The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted to reject a Republican challenge to throw out 60,000 ballots in a state Supreme Court race where the Democratic incumbent leads by over 700 votes. The victory by Democrat Allison Riggs, appointed in 2023, is expected to be certified by the board, eliminating a major hurdle for the party. Riggs led Republican Jefferson Griffin by 734 votes after two recounts in the race with over 5.5 million ballots cast. Griffin’s team filed legal challenges alleging that 60,000 people voted illegally. The challenges focused on voter registration records lacking required information, particularly driver’s license or Social Security numbers. Republicans also contested votes from overseas voters.
The NCSBE held consecutive votes on three categories of contested votes, with decisions made along party lines. A potential appeal by Griffin or the North Carolina Republican Party could put the case in the state court system, possibly reaching the state Supreme Court. The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a federal suit to ensure all ballots were counted, citing federal law against disqualifying ballots for missing information.
Republicans with a majority on the state Supreme Court would maintain it if Riggs wins. Another Republican challenge involves a state House race close to determining the GOP’s supermajority in the chamber. Republicans in the state legislature are working to pass a bill that would strip the governor’s power to appoint members to the elections board. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto on the bill is expected to be voted on by state Republicans.
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