North Carolina Democrats Challenge GOP Law Shifting Election Oversight

Outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Stein argue the law undermines democratic principles and violates the state constitution.

Democratic leaders in North Carolina have filed a lawsuit against Senate Bill 382, which transfers control of the State Board of Elections from the governor to the state auditor, a position soon to be held by a Republican.
The law also shifts the power to appoint county election board leaders to the auditor and includes other provisions limiting the authority of incoming Democratic officials.
Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Stein claim the law is unconstitutional, undermines the separation of powers, and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
Republicans passed the bill over Cooper’s veto earlier this month, citing their constitutional authority, though they will lose their veto-proof majority in 2025.
The lawsuit also challenges other provisions of the law, such as restrictions on the incoming attorney general’s ability to oppose the legislature in court and the redirection of hurricane relief funds without clear allocation plans.