(The Center Square) – On Tuesday, the embattled North Carolina State Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the 2024 election.
The majority of the election results from 2,658 precincts across the state are expected to be approved, as a recount continues in the state’s sole Supreme Court race between Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs and Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin.
This election season has not been smooth sailing for the state election board, which has drawn eight lawsuits from multiple entities including both major state parties.
The latest lawsuit was filed by the North Carolina GOP against the board and states that it was not forthcoming with election-related information.
In a meeting on Tuesday, the state election board plans to address the contested races, lawsuits, and belated campaign finance reports from candidates due to Hurricane Helene, which devastated North Carolina just weeks before Election Day. A closed session is on the agenda.
The board has already determined in an emergency meeting last week that all contests besides those currently recounted would be certified.
With more than 5.5 million votes cast in the contested election, only a few thousand votes separated the two Supreme Court candidates. With all precincts in on Election Night, Griffin led by 9,851 votes. Monday, he trailed by 722 votes – a 10,573 vote reversal.
Riggs has already claimed victory, despite election complaints from Republicans that both local election boards and the state election board will be investigating.
“I am keeping my seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court,” Riggs said in a statement on social media. “Your hard work and support has made this victory possible, and I continue to be grateful.”
While the Supreme Court race was the only contested statewide race, there are also five General Assembly races where recounts are requested.
In the state Senate, Republican Stacie McGinn requested a recount in the District 42 race and Republican Ashlee Bryan Adams did likewise for District 18. McGinn was defeated by Democrat Woodson Bradley by 204 votes of more than 124,000 cast; Adams was 134 votes behind Democrat Terence Everitt of more than 123,000 cast.
Both of those Republicans were also apart of the complaints put before the board, along with Republican Rep. Frank Sossamon of state House District 32. Sossamon’s race also went to a recount, after he lost to Democrat Bryan Cohn by 233 votes out of more than 43,000 cast.
Recounts are expected to be completed prior to Thanksgiving Day, while consideration of the election complaints will continue into December.
