Judge Orders Elections Board to Certify Democrat’s Victory in Contested N.C. Race
Context:
A federal judge has ordered the North Carolina Board of Elections to certify the results of a contested State Supreme Court race, marking a significant legal win for Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs. Despite two recounts confirming her victory by 734 votes, Republican challenger Judge Jefferson Griffin sought to overturn the results by challenging the eligibility of thousands of voters. Judge Richard E. Myers II ruled that all contested ballots should be counted, as invalidating them would violate voters' constitutional rights. The ruling may not end the case, as Griffin has seven days to appeal, but it highlights concerns that similar legal challenges could be used to contest future elections. The case underscores whether a state can retroactively change election rules and redefine voter eligibility without due process, both of which the court found unconstitutional.
Dive Deeper:
Judge Richard E. Myers II ordered the North Carolina Board of Elections to certify Justice Allison Riggs's victory, rejecting efforts by Judge Griffin to discard thousands of votes due to eligibility concerns.
Judge Griffin's challenge involved claims that military and overseas ballots were invalid due to lack of photo ID, despite these voters being exempt from such requirements, and questioning the legitimacy of voters classified as 'Never Residents'.
The ruling emphasized the importance of adhering to pre-established election rules and found that retroactively changing them would infringe on voters' due process rights.
Although the federal ruling provides closure to a prolonged electoral dispute, it raises concerns about setting a precedent for similar legal challenges to future elections.
Judge Myers's decision highlighted constitutional questions regarding the retroactive alteration of election rules and the redefinition of voter eligibility, both of which he conclusively deemed unconstitutional.
The case involved significant legal battles across state and federal courts, illustrating the complexities of post-election litigation and the potential implications for electoral integrity.
Justice Riggs expressed satisfaction with the ruling, affirming her commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as a member of North Carolina's Supreme Court.