North Carolina Elections Chief Urges Senator to Retract Fraud Allegation

Karen Brinson Bell warns that Senator Phil Berger's unfounded claims could endanger election workers and undermine trust in the electoral process.

Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, called on State Senate leader Phil Berger to retract remarks suggesting election manipulation.
Berger's comments followed a contentious state Supreme Court race where vote totals shifted as provisional and absentee ballots were counted, leading to a recount request.
Brinson Bell emphasized that election officials followed legal procedures to count all eligible votes and stated that Berger's accusations were baseless.
The exchange comes as Republicans pass legislation transferring the power to appoint the State Board of Elections from the governor to the state auditor starting in 2025.
Brinson Bell expressed concern that such rhetoric could incite threats or violence against election workers, many of whom have faced significant stress in recent years.