Roy Cooper on Government Reform

Voter ID is a solution for no problem

Roy Cooper: No. Voter ID "is a solution for no problem." Vetoed bill that would set "barriers to voting that will trap honest voters."

Dan Forest: Yes. "The only reason to oppose photo voter ID is if you intend to commit fraud at the ballot box."

Vetoed shielding death investigation records from public

Veto Message : SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling of public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.

Analysis by WBTV-3: Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that makes law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 43-0-7, Roll Call #877 on Jun/26/20; Passed House 109-1-0, Roll Call #1063 on Jun/25/20; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.

Veto weakening appointment powers over elections board

Analysis by Election Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems with getting new voting machines.

Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.

Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.

Limit campaign contributions from PACs and corporations

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the current law which limits the North Carolina Governor's terms to a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring limits on PAC contributions to state legislative candidates?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring limits on corporate contributions to state legislative candidates?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?

A: Yes.