North Carolina Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Voter Eligibility Review in Tight Judicial Race

The court's stay halts a lower court's decision requiring verification of over 65,000 ballots, leaving the outcome of the 2024 judicial election unresolved.

Democratic Justice Allison Riggs currently leads Republican Jefferson Griffin by 734 votes following two recounts in the November 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court race.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals had ordered a 15-business-day curing process for over 65,000 ballots lacking voter identification details, a move that could potentially overturn Riggs' lead.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued a temporary stay, pausing the appeals court's ruling while it considers Riggs' appeal.
Critics, including dissenting Judge Toby Hampson, argue that the appeals court's decision retroactively changes election rules and risks disenfranchising thousands of lawful voters.
The case has significant implications for voting rights and election integrity in North Carolina, with potential to set a precedent for handling future electoral disputes.