The North Carolina state Board of Elections rejected a Republican challenge to throw out 60,000 ballots in a state Supreme Court race where Democrat Allison Riggs leads by just over 700 votes. Riggs emerged from Election Day with a narrow lead over Republican Jefferson Griffin, triggering two recounts. The board, where Democrats have a 3-2 edge, could now certify Riggs’ victory. Griffin filed legal challenges alleging that nearly 60,000 people voted illegally, focusing on missing driver’s license or Social Security numbers in voter registration records. Republicans claimed the registration form didn’t include these requirements over the years, leading to many voters not including them. The Board of Elections held votes on different categories of contested votes, with one category rejected unanimously. Republicans could appeal the decision and potentially take the case to the state Supreme Court. The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a suit in federal court to ensure all ballots were counted, citing federal law. A Riggs victory would maintain Republicans’ majority on the state Supreme Court. Challenges were also made in a close state House race that would determine the GOP’s supermajority. The hearing occurred as Republican lawmakers worked on passing a bill to strip the governor of appointing power for the board of elections.
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