In a critical ruling regarding the unresolved 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court race, U.S. District Judge Richard Myers has determined that disputed ballots must remain in the final count, which favors Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs. The judge’s decision counters state appeals court directives to remove potentially thousands of ineligible voter ballots. Myers emphasized that removing votes six months post-Election Day risks violating the due process and equal protection rights of voters.
Myers ordered the State Board of Elections to certify the election results, which, after two recounts, showed Riggs leading by just 734 votes against Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin. However, the ruling is paused for seven days to allow Griffin to consider an appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The board is instructed not to implement state court orders but to certify the results based on the canvassing period tally.
Griffin had protested the election, requesting the removal of ballots he claimed were unlawfully cast to potentially change the outcome in his favor. His campaign is currently reviewing Myers’ order. Riggs expressed confidence, declaring the ruling a victory for the Constitution and rule of law.
Myers criticized Griffin’s attempts to retroactively alter voting laws, describing them as efforts to disenfranchise targeted voters, predominantly affecting Democratic-leaning counties. He cautioned that altering election rules post-vote would sow confusion and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Concerns from Democrats and voting rights groups emerged regarding Griffin’s actions, labeling them as an attack on democracy that could set a precedent for future Republican maneuvers in other elections. Conversely, the state GOP insisted that Griffin’s aim was to ensure only legal votes were counted.
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