Republicans in North Carolina are attempting to overturn a closely watched state Supreme Court election where Democratic Justice Allison Riggs holds a slim lead over her GOP opponent, Judge Jefferson Griffin, by 734 votes. The GOP's legal strategy involves challenging roughly 65,000 ballots, including those affected by Hurricane Helene, without presenting evidence of voter fraud.
The challenges primarily focus on technicalities such as missing identification numbers on voter registration forms. Critics argue that this approach sets a dangerous precedent of disenfranchising voters based on clerical errors.
One voter, Jen Baddour, who has been registered since 1992, found herself on the challenge list due to an error by election officials. The challenges also target overseas ballots, including those cast by military members and their families.
Republicans are contesting ballots based on incomplete registrations, disproportionately affecting women due to name discrepancies. Many long-time voters, including those impacted by Hurricane Helene, are caught in the legal battle.
Griffin's legal challenge includes categories of overseas ballots and voters dubbed 'Never Residents.' The North Carolina Supreme Court, with a Republican majority, has paused certification of the election results, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
Chief Justice Paul Newby, a Republican, has defended Griffin's efforts, stating that filing an election protest is not anti-democratic. However, Democrats and election officials argue that federal law prohibits the mass disenfranchisement sought by Griffin.
The court fight is expected to continue for months, with potential federal court involvement. Justice Anita Earls warned of the consequences of delaying certification, allowing losing candidates to prevent duly elected officials from taking office.
