North Carolina Supreme Court Blocks Certification of Justice’s Election Amid Legal Dispute

The Republican-led court halted the certification of Democratic Justice Allison Riggs' narrow victory, citing challenges from GOP opponent Jefferson Griffin over 60,000 ballots.

Democrat Allison Riggs won the North Carolina Supreme Court seat by 734 votes, confirmed by two recounts, but certification has been paused due to legal challenges.
Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin is seeking to disqualify 60,000 ballots, citing incomplete voter registration information, a claim previously rejected by election officials and a federal judge.
The state Supreme Court, where Republicans hold a majority, issued a stay to review the case, with Riggs recusing herself and one Republican justice dissenting from the decision.
Critics argue Griffin's legal theories lack evidence of voter fraud and could undermine public trust in elections by retroactively altering rules and discarding valid votes.
The case highlights broader partisan tensions in North Carolina, where recent GOP maneuvers have included gerrymandering and efforts to limit Democratic power.