(AP) – A North Carolina appeals court has temporarily blocked enforcement of a ruling by trial judges that declared people convicted of felonies can vote while serving probation or parole. The Court of Appeals issued a stay of the ruling, which struck down a 1973 law about when voting rights are restored.

A trial judge panel last week said offenders on probation or being supervised after completing any prison time should be registered to vote if they apply. Tuesday’s order will give the appeals court time to examine the case. Ex-offenders and civil rights groups have asked the state Supreme Court to take over the litigation.

In North Carolina, the statewide primary election is Tuesday, May 17, 2022.