Tens of thousands of ballots cast in North Carolina’s Supreme Court race last year could be thrown out after a recent ruling says the ballots might have been counted illegally.
Republican candidate for the state’s highest court, Jefferson Griffin, challenged the more than 65,000 ballots that could decide last year’s election. On Friday, the Republican-majority Court of Appeals, of which Griffin is a member but who recused himself from the decision, ruled 2-1 in favor of Griffin.
While the winner of the race hasn’t been made official, Democratic incumbent Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs received more than 734 more votes than Griffin in a recount. The gutting of thousands of ballots could now swing the election in Griffin’s favor.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeals said the 65,000 voters will need to provide proof of their identity or have their ballot thrown out. Voters will have just 15 days to prove their eligibility if the ruling stands.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections previously rejected Griffin’s initial challenge. Board chairman Alan Hirsch called Griffin’s efforts “anathema to the democratic system,” WRAL reported.
The ruling will likely be appealed. Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Anderson Clayton said Friday that Democrats “WILL fight this decision.”
“But make no mistake, the statewide court of appeals bench has cowered to political pressure and corruption from their own party,” Clayton posted on social media. “The NCGOP and RNC are trying to steal an election and test the waters for future election denial.”