North Carolina Court Upholds Legislative Control Over Election Boards
In a significant ruling last week, the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a controversial legislative move that shifts control over the State Boards of Elections from the governor to the state auditor. This decision impacts the administration of elections, campaign finance disclosures, and the operation of all 100 county election boards.
Historically, for almost a century, the appointment of the majority of the state board of elections members fell under the governor’s purview. This included appointing a majority of members from the governor’s party to both state and county election boards. However, as 2024 concluded, the legislature, in a lame-duck session, transferred this power to the state auditor, a Republican, overriding a veto by the current Democratic governor.
The role of the state board has gained national spotlight due to a high-profile case involving Judge Jefferson Griffin. Griffin, after losing his bid for a state supreme court seat, challenged the validity of over 60,000 votes. His claims were dismissed by the board, leading to an extended six-month legal battle before Griffin conceded his defeat on Wednesday.
The changes in appointment authority, now vested in the state auditor, might lead to a shift in voter access as early as the upcoming fall elections. This move is seen by some as part of a broader trend of using legislative and judicial maneuvers to influence election processes.
Read more about this development on State Court Report >>
