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North Carolina Republicans Solidify Control Over Election Administration Through Secret Court Ruling

Justice Allison Riggs is sworn in after GOP efforts to overturn her election fail, but concerns grow over new Republican-controlled election boards and their potential impact on voting access.

A roll of "No Bull I Voted" stickers sit inside a polling station at W. J. Brogden Middle School in Durham, N.C. on Nov. 5, 2024. These "I Voted" stickers are unique to Durham and were designed in 2020. (Photo by Joseph A. Navin/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
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Overview

  • Justice Allison Riggs was officially sworn into the North Carolina Supreme Court on May 7, following Republican Jefferson Griffin's concession after a six-month legal battle to overturn the 2024 election results.
  • A secret 'shadow docket' ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals on April 30 granted Republicans control of state and local election boards, overturning previous state court precedents without explanation.
  • Newly appointed Republican-controlled election boards have already replaced key personnel, including firing Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell and installing Sam Hayes, a former GOP legislative counsel.
  • Federal Judge Richard Myers blocked GOP attempts to retroactively invalidate over 60,000 ballots, reinforcing the principle that election rules cannot be changed after votes are cast.
  • Voters and advocates express frustration and warn of potential barriers to voting under Republican-led election administration, raising concerns for future elections and democratic norms in the state.