Disputed Ballots Delay Certification Of North Carolina Supreme Court Race

North Carolina’s Supreme Court has halted the certification of Democrat Allison Riggs’ apparent victory in a tight judicial race. Republican Jefferson Griffin, her challenger, requested the stay, citing concerns over thousands of questionable ballots.

The recount results gave Riggs a narrow lead of 734 votes after late-counted ballots were added to the totals. Griffin, who led on election night, has challenged 60,000 ballots, arguing that their inclusion violated state procedures.

Griffin and the North Carolina GOP have filed numerous challenges over the disputed ballots, accusing the State Board of Elections of failing to uphold fair election standards. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley joined the effort, criticizing the board for lacking transparency and consistency in its decisions.

A federal judge recently sent the case back to North Carolina courts, but the elections board has appealed to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. As the legal battle continues, the state Supreme Court granted Griffin’s request to halt certification, issuing a stay on Tuesday.

Riggs recused herself from the case, leaving the court’s Republican majority to make the decision. Justice Anita Earls dissented, arguing that the court’s action could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

This legal fight has fueled debates about election integrity in North Carolina, where Republicans have questioned how Democrats managed narrow victories in down-ballot races despite President Donald Trump’s decisive statewide win.

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