1,7 182:3,10, prosecutors
111:19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: protective..question
129:6,11, 169:23 purported 14:17
19 170:18 160:2 18:11,13
protective providing 161:23 60:3 199:5
7:14 175:7 50:11 170:10,16 qualified
protocols 93:23 purposes 18:21
28:1 167:23 30:2 40:17 quantity
169:8 65:16,20, 191:25
prove 82:13 22 75:1,19
Public 29:20 quarterly
provide 42:4 49:12,19, 78:1 81:13
47:13,25 104:9 53:14
25 55:6 59:9,17
49:8 50:5, 62:18 164:6
23 89:8 61:2
64:19,23 purview
103:1 65:9 68:1 14:20 question
118:10,16 119:25 9:23,25
150:21 put 86:2,21 13:1 16:9
148:21 87:12,24
156:9 150:3,15 28:22
171:14 88:12 41:14
152:12 92:17,18
provided 155:1,7 42:19
113:23,24 43:16
21:6,7 publicize 153:6
22:7,9,10, 44:23
182:13 154:8 45:25
15 23:8
29:17,21 pull 26:9, putting 46:2,10
30:1 10 51:19 74:15 48:5 50:20
47:14,24 82:18 116:25 54:2 57:9
57:20 94:14 161:17,22 58:6
64:15 95:8 97:20 162:3,7,19 61:12,16
113:7 101:18 163:6 63:16,22,
117:15,23 114:10 166:12 24 65:16,
119:11 119:1 167:8,18 20,22
121:23 131:24 169:3 67:21
122:21 142:15 171:18 75:3,4
123:5,18 144:8 77:9 78:1
124:7 pulled 52:9 Q 81:13 82:2
126:1,20 86:20
pulling qualification 89:21
142:13 114:16 167:8 90:14,24
156:18,24
164:2 purely 185:9 qualifications 94:11
104:3,9,

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: questioning..reasonable
12,21 202:8 6:21,22 164:10,11,
105:1,14, 205:8 21:23 23 165:1,7
19 108:23 206:1 210:7 177:11
117:21 questioning race 135:8 187:15
126:22 126:25 205:1
128:18 raise 7:2
127:2 reading
134:17 174:12 ranked 15:24 88:18
135:22 181:9 16:18 91:14
136:5,24 201:7
questions rate 78:3,9
139:14 208:20
8:23 88:23 81:3 82:3
146:17
151:13 106:15 rates 81:14 reads 73:5,
161:10,21 110:15 23 86:3,23
rating 81:16
166:21 135:15 87:17
139:10 re-cross 88:16
167:2
149:10 207:9 92:20
168:1,21
169:11 164:7,19 reached 107:23
170:13 165:6,7, 24:1,8 108:3
171:12,15 17,24 124:23 109:13
174:11 175:8 ready 110:8
read 26:13
175:3,11, 177:14 132:24
31:8
15 176:16 206:21 159:6
53:12,21
177:11 207:7,9,13 176:13
54:3 57:23
180:4 208:13 209:10
76:18,20,
183:22 210:5,6,7
21 90:21 real 111:4
184:12,24 quick 106:8 100:4
185:9 208:13 reason 10:3
103:9
188:1 61:18 62:1
quote 84:2,8 118:13,18,
190:18 80:17
155:21 21,25
191:12 148:2
173:1 121:11,14,
193:2,14, 151:3
186:2 15 122:10,
17 194:18, 155:6
19 124:17,
20 196:25 quotes 133:2 156:13
24 125:7,
197:23,25 158:15 158:22
10,18
198:20 170:21
132:23
199:9 R 185:16
138:19
200:6 201:13
142:4
201:5 Rabinovitz
145:8 reasonable

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: reasons..reforms
105:5 150:12,14, 94:18 refer 129:4,
133:8,14 24 151:3, 102:13 8,12 139:3
151:14 11 152:11 107:2 164:24
reasons 154:18 112:4 reference
134:1 155:5,13 114:21 126:16
136:3,12 156:10 recollection 130:8
137:15,25 157:1 130:16 references
148:8 received record 6:3 117:17,25
recall 11:4 45:18 7:12,16,18 121:25
22:18 55:8 48:4,15 8:18 9:11 122:23
97:8 53:23 54:8 24:18 123:7,20
108:14 58:17 32:24 34:4 124:9
128:17 69:10,12 35:19 126:3
135:3 122:9 38:18
124:19 referral
144:25 98:11 122:2
154:23 125:9 110:8,16
155:25 131:5,13 113:4 referred
163:12 receives 119:10 130:20
185:12 53:14 120:22 referring
190:22 55:5,12 121:3,13 20:2 38:4
195:4,22 148:20 159:1,3,4, 168:10,17,
196:9 receiving 7 161:6 18 200:4
207:16,20 49:3 207:1,6,14
refers 74:4
receive 155:18 records 128:23
13:15 36:4 recent 28:8 81:15 202:23
46:4,10, 129:20 redesigned reflect 28:1
12,16,22 142:20 95:19 141:25
47:2,6
49:6 55:16 recently reduce reflected
56:4,13,25 88:3 114:24 143:18
57:22 58:9 recess 52:3 192:1
reflecting
59:8,15 110:6 Reducing 133:2
61:2 62:6, 159:5 191:25
reformed
17 67:4 176:10 reeligible 172:18
68:2 69:16 207:5 15:1 41:12
70:5 131:7 reforms
recognize 155:25
149:1,14 35:12,13
82:22

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: regime..released
regime 24 60:3,9, 32:24 34:4 registrations
139:5,15, 21 83:8 35:12,19 13:15
20 140:2, 116:3,4 38:18 53:22
4,13 133:15 39:13 40:4 56:20
142:6,12 136:13 49:5,9 57:20 58:4
143:4,15 137:3 54:7 56:19 74:19
145:5,22, 141:10,11, 57:4,11,25 80:9,19
25 146:13 14 153:16 58:24 81:19 82:5
147:1 181:16 59:22 regulate
148:5 206:18 60:2,4,6,7 186:2,9
149:19 registered 61:20,23
150:2 79:10 regulates
33:6,8 174:3
151:19 34:13 81:4,15
152:1,4 82:7 83:6 176:24
35:18 177:19
153:4,20 37:10,14 110:22
156:3 111:16 185:25
39:24
157:5,21 46:8,15 136:25 Regulating
158:1 49:7 54:20 137:6 172:15
171:4,21 58:22,25 138:11 178:10
181:25 59:11 69:5 140:19,25
relate 30:4
184:19 74:8,17 142:14,21
164:20
185:13,17, 118:12 144:12,17
175:9
21 186:1,7 135:17 153:15
190:23 172:16,22 relates
181:20
197:10 174:4 151:22
208:4
201:10 176:25 relating
204:9 registering 177:20 7:23 8:9,
118:20 178:17
regional 13 20:23
122:8 179:7,19
19:19 25:6,9
124:16 180:1,10, 51:4
register 137:7 17 181:18
18:22 141:5 relationship
182:3,20
39:25 181:6,22 121:20
183:7,19
40:1,6 205:7 184:2,9,17 release
54:21 57:3 registration 185:18 209:11
58:4,11, 11:20 186:3 released
13,19 17:22 209:7 84:20
59:12,17, 18:10 154:20,21

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: relevant..resident
155:2 80:18 176:13,14 174:11
relevant removed Reporting request
36:19 40:9 34:13 67:25 23:15
reliant 67:8 37:9,15 reports 72:19
39:13 46:9 28:15 176:1
relief 54:20
138:16,21 29:8,11 requested
58:23 60:7 53:14 110:19
rely 37:5 61:19,24 56:25
79:18 requests
38:23 59:9,17
39:11,16 154:2 25:14
60:5
40:19 repeat 28:22 require 78:7
represent
57:19 38:11 166:22
63:9,11 34:11
139:9 39:23 required
156:9 202:8 108:17
65:15
relying repeating 104:8 109:2
38:22 177:5 140:23 122:6
208:2 142:19,25 124:14
rephrase
remainder 143:18 125:8
48:5
139:4 144:15 requires
replaced 149:7,12
remember 184:24
84:18 152:14
113:6 requiring
report 31:5, 160:9
191:3 118:14,22
195:9,10, 9,12 32:3 representation
60:12 61:2 reregister
13 65:19
71:9,19 135:11
143:6
remind 98:15 80:5 187:1
149:8,17
remote 6:8, 119:13 152:16,20 research
11,15,19, 127:22 160:17 166:13,15
25 26:15 207:17 171:11 167:8,11
42:13 reporter 6:2 203:4 171:3,10
remotely 9:3 7:1,8,17 representative researched
8:16 38:7, 90:4,15 139:24
removal 34:9
11 91:8
54:13 represented reserving
110:10,12
61:18 62:1 153:11 207:8
158:25
remove 38:24 159:8 representing resident
56:19 6:6,10 31:14

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Resource..role
Resource restoration 175:2,15 107:17
15:25 50:2 64:21 revealing 115:14
resources 66:2,7 174:14 117:16,17,
39:2 161:10 24 118:1
review 22:16 121:9
restore
respect 39:7,8 122:1,24
146:21 186:17 50:7,8 123:8,21
respectfully restored 63:14 74:1 124:10
178:23 61:25 78:12 126:4
108:2 100:7 130:22
responds 130:22 163:5,7,15 131:16
161:7 182:25 reviewed 182:25
response 183:8 21:5 22:3, 183:5,8
22:22 192:7,25 5 25:25 186:18
23:15 193:9 39:6 63:5 187:12,23
25:13 194:3 164:1 188:7
159:17 199:13,23 189:13,24
200:13,24 reviewing
163:9 190:15
180:14 201:16 55:21
192:7,25
204:19 63:18
responses 193:9
205:6,23 76:24
209:16 194:2
206:9 100:5
199:13,23
responsibiliti 132:25
es 13:2 restoring 200:13,24
163:12
17:19 187:12,23 201:16
164:18
19:22 188:7 204:2,19
165:11,14
189:12,23 205:5,22
restate 208:17
190:15 206:8
44:23 revised
45:25 54:2 restrictions role 12:4
113:3
63:16 155:17 13:3,12
revisions 14:23 16:3
117:20 result 113:16
134:17 17:11,20,
145:16
rights 13:14 25 18:6,9,
restitution resulted 17,24
14:8 18:3
108:1,9, 78:3 25:24 19:6,15
12,19 resume 49:14 50:2 20:10
109:3,8, 175:21 51:4 61:25 67:25
12,15 64:21 72:18
reveal
66:2,8 136:18

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: rollout..seeking
196:20 150:4,15 184:21 120:5
197:3 152:12 scratch 126:24
rollout 155:1,7, 129:17 section 8:7,
19:24 12,14 9,15 73:4
screen 26:10
rolls 38:24, sake 7:19 27:3,4 91:2,3
25 39:14 82:2 71:5 72:25 96:17
79:18 Sam 132:12 99:16 112:17
132:4 143:22
roughly 35:4 sample 34:11 145:11,14
80:1,8 satisfy screen-share 160:12
81:18 82:4 204:17 26:11
152:22 seek 138:21
205:4,21 script 139:5,15
208:14 206:7 103:8,17 143:5
routine 144:24
schedule scroll 26:12
50:16 7:23 50:16 52:19 146:14
row 116:13, 61:10 147:1
scheduled
14 72:23 148:6
113:16
103:12 149:20
rule 7:22 117:9
116:12 150:3
8:3,12 scheme 132:17 151:19
77:19 166:17 159:23 153:5,21
145:25 167:13,22 161:2 156:3
ruled 77:6, 169:7,22 165:10,12 157:6
23 141:17 170:5 171:4,22
Scrolling
146:24 171:7,24 175:24
184:16 165:13
run 111:5 176:6
195:16 search 24:11 182:1
196:20 39:8 186:1
S
197:3 searched 190:24
Safety 29:20 schemes 25:13 201:11
49:12,19 185:6,7 seeking
searches
50:1 55:6 138:17,23
scope 86:10 24:16
62:18 139:21
87:6 89:17 second-to-last
64:19,23 140:13
92:25 201:21
65:9 142:7
109:17
119:25 secretary 143:16
131:17
148:21 119:24 145:22
133:11

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: SEIMS..serving
185:13 19:1 31:3 141:13 sentencing
204:10 33:12,17 145:15 83:20
SEIMS 33:2,8 41:7,17 153:1 84:17
35:19 45:17 159:25 141:12
61:20,22 46:22 199:24 separate
74:18 47:15 202:23 40:24
75:13,24 48:20 203:15
49:14 207:24 serve 17:11
78:24 115:21
80:10 50:3,10 208:4,7
51:7 55:8, 171:4,23
209:8 sentenced
15 56:9 148:25 served 19:7
select 57:2 58:12 149:13 166:16
31:15,16 59:18 167:12
152:18
send 8:16 60:20,21 191:2 186:19
40:24 61:5,18
sentences serves
41:1,11, 62:8,22
15:6 18:8 112:15
18,21 63:4,11
20:12 42:5 167:23
43:10,11, 70:7,17,23
47:23 169:7,22
13 47:21 73:5,23
54:12,16 75:12 77:5 55:19 56:6 service
68:14 83:16 63:2 64:8, 193:19
69:7,14,21 86:5,25 14,19 65:1 206:14
70:22 88:16 66:1,7
serving
101:24 89:1,19 76:1,11
13:24
150:4 92:8 78:23
14:14
153:22 96:21,24 121:24
15:13
154:2,11 100:11 122:22
18:8,14
210:15 101:3 123:6,19
19:1 20:11
107:23,25 124:8
sending 31:3,20
112:21 126:2
101:25 33:16
116:1,6,17 128:25
59:18
sends 70:19 118:15,23 129:5
66:17,24
122:8 142:4
sense 64:6 68:10,25
124:15,24 155:24
sentence 70:12
125:2,7, 186:20
13:24 75:11,25
12,23 187:2
14:25 76:11
128:6,11 199:14
15:14 78:23
129:10 200:14
18:15,20 101:3

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: set..software
115:22 34:23 35:3 signing 80:16 81:1
116:17 123:12 122:10 124:22
118:15,23 show 28:17, 124:18 125:15
121:23 23 30:3 125:11,19 126:8
122:7,22 31:1,23 similar 41:6 148:1
123:5,18 32:19 54:17 156:12
124:8,15 33:10 34:1 72:12 157:3,18
126:2 55:23 74:24 162:15,17
128:10,24 111:23 75:23 163:23
129:10 140:10 179:5
130:5 simple 147:6 180:24
144:7 189:6
141:13 159:12 190:2,11
145:15 198:15 201:1
153:1 showed 80:1 simplified situation
207:24 111:16 189:4 48:2,7
208:4,7 showing 121:4
simplifies
set 50:16 37:18 64:7 187:11,22 skills 78:8
110:11 shown 80:22 188:6
134:1 189:11,22 skip 97:19
shows 31:9 106:22
137:13 190:14
38:16
159:18 skipped
57:13 simplify
185:7 114:18
62:21,22 187:19
share 71:5 99:24 189:8 slide 28:14
sharing 101:1 192:1 34:9 37:7,
16:21 103:8 simplifying 19 38:2
197:20,25 186:16 39:2,20,
shifting 198:11 188:22,23, 22,23
51:25 40:16
side 36:8 25 189:2
shoes 86:2, 96:17 99:20
21 87:12, simply 89:21
99:15 slightly
25 88:13, 141:3 sir 110:12 34:17
14 92:19 159:8 60:18
sign 91:5
short 142:4 sit 97:5 smart 56:10
signature
shorthand Site 98:19
210:19 so-called
139:8 129:24
significant sitting
shortly 44:18,24
78:10 software

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: sold..stands
17:2 20:2, 70:11 109:5,17 97:24 98:4
6,7 speak 36:10 117:19 99:13
sold 120:25 48:12 118:3 100:3
72:21 131:19 102:10
solely 63:9 133:12 103:6
89:4,17
solemnly 7:3 118:9 134:16 106:24
174:9 141:22 112:3
somebody's
176:2 142:9 127:25
182:25
146:3 128:2
202:24 speaking 153:9,25 stamped
someone's 16:9 88:1 173:19
136:12 28:13 34:7
100:24 182:6 53:10
sort 19:7 specific 186:6 72:24
28:9 157:24 195:19 83:11
75:10,15 193:17 196:24
197:7 stand 106:20
76:10 specifically
115:19 201:18 standard
9:24 23:5
117:1 203:13,23 36:22,24
107:15
129:11 204:13,25 37:2
115:18
205:13,25 117:16,24
sought specificity
Speculative 121:24
184:19 160:2
86:12 122:23
sound 26:23 170:10 123:6,19
30:18 spent
speculate 124:9
208:14,20 126:3,20,
sounds 81:22 88:7
104:23 split 32:2 23
speculation
109:24 34:25 36:2 spoke 64:17 standards
110:5 43:7 45:23 113:5 126:12
151:7 47:11 spoken 21:3 standing
source 38:23 48:11 65:3 87:19
80:12 87:8 stack 22:19
67:6 69:15 88:17
74:12 93:2 staff 24:2,8
standpoint
100:22 25:5
sources 45:15
101:8,16 121:22
119:8 182:24
104:6,16 208:17
South 66:13 105:9 stands 73:13
stamp 34:7
68:8,24 108:22 186:7
76:16
69:1,13

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: start..state
start 66:21 16,20,21 21 78:10, 142:6,11
178:11 31:12,17 14,21,25 145:18
started 7:11 32:1,17,22 79:13 146:10,17
117:1 33:13,25 83:2,6 148:2,19
34:17 86:19 152:25
starters 35:22 88:22 89:7 155:22
79:23 37:1,8 90:5 93:9, 157:4
starting 38:4,15 14,24 94:2 159:16
91:19 39:4,16 95:2,9 160:1,2,20
132:19 40:13 98:11,25 161:6,7
41:9,14,17 99:4 162:6,18,
starts 76:19
42:1 43:2 102:18 25 163:15,
98:3,12
46:12 103:2 25 166:14,
102:9
47:3,7,17, 107:6,10, 23 167:2,
106:23
20 48:4,13 13 108:23 10,20
112:3
49:4,17,24 112:9 168:9,17,
121:13
50:12 113:24 21 169:5,
127:25
51:16 114:2 19 170:9,
128:2
53:1,6,13 115:8,12 14 171:2,
161:5
54:10 55:7 119:6 20 172:20,
state 6:6 56:6,17,22 120:11,17 25 173:9,
7:22 8:3, 62:4,11, 121:21 15,24
5,7,12,22 16,22,25 122:20 176:20
9:10 11:3 63:8,22 123:4,16 177:6,8,
12:20 64:1,18 124:6,12, 10,15,23,
13:5,7,9, 65:11 21 125:13, 24 178:4,
12,17 14:3 66:13 15,24,25 13,19,24
19:3,5,12, 67:4,14, 126:9,25 179:4,13,
20 21:6,17 20,22,24 127:1 15 180:8,
23:14,22 68:3,18 128:7,23 15 183:3,
25:4,12 69:17 129:3,8,16 15,21,23
26:2 70:4,8,18, 130:20 184:6,14
27:13,21, 24 71:16, 133:23 185:16
23 28:2, 19 72:2,7, 134:18,25 186:23
18,19,24 11,13 135:19 187:7,16,
29:1,11, 73:7,13 136:1,25 20 188:1,2
13,23 75:3,9 137:13 189:8,16,
30:5,8,14, 77:2,8,15, 138:20 17,19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: state's..supervised
190:10,24 201:8 steps 54:6 128:8
192:11,14 statements 58:15 Structured
193:2,11, 100:8 79:12 83:20
23 194:5, 157:17 84:17
8,20 states 7:20 199:13,22
195:23 14:2 33:14 200:12,24 stumbling
196:25 45:11 201:16 111:3
198:9 67:8,11 subject
76:8 83:18 stop 61:15
199:17 111:21 63:21
200:6,7, 84:10 84:20
112:23 112:11,14
16,18,19 121:7
201:12 116:20 stores 122:11
202:1,10, 123:25 120:24 150:6
11 203:7, 124:11 story 132:23 167:7
17,24 139:19 207:8
140:1,3,5, Strach
204:1,8
12 145:18, 119:24 submits
205:2,17
21 160:25 120:5,10 57:11
206:1,3
207:18 202:18 straightforwar submitted
208:2 d 144:4 24:19
stating 8:19
209:25 49:6 198:21
subpart
state's streamline 83:13
Station
66:12,17, 98:19 183:13,14
subset 26:4
23 185:17,22
status 21:13 substitute
stated 15:2 streamlines
31:10,20 114:4
31:18 58:5 32:5,9,20 174:3
176:24 substituted
76:5 38:6,17
177:19 115:3
100:1,23 49:8 124:4
153:19 156:9,25 183:18 successful
157:8 157:15 184:1,9,16 122:15
179:12 205:8,9 streamlining suggest 80:7
193:12 172:15 81:2
statute
196:9,16 178:10 197:10
161:10
statement 183:14
stay 158:25 super 91:18
80:14 185:3
step 99:20, supervised
118:5,7 strict
137:20 23 65:18
127:11

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: supervises..talking
supervises 179:7,18 64:20
65:10 180:10 103:9,21 T
supervision 181:5 suspect tabulation

66:18,24 182:2 158:11,16 20:7
84:19,21 183:2,6,18
184:1,9 suspected tabulators
85:6,22,23 128:23
187:10,22 20:7
86:3,6,9, 129:4
22 87:2,4, 188:5 takes 34:24
17,21 189:11,22 swear 7:3 35:5
88:7,15,20 190:14
switch 82:15 taking 78:22
89:24 192:23
117:11
90:22 193:7,25 talk 9:18
194:11,23 sworn 9:3 44:25
92:1,15,
20,23 195:25 synonymous 82:16
93:16 94:5 196:5,13, 91:25 154:17
97:3,12 15 199:20 174:13
synopsis
100:16,20 200:10,22 175:20,23
208:23
101:1,4,14 202:4,14, 176:5
25 203:10, system 19:24
104:2,10, talked 20:22
21 204:4 20:5 47:25
13,19,25 37:6 38:14
205:20 57:12
105:7,13, 41:24 46:3
206:6,12, 69:13,18
22 108:6 48:3,7
14,15,16 73:25
111:1,9,11 57:6
74:5,22
113:1,11, supplemental 62:12,20
75:10,18,
15 116:10, 28:5 78:15,17,
23 115:16
22 126:16 support
20 79:24
143:3
127:7 81:10 148:18
144:22
129:21 122:14 152:24
149:4
130:6 170:4 153:12
150:14
138:25 180:5 154:19
209:8
154:22 181:1 155:20
155:3 systematic 170:2,9
156:5,15 supported 70:14 190:22
160:15,23 78:11 195:4,22
systems
174:3 supporting 19:22 20:1 talking
176:23 19:21 140:6 50:25
177:18 70:10
supposed
178:16

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: tasked..today
91:15 160:12 208:23 210:12,18
125:3,5 191:3 210:3 times 21:11
164:14 terminology thinking
171:6 timing 158:8
29:4 85:2 158:7
172:8 88:4,8,10 tired 177:4
180:1 thousand
127:15 17:6 title 12:18
tasked 49:12 terms 107:24 28:14
thousands
technical 116:5 29:19 34:8
95:25 52:10
64:6 152:18
158:8 time 10:21 71:21
technician
191:24 11:7 18:16 102:13
19:17 19:16 140:21
202:24
technology 203:20 20:16 titled 39:20
27:7 28:1 207:21 26:13 71:8 73:4
189:5 31:14 36:7 94:22
terrible
telling 40:3 51:22 98:18
75:4 52:1 58:5
41:19 99:20
43:14 tested 60:22 61:9 113:23
45:3,19 209:9,10 63:20 116:13
46:6,18,23 testified 72:10 127:21
47:8 48:16 9:4 12:12, 83:24 132:13
61:9 70:20 16 89:21 141:4
79:9 107:13
testimony 118:19 today 9:14
106:19 7:3 10:4,8 10:4,8
124:20
tells 34:18 105:3 126:13 22:17 23:5
template 196:8 135:3,4 44:18,24
36:23,24 thing 60:15 139:10 80:16 81:1
37:2 40:3, 89:15 147:16 84:9 85:10
13 97:22 149:22 97:6
112:17 153:17 124:22
ten 110:1,2 125:16
139:9 158:9,23
term 85:4, 178:7 126:8
things 148:1
5,8,9,12, 183:22
13,15,16, 11:19,22 156:12
197:1
18 149:1, 22:24 36:8 157:3,18,
200:6
14 154:18 111:5 25 159:12
206:1
156:7,16 113:19 162:15,18
208:19

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: today's..understanding
163:23 transcript turn 28:12 9:13 10:1
166:17 9:16 34:6 39:18 12:25
167:23 transfer 52:7 53:9 13:23
169:8,23 102:2 66:10 71:2 14:24 21:4
170:17 83:10 30:23 46:1
179:5 transition 90:25 48:17
180:24 154:16 99:11 66:15
183:24 transitioning 100:2 73:21
187:21 145:4 107:19 85:13,14
190:2,11 128:5 87:22
Transylvania
201:1 172:6 88:6,21
17:10,23
208:24,25 192:3 89:6,25
18:17 19:6
210:12 199:10 90:10,19
Trena 21:21 201:21 92:21
today's 21:2
trial 12:13, turned 19:5 93:6,7
told 133:25 127:4,10
17 141:12 80:3
top 53:11 128:13,19
true 27:12, turnout
56:13 131:12
20 52:24 173:6,21
97:17 133:17
53:5 71:14
107:11,21 turns 19:2 157:14
83:1 95:1
127:20 168:14
98:24 type 140:12
132:8 169:13
102:17
192:4 173:8
115:6 U
185:4
touch 20:10 142:1
Uh-huh 69:6 188:17
touched 37:4 152:3
120:1 191:13
track 73:16 trust 135:6
ultimately understandable
tracking trusted 122:3
26:1
209:15 135:9,12 139:11
uncertain
trailed truth 7:4,5 understanding
90:20
114:14 9:14 61:9 7:20 22:12
134:11,21
122:25 truthful 25:18
unclear 30:17
trails 42:18 10:4,8
87:13 31:19 33:2
104:12
training underneath 39:10 44:9
19:25 27:7 truthfully
99:17 57:18 65:8
209:22 104:3 67:1 71:25
understand

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: Understood..vote
85:19,25 update 61:17 169:24 111:17,18
90:15,16, 112:25 170:19 114:12
17,18 147:12 172:1 115:11
103:7 updated 173:3,11 140:25
104:22 28:15 174:7 144:17
105:11 95:13 99:9 177:2,22 versions
109:20,21 111:19,22 179:21 110:20
127:9 117:6 180:13 114:5,8
130:7 126:15 183:9
131:1 187:3,14, versus 90:16
139:2 updates 28:9 24 188:9 video 99:17
174:10,18 updating 189:15,25
view 188:13
Understood 58:23 94:9 190:16
95:14 193:1,10 violate 8:21
95:23
121:5 170:23 194:4,14, violated
24 200:1, 122:13
undertake user 31:15,
15 202:6,
171:2 16 violates
16 203:13,
user-friendly 184:21
undertook 23 205:24
208:18 94:10 violations
variables
95:22 15:16
Uniform 147:24
121:8 148:15 virtue
V 198:18
uniformity vary 147:9,
127:1,2 vacuum 16 visible
148:11 114:24
United varying
145:18 vague 28:21 16:15 vividly
29:3 45:23 135:3
unlawfulness Velez 21:22
49:21 voice 91:16
122:5 verb 183:14
63:13 75:2
unlike 108:8 78:6 83:21 185:24 volume 51:3
unreasonable 93:17 verbs 178:7, vote 13:25
134:7 105:9 8 14:9,15
124:25 15:1,5
unsure Veronica
134:15 18:11,12,
136:20 25:2
138:18 20,22
untimely 157:7 version 20:12
35:15 167:25 28:6,10 28:20 29:2

30(b)(6) Karen Brinson Bell on 07/16/2020 ·Index: voted..voter's
31:2,18, 101:4,12 17,22 61:19,24
21,25 103:10 182:2,18, 62:9 69:5
32:4,8,11 105:14,20, 19 187:1 83:5 91:5
33:21 23 109:14 192:13 99:21,24
34:19 112:12 194:13 100:8
35:18 116:4,13 195:7 103:21
37:14 118:12,21 196:22 110:21
39:24,25 122:9 197:5,18, 111:15
40:1,6 124:16,17 21 201:12 118:17
41:3,8,12, 127:13 202:20 134:4,6,9
20 42:6 128:16 205:7 136:25
43:5,15 130:15 206:19 138:11
44:12,21 131:16 voted 15:13 140:19,25
45:4,20 132:14 19:1 72:3 142:14,20,
46:7,18,24 133:4 74:23 21 144:11,
47:9 48:9, 134:12,22 76:2,12 12,17
17,19 135:11 77:3,16 172:16,22
54:22 56:8 136:4,7, 80:21 173:21
57:4 14,21 122:4 174:4
58:11,13, 137:3,7, 128:16 176:24
19 59:1, 11,17,18, 129:9 177:19
11,13,18, 19,24 143:2,10 178:17
25 60:9,22 138:2,8 195:6 179:7,19
62:6,23 139:1,22 207:23 180:1,10,
64:9 66:19 141:5,11, 208:6 17 181:18,
67:2,16 14 143:10 20 182:3,
68:15,18 146:21 voter 11:20 20 183:6,
69:9 70:21 149:21 13:15 18 184:2,
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0
BACKGROUND The N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) is an independent and
bipartisan agency charged with oversight of elections in North Carolina.
Advances in database technology and data quality and the formation of
an in-house investigative team now allow the agency to develop audits
that flag irregularities for review by investigators. These “post-election
integrity audits” compare voter and election records with various
government databases to identify potentially ineligible voters and
irregularities, ranging from unintentional violations to intentional voter
fraud and elections tampering. [Appendix 1: Audit Descriptions]
Conducting integrity audits requires NCSBE to walk an extremely tight

line: Preserving processes that ensure broad access to the polls while
preventing unlawful participation. Data cannot tell the whole story and
audit results must be analyzed carefully by those who know the
limitations of individual data sources. Data analysts work alongside
trained investigators with prior experience in state and federal law
enforcement to review cases before drawing conclusions or involving
prosecutors.
State law requires our agency to investigate “frauds and irregularities in

elections” and to report violations to the attorney general or district
attorneys. [Appendix 2: G.S. § 163-22(d)]
NCSBE takes seriously its uniquely independent position to address

allegations of fraud in the state through responsible, data-driven
investigations. In 2015, this agency created a formal Investigations
Division — one of a few of its kind in the nation — to review allegations
related to elections and refer them to prosecutors when warranted by
evidence.
State and federal elected officials, journalists and everyday citizens have
requested information regarding cases of fraud or investigations
following the 2016 elections. [Appendix 3: Congressional Letter]
Rather than providing information on a one-off basis, NCSBE staff

prepared this report, which is intended to provide an overview of audits,
findings and investigations related to the 2016 general election in North
Carolina, while offering context necessary to avoid misinterpretation.
Where possible, this report also provides numbers of voters who
investigators are reviewing or who investigators have concluded were
not eligible to participate.
Irregularities occur in small percentages in nearly every election, and

North Carolina is not immune to this. Administrative error and
misunderstanding should be distinguished from systemic manipulation
or intentional fraud. However, NCSBE understands that whether an
irregularity is administrative, unintentional or intentional, the end result
is an ineligible vote that dilutes votes lawfully cast by eligible voters.
Even assuming all ineligible ballots identified in this report were cast
for the prevailing candidate, no races -- statewide or local -- would
have had a different outcome than the one already certified by the
state.
1
SUMMARY Nearly 4.8 million N.C. voters participated in the 2016 general election,
the largest number in state history. It is important to recognize that
suspected cases of ineligible voters casting ballots and/or committing
fraud represent a tiny fraction of that number.
The following data points summarize the results of post-election audits

from the 2016 general election:
 441 open cases of voting by suspected active felons. The State

Constitution disqualifies current felons from voting until their
sentence is completed, including probation or parole. Investigators
were able to rule out more than 100 voters initially flagged as
ineligible through the audit, further supporting the need for
investigative review of data audits. These new processes are being
implemented to ensure those serving felony sentences do not remain
on the voter rolls and that all registrants are checked against the
current felons’ database at the time of registration. New processes
fill gaps in the list maintenance process outlined in G.S. § 163-
82.14(c).
 41 non-citizens with legal status (green card, etc.) cast ballots.
The State Constitution only permits U.S. citizens to register and to
vote. The audit pairing state and federal databases identified an
additional 34 voters who provided documents showing they are U.S.
citizens. Investigators continue to review 61 additional records.
 24 substantiated cases of double-voting initiated through tips
and data audits. An initial audit identified a few dozen additional
voter records that remain under review, though administrative errors
by poll workers can lead to voter history being assigned to the wrong
people; this may lead to false positives in audits that can only be
detected by more detailed review.
 Two cases of voter impersonation referred to prosecutors.
NCSBE is conducting additional review using death data and
double-voting audits to identify whether additional cases should be
investigated. Of the two cases referred, one involves voting by mail,
and the other involves voting in person. Both involve family
members voting in the place of a recently deceased loved one,
forgery of the deceased voter’s signature, and subsequent
admissions to investigators. [Appendix 4: Admission Letters]
 Irregularities affecting absentee by-mail voting in Bladen
County. The State Board voted unanimously late last year to refer
an investigation into suspected criminal activity to federal
prosecutors.
 No evidence of ballot stuffing or equipment tampering. NCSBE
was among the first states to partner with the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security in an effort last year to prevent cyber hacking.
A separate audit of voting systems logs presented no evidence of
administrative fraud, including in Durham County (where an
investigation in the March primary was referred to local
prosecutors).
[Appendix 5: Breakdown of Voting Irregularities by Type, Party

Affiliation of Voters]
2
All numbers above are subject to change based on ultimate investigative
findings.
A provisional ballot audit resulted in 428 ballots of eligible voters

being counted that would not otherwise have counted. The audit was
performed to ensure uniformity and compliance with election laws
among the 100 county boards of election. [Appendix 1: Audit
Descriptions]
FELONS Under G.S. § 163-275(5), it is a Class I felony “for any person convicted
of a crime which excludes the person from the right of suffrage, to vote
. . . without having been restored to the right of citizenship.”
NCSBE initiates investigations into possible cases of felons voting

through a system of data audits followed by investigator review,
referrals from county boards of elections and tips from the public.
In late January 2017, NCSBE sent letters to suspected felon voters

identified through data audits, notifying recipients that they may have
illegally voted and that their registrations would be canceled in 30 days
unless they objected in writing and presented evidence that they are not
active felons. See G.S. §§ 163-82.14(c)(3) and 163-82.14(c) [Appendix
6: Sample Letter to Suspected Felon Voters]
Some suspected felons provided information showing they were not

active felons (they had completed their sentences, been convicted of a
misdemeanor or received a deferred prosecution, for example), and were
eligible to vote. Others told investigators that they did not know they
had lost their voting rights upon conviction.
Currently, 441 files of suspected felon voters remain open after an initial
screening and contacts or attempted contacts with the voters.
Investigators have begun referring investigation reports regarding felons

to local prosecutors. To date, 16 substantiated cases from the 2016
general election have been referred to district attorneys. The remaining
425 are expected to be referred when investigations are complete. Under
state law, felon voting is a strict liability offense, and thus a felon may
be convicted of a crime even if he or she does not know that voting while
serving an active sentence is wrongful.
Updated voter lists help prevent individuals from unintentional

violations. An individual may, for instance, legally register to vote
before becoming a felon and then appear at the polls while on probation.
Such a person may not understand they are ineligible. NCSBE has
reexamined its registration and list maintenance processes and is taking
significant steps to discourage unlawful participation by current felons.
NCSBE’s efforts include:
3
 Working with public safety officials and the court system to
ensure that convicted felons are expressly notified that they lose
their voting rights upon conviction, and regain them only after
completing their sentence, including probation and parole. Certain
suspects claimed they were never informed of the restriction. An
initial review of associated plea agreements and contact with
probation personnel indicate there is room to improve education
around voting rights. [Appendix 7: Letter to DPS/AOC on Felons]
 Increasing data-sharing between local election officials to
ensure a felon removed in one county does not re-register in
another county, unless his or her sentence is complete. Though
the past system followed the requirements of G.S. § 163-82.14(c), a
gap in the legacy voting data system may have allowed some active
felons to register or to re-register without being detected.
Additional felons who did not vote in the general election were
recently removed from the voter rolls, closing that gap. These
removals followed the notice sent to felons by mail and waiting
period required under state law. Fixing the gap and educating
affected voters will reduce the opportunity for unintentional
violations. It also will improve the likelihood of successful
prosecutions against willful offenders.
 Updating elections software to check felon status at the time of
registration. The improved system is being coded and will roll out
statewide this summer, substantially improving the maintenance
efforts through current technologies and new data-sharing
relationships.
 Adding checkboxes to voter forms to ensure participants are
aware of voter qualifications, including the restriction on current
felons. [Appendix 8: New Voter Forms]
 Educating the public about voting requirements through NCSBE
website, outreach events, news releases, social media and other
means.
NON-CITIZENS The N.C. Constitution allows only U.S.-born and naturalized citizens to
register and vote. It is unlawful for a non-citizen to register or vote in a
state or federal election.
A separate post-election audit and post-audit investigation using state

and federal databases identified non-U.S. citizens suspected of casting
ballots in the general election. Upon receipt of a letter from NCSBE, 41
of these individuals acknowledged they were not U.S. citizens.
[Appendix 9: Sample Letter to Possible Non-U.S. Citizen Voters].
The investigation into these cases, including interviewing voters, is
ongoing.
All cases involve documented non-citizens who were admitted into the
country lawfully. All individuals subject to this audit were matched to
the Department of Homeland Security’s database using information
obtained from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
4
NCSBE research shows the 41 non-citizen voters originally came from
28 different countries. [Appendix 10: Breakdown of Non-U.S. Citizen
Voters by Country of Origin]
This audit, detailed in Appendix 1, identified 61 additional voters who

did not respond to the letter, and investigations into those cases continue
as well. And 34 voters, tagged by the same audit, subsequently provided
proof of citizenship, highlighting the fact that data matches alone are not
sufficient to verify citizenship or to take action against the voters
without follow-up investigations.
Information obtained from those who are not citizens illustrates the
complexity of this work. A number of non-citizens said they were not
aware that they were prohibited from voting. Interviews and evidence
show that some non-citizens were misinformed about the law by
individuals conducting voter registration drives or, in at least one
documented case, by a local precinct official. One registrant in her 70s
has lived in the United States for more than 50 years and believed that
she was a citizen because she had been married to a U.S. citizen.
Investigations on non-citizen cases also have revealed the complexities

of immigration law and citizenship status. For instance, some
individuals achieve citizenship as a matter of law through “derived
citizenship” as the child of a naturalized citizen, though paperwork
showing that changed status is only available if requested and official
databases may not reflect the correct status. An Application for
Certificate of Citizenship costs $1,170. Individual contact with affected
registrants has also illustrated the limitations of the data. Even where
data from the Division of Motor Vehicles, the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security and the voter rolls matched exactly, a high
proportion of flagged individuals were citizens. [Appendix 1: Audit
Descriptions]. For this reason, it is important to take a case-by-case
approach to these matters.
As with felons, education and understanding of state law appear to be

the primary problem. Consequently, warnings on voter registration
forms and voting documents are being reviewed to improve their
effectiveness. [Appendix 8: Revised Voter Forms]. NCSBE is
working with the Division of Motor Vehicles to more clearly indicate
that registrants must be U.S. citizens. Additionally, NCSBE is
developing additional poll worker training to address the nuances with
terms like “permanent resident” and “green card” so that poll workers
are better equipped to assist voters who are uncertain about their
eligibility.
DOUBLE VOTERS So-called double voters violate state and federal law by voting more
& than one time in a single election. A suspect may do so by voting
multiple times within the same jurisdiction or in different jurisdictions.
IMPERSONATION NCSBE is currently investigating 24 substantiated cases of double-
voting from the 2016 general election.
5
North Carolina maintains a strong system that checks for this behavior
throughout voting, whether through the mail, at early voting locations,
or in the precinct on Election Day. However, variations in voter
information or human error can allow a double voter to go undetected
until more nuanced investigation is performed. Some violators appear
to be “testers” trying to find holes in the system. Others claim their
property ownership in multiple jurisdictions should allow them to vote
in each, and others brush past the law to support their candidate by any
means necessary. Additionally, a case that initially appears to be a
double voter — an individual who votes twice — may actually be a case
of voter impersonation — an individual who casts a ballot using the
identity of another person.
Detecting double voting and voter impersonation is a time-intensive

process. Database matching is not enough, as administrative errors can
lead to voter history being assigned to the wrong person — such as when
a poll worker checks off the wrong name on the poll book. Instead, data
is only the starting point for cases that ultimately involve live interviews
and signature analyses. NCSBE has begun that process on possible in-
state double voting cases in 2016. This initial review of NC voter
registration records indicates that there are a few dozen possible
additional cases of double voting; however, this process is still in its
preliminary stages and staff have not yet completed review of voter
documents to determine whether the match was due to administrative
error rather than illegal voting.
NCSBE rarely encounters verified cases of voter impersonation, though

two cases are being referred to prosecutors from the election last fall. In
one instance, a widow voted by mail after allegedly forging her
husband’s signature in the presence of relatives. In the second instance,
a daughter allegedly presented in person to vote in the name of her
deceased mother. The suspects in each case indicated that they were
motivated out of a desire to carry out their loved one’s voting wishes.
[Appendix 4: Admission Letters]. NCSBE is conducting additional
audits using state and federal death databases and screening algorithms
to review 19 cases in which records indicate a date of death earlier than
the date on which records indicate that person voted. An initial review
of the voter registration documents indicates that a number of these are
likely cases of mistaken identity rather than voter fraud where, for
example, the death record was for a “John Smith Sr.” and the voter
record was for a “John Smith Jr.”
While no audit exists to catch all possible cases of voter impersonation,

double voter and deceased voter audits may detect such cases. State law
puts additional deterrents in place. They include requiring identification
documents from (1) voters whose information cannot be verified or who
wish to register and vote on the same day during the early voting period,
(2) requiring voters to state their name and address, and (3) requiring
6
two witness signatures or a notarial certificate on absentee return
envelopes.1
Also, since 2014, NCSBE has used data from the Interstate Crosscheck
Program as a tool to help identify voters who vote in more than one state
in the same election. Administered by the Kansas Secretary of State’s
office, the program identifies possible duplicate registrations among
states and provides evidence of possible double voting. NCSBE recently
received the program’s data for 2016 and will examine it in the coming
months.
NEXT STEPS NCSBE continues to investigate voting irregularities from the 2016
general election and will refer cases to prosecutors where appropriate.
Findings from post-election audits and subsequent investigations allow
NCSBE to pinpoint which policies are best suited to improving electoral
integrity in the state. For example, because this agency knows that many
irregularities occurred because of a lack of information and education,
we know to direct our efforts to better educating registrants and those
who help citizens register to vote. This agency stands ready to help
policymakers, advocacy organizations, media representatives, and the
general public understand the topic of voting irregularities and provide
information that will help them draw accurate and appropriate
conclusions.
This agency strongly cautions readers not to refer to each of these cases
as “voter fraud.” As stated earlier, “ineligible voters casting ballots”
may be the result of unintentional or intentional conduct. Fraud, in most
cases, is an intent crime that requires prosecutors to show that the voter
knowingly committed a crime.
The evidence suggests that participation by ineligible voters is neither

rampant nor non-existent in North Carolina. Our audits suggest that
in the 2016 general election, approximately 0.01% of ballots were cast
by ineligible voters. Most incidents are isolated and uncoordinated,
and detecting technical violations does not always prove purposefully
unlawful conduct. Our work indicates that ineligible voters are not
isolated to one political party or any geographical region of the state.
When people do vote unlawfully, either out of ignorance or to perpetrate

a fraud, NCSBE now has procedures in place to detect and investigate
those incidents and refer potential criminal cases to prosecutors where
warranted. North Carolina has made tremendous advances in data
analysis and investigation tactics, and NCSBE remains committed to
improving elections administration responsibly by integrating new data
streams into its processes, where appropriate. The report reflects our
agency’s commitment to public transparency, the rule of law, and our
mission to promote access to the polls and the vigilance necessary to
preserve the credibility of electoral outcomes.
1
A federal court enjoined additional identification and registration requirements under S.L. 2013-381 on
July 29, 2016.
7
Post-Election Audit Report
APPENDIX 1
Audit Descriptions
Overview
The following audits are designed to ensure election integrity by maintaining accurate voter rolls and
proper oversight of election processes. Audits take various forms and are crafted to identify data
anomalies that could indicate potential issues or problems, while supporting the N.C. State Board of
Elections’ goal of uniformity and compliance across 100 counties.
The audits have detected instances in which ineligible voters are suspected of casting ballots in the 2016
general election. NCSBE has developed a thorough process to investigate these cases and, when
warranted, refer them to prosecutors across the state to consider criminal charges. NCSBE understands
that some of these cases will be prosecuted and others will not, based on the unique circumstances of
each case.
It is important to note that data used to identify suspected ineligible voters, like all data, is not perfect
and matches require further analysis and investigation. This agency has taken great care to ensure that
no one is publicly accused of any crime or referred to prosecutors without evidence that a crime was
committed and that referral for prosecution is warranted.
Felon Audit
Under state law, it is a Class I felony “for any person convicted of a crime which excludes the person
from the right of suffrage, to vote . . . without having been restored to the right of citizenship.”
After an election, the N.C. State Board of Elections checks the state’s voter registration database against
a list of current felons from the N.C. Department of Public Safety. This analysis cross-checks dates of
birth and driver’s license numbers between the two databases. When a match occurs, NCSBE reviews
voting history to determine whether the individual may have cast a vote while serving a felony sentence.
If an active felon appears to have voted, NCSBE investigators then refer to an additional criminal records
database, the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS), for further
verification. The resulting matches from this second check may then be followed up with interviews,
mailings and other traditional investigative methods.
If a current felon appears to be improperly registered, county boards of elections may proceed to remove
the registration following notice and hearing, if requested, as required by state law.
Non-U.S. Citizen Audit
The N.C. Constitution allows only U.S.-born and naturalized citizens to register and vote, and it is
unlawful for a non-citizen to vote in a state or federal election. To identify non-U.S. citizens who may
have cast ballots, NCSBE first checks voter records against N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
data, which indicates whether a customer’s driver’s license contains a restriction code related to their
non-citizen status. Other DMV tables are then cross referenced to determine if evidence of citizenship
was provided in a subsequent visit to the DMV.
Appendix Page 1
The resulting matches are run through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien
Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE) database, an information service for agencies to verify
an individual’s immigration status.
NCSBE has determined based on past experience that a match with the SAVE database is not a reliable
indicator that a person is not a U.S. citizen because the database is not always updated in a timely manner
and individuals who derived citizenship from their parents through naturalization or adoption may show
up as non-citizens in SAVE.
Also, due to timing issues and the fact that DMV data is generally updated only when licenses are issued,
DMV data alone is not reliable for this purpose either. In fact, voters who appear to be non-citizens
based on DMV data were confirmed to be U.S. citizens in the SAVE database 97.6 percent of the
time.
If SAVE indicates a voter is a non-citizen, NCSBE opens a case file and attempts to contact the voter to
determine citizenship status through mailings and interviews. Because of the unreliability of citizenship
data, voters who appear to be non-citizens — where both data sources indicate non-citizenship status —
are not removed from the rolls, absent independent confirmation that they are not citizens. In fact,
approximately three-quarters of those who subsequently provide proof of U.S. citizenship continued to
appear as non-citizens in the SAVE database.
Manual Entry Audit
County election officials occasionally must enter election results by hand directly into the vote tabulation
software. This may occur, for example, due to a media card failure. This audit can catch inadvertent
mistakes in transcribing numbers, as well as purposeful manipulation of data. After the 2016 election,
the NCSBE identified all manual entries that occurred in November across the state. Data analysts then
reached out to the counties to identify the reasons for the manual entries. NCSBE determined all
manually entries were done for valid purposes. In the future, manual entry audits will include an
automated process able to detect transcription errors in real time as results are entered by hand. This
change, still under development, will help ensure the accuracy of manual entries made in future elections.
Voter History Audit
When voters check in at polling places, they fill out authorization to vote (ATV) forms or one-stop
applications during early voting. This results in a voter history record for each individual. When ballots
are run through tabulators, tabulation software provides election return data that identifies the number of
ballots cast. This audit compares the number of ATV forms and one-stop applications with the number
of physical ballots cast. Those two numbers should generally match, but may be slightly off for valid
reasons, such as if a voter checks in and then decides not to vote.
This audit is designed to identify certain problems or fraud, such as ballot stuffing, fraudulent manual
entries, tampering with media cards or certain ballot coding issues.
Provisional Ballot Audit
Voters cast provisional ballots when questions arise about their qualifications or eligibility to vote in
certain contests. Those ballots are held aside pending research by county boards of elections as to whether
they should be counted.
Appendix Page 2
This audit is aimed at ensuring all 100 counties make uniform decisions that comply with election laws
when counting provisional ballots. It compares provisional voter data to several data sources, including
the DMV database, an incomplete queue that catalogs registration attempts that were deemed incomplete
and the current registration database as of Election Day. Data analysts execute matching algorithms to
determine whether provisional voters were eligible vote in the counties where they presented to vote.
Additionally, two web services are used to geocode the voters’ addresses to confirm that they resided in
the county at the time they voted. Audit results are sent to county boards of elections, which analyze
them and, where appropriate, amend their canvasses to reflect any changes.
For the 2016 general election, this audit resulted in 428 voters statewide whose provisional ballots were
counted in accordance with current election law. Those ballots wouldn’t have been counted otherwise.
Appendix Page 3
APPENDIX 2
G.S. § 163-22(d)
Appendix Page 4
APPENDIX 3
Congressional Letter
Appendix Page 5
Appendix Page 6
APPENDIX 4.1
Admission Letter (Case 1)
Appendix Page 7
Appendix Page 8
Appendix Page 9
APPENDIX 4.2
Admission Letter (Case 2)
Appendix Page 10
Appendix Page 11
Appendix Page 12
APPENDIX 5
Breakdown of Voting Irregularities by Type, Party Affiliation of Voter
Appendix Page 13
Appendix Page 14
Appendix Page 15
APPENDIX 6
Letter to Suspected Felon Voters
Appendix Page 16
APPENDIX 7
Letter to DPS/AOC on Felons
Appendix Page 17
Appendix Page 18
APPENDIX 8
Revised Voter Forms
Appendix Page 19
Appendix Page 20
APPENDIX 9
Sample Letter to Possible Non-U.S. Citizen Voters
Appendix Page 21
Appendix Page 22
Appendix Page 23
Appendix Page 24
Appendix Page 25
APPENDIX 10
Breakdown of Non-U.S. Citizen Voters by Country of Origin
Appendix Page 26

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA A. PHILIP RANDOLPH

THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF

JURISDICTION & VENUE ............................................................................................ 5

STATEMENT OF FACTS ............................................................................................. 10

A. In 1899, the North Carolina General Assembly reenacted the Strict

II. North Carolina’s Strict Liability Voting Law Disproportionately Impacts

VI. Expedited Relief Is Necessary to Ensure That Eligible Individuals With

COUNT ONE ...................................................................................................... 53

COUNT TWO ..................................................................................................... 56

PRAYER FOR RELIEF ................................................................................................. 58

1. This lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of N.C. GEN. STAT. § 163-

residents who are on parole, probation or post-release supervision for a felony

conviction—even if those individuals mistakenly believe they are eligible to vote.

constitutionally-adequate notice to voters of potential violations of the law, mistakenly

voting in North Carolina can and does result in criminal prosecution.

unchanged since 1899.

3. Virtually every other election crime punishable as a Class I felony in North

understanding of state law appear to be the primary problem.”3

4. Nevertheless, District Attorneys in North Carolina have and are prosecuting

County Superior Court challenging the State’s post-incarceration criminal

disenfranchisement scheme under various provisions of the North Carolina State

organizations are dedicated to increasing political participation by residents of North

Plaintiffs’ efforts to carry out their missions.

7. “As Election Day approaches, it’s essential to remember that consequences

of [unjust voting-related] prosecutions . . . radiate far beyond the defendant, making

adjudication of this case in light of the upcoming presidential election.

States Constitution; preliminary and permanent injunctive relief enjoining enforcement of

JURISDICTION & VENUE

9. This action is brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

either a state government entity or a state government official in North Carolina.

§ 1988(b) and 28 U.S.C. § 1920.

District of North Carolina pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(1).

15. Plaintiff NORTH CAROLINA A. PHILIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE (“NC

particularly among working class African Americans. It distributes nonpartisan voter

predominantly African-American neighborhoods, and encourages first-time registration

potential risks of registering an individual with a felony conviction, and to caution

16. Plaintiff ACTION NC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on

inequality in North Carolina. Action NC operates through three regional offices in

neighborhood organizing. As part of its mission of community engagement and

empowerment, Action NC is committed to increasing voter participation in North

based materials in low-income neighborhoods, and hosting public presentations on issues

penalties on third-party voter registration groups for violations of North Carolina’s

violation of the Strict Liability Voting Law.

163-82.3(a). The NCSBE is statutorily obligated to “investigate when necessary or

county and municipality and special district[.]” Id. § 163-22(d).

is sued in his official capacity.

19. Defendant STELLA ANDERSON is the Secretary of the NCSBE. Ms.

Anderson is sued in her official capacity.

sued in his official capacity.

21. Defendant KAREN BRINSON BELL is the Executive Director of the

NCSBE. Ms. Brinson is sued in her official capacity.

requested to do so by a district attorney.” Id. § 114-11.6.

disenfranchise individuals convicted of all felonies. Rather, only individuals convicted of

Reconstruction Act, Representative Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania reported that he

bills which have been passed.”13

26. In 1868, North Carolina adopted a new constitution (“1868 Constitution”)

in government in previously unprecedented numbers and roles.15

the influence of Black citizens.16 The 1875 constitutional amendments included a

disproportionately impact Black North Carolinians.18

criminal liability on individuals convicted of disenfranchising offenses who voted before

they were restored to the rights of citizenship: