North Carolina’s Legislative Power Shift Over Electoral Boards
Recently, a significant legal decision in North Carolina has altered the balance of power concerning the appointment of the State Boards of Elections. The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a legislative move that transfers the appointment power of these important boards away from the governor.
Historically, the governor of North Carolina, regardless of party affiliation, held the authority to appoint a majority of the state and county election boards. However, as 2024 drew to a close, this power was shifted to the state auditor, a move decided by the legislature and enacted despite a gubernatorial veto. The current auditor is a member of the Republican party, while the governor is a Democrat, highlighting the political implications of this decision.
The state board of elections has been in the national spotlight due to the actions of Judge Jefferson Griffin. After an unsuccessful run for the state supreme court, Griffin petitioned the board to disqualify over 60,000 votes. His claims were eventually dismissed by the board, leading to a prolonged legal conflict that ended with his concession this Wednesday.
The recent change in appointment powers brings potential implications for future elections, possibly affecting voter access as soon as this fall. This development is part of a broader trend where legislative and judicial strategies are employed to influence electoral outcomes.
For further analysis, see the full article at State Court Report.
