RALEIGH – Protesters are set to gather for the 12th Moral Monday in Raleigh to rally for voter rights. 101 people were arrested last week, bringing the running total to more than 800 since the peaceful demonstrations began in late April. Though the arrest totals fluctuate from week to week, the number of protest attendees continues to grow.

Movement leader and NAACP State Chapter President Reverend William Barber says Republican lawmakers are purposefully passing legislation to make it harder for people to vote.

Senate Republicans unveiled a new voter ID bill last week that would limit the forms of photo identification accepted at the polls. The new measure would require voters to show one of seven types of photo identification issued by the government, such as driver’s licenses, passports, non-driver IDs and military or veteran cards. It’s more restrictive than the House version as it would eliminate cards from UNC system colleges, state community colleges, local governments, private employers and law enforcement agencies as acceptable forms of photo identification.

If passed, it would take full effect in the 2016 elections. However, the House isn’t expected to agree to the changes. This will likely cause last-minute debate as lawmakers hope to adjourn session by the end of next week.

Moral Monday meets at 5 p.m. on the lawn of Halifax Mall.