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.