A heated legal battle over a state Supreme Court seat intensifies as North Carolina's Court of Appeals delivers a consequential decision affecting tens of thousands of votes.
According to NBC News, a three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals has ordered the verification of more than 65,000 contested votes in the 2024 state Supreme Court race between Republican Jefferson Griffin and Democrat Allison Riggs, potentially altering the election's outcome.
The ruling marks a significant victory for Griffin's campaign, which has consistently challenged the validity of these votes since Election Day. The court's decision gives voters 15 business days to provide proof of identity to state election officials, with unverified votes facing potential disqualification.
Legal Challenge Tests Voter Verification Process
The Republican majority on the appeals panel emphasized the importance of preventing vote dilution through rigorous investigation of the election process. Their decision overturns a February ruling by a lower state court that had previously dismissed the case.
The verification process will primarily focus on overseas voters and those lacking proper identification documentation. The North Carolina State Board of Elections now faces the substantial task of contacting and verifying thousands of voter identities within the prescribed timeframe.
The ruling specifically targets military and overseas voters who allegedly failed to comply with photo ID requirements, as well as overseas voters who have never resided in North Carolina.
Democratic Opposition Mounts Legal Response
Judge Allison Riggs, who currently leads by 734 votes out of more than 5.5 million ballots cast, has announced her intention to appeal the decision. Her campaign maintains that the ruling threatens to disenfranchise legitimate voters.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin expressed strong opposition to the decision. He criticized the ruling as lacking legal foundation and undermining democratic principles.
The lone Democratic judge on the appeals panel voiced concerns about changing electoral rules after votes have been cast, describing it as an unconstitutional attempt to alter the outcome of a single race.
Complex Legal Path Ahead
The case's next destination appears to be the North Carolina Supreme Court, where Republicans hold a 5-2 majority. This creates an unusual situation where the contested seat's future may be decided by the very institution it affects.
Griffin's legal team has filed hundreds of challenges across North Carolina's 100 counties, targeting voters whose registration records allegedly lack proper identification numbers. These challenges also extend to overseas voters who failed to provide the required documentation.
Previous recounts, including machine and partial hand counts, confirmed Riggs's narrow lead, though the NBC News Decision Desk has not officially called the race due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Final verdict awaits supreme review
The disputed North Carolina Supreme Court race between Jefferson Griffin and Allison Riggs remains unresolved five months after Election Day, with more than 65,000 votes hanging in the balance. The Court of Appeals ruling requires extensive voter verification within 15 business days, potentially affecting the razor-thin margin that currently favors Riggs by 734 votes. An appeal to the Republican-majority state Supreme Court looms ahead, setting the stage for a final decision that could significantly impact the composition of North Carolina's highest court. The case highlights ongoing tensions between voter access and election integrity, with both campaigns preparing for continued legal confrontation.
