North Carolina Supreme Court must decide election for one of its own seats

A federal judge has made a significant decision in the ongoing battle over the election to fill a spot on North Carolina’s Supreme Court. The state’s highest court has now blocked the certification of the election results between Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs and GOP challenger Jefferson Griffin. Despite multiple recounts, Riggs still holds the lead by 734 votes out of over 5.5 million cast, but she is contesting the validity of 60,000 ballots.

Griffin, who lost the general election, is challenging most of the ballots that came from voters with registration records missing crucial information such as a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. While state law requires this information in registration applications, it is still legal to vote even if this information cannot be validated. Voters can provide alternative documentation, and the state elections administration office must assign them a special identification number to register.

Additionally, Griffin is challenging votes cast by overseas voters who have never lived in the U.S., military or overseas voters who did not provide photo identification with their ballots. However, federal law exempts overseas voters from this requirement. Griffin initially sought intervention from the state Supreme Court, but the case was quickly moved to federal court. U.S. District Judge Richard Myers, appointed by Donald Trump, returned the case to the state Supreme Court, citing unsettled questions of state law.

Following Myers’ decision, Griffin’s attorneys requested a temporary stay from the state Supreme Court, which was granted. The court emphasized the importance of expediting the matter due to the certification of the election. Riggs recused herself from the case, and Associate Justice Anita Earls opposed the stay, stating that the court should not interfere with the democratic process.

Attorneys for the State Board of Elections and Riggs have appealed Myers’ decision to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Unless federal judges intervene, the Republican-majority state Supreme Court will have to decide the winner for the contested seat. The State Board of Elections had dismissed Griffin’s protests last month, initiating a timeline for certification this Friday unless a court intervened.

Democratic allies of Riggs have criticized Griffin and the state GOP for attempting to overturn legitimate election results. The state election board consists of three Democrats and two Republicans, adding to the political tension surrounding the case. The North Carolina Supreme Court has been embroiled in partisan disputes in recent years, particularly on issues related to redistricting and voting rights.

In conclusion, the battle over the North Carolina Supreme Court election continues to unfold, with legal challenges and political tensions at the forefront. The ultimate outcome remains uncertain as the case moves through the state and federal court systems.