North Carolina Court Appeals Hear Challenges on 65,000 Ballots

The North Carolina Court of Appeals is deliberating on whether to uphold or dismiss the challenges to over 65,000 ballots in the state Supreme Court election, where Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin trails Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs by 734 votes. Griffin's legal team argues that these ballots were cast by ineligible voters and their removal could change the election outcome. The three-judge panel, consisting of two Republicans and one Democrat, heard arguments for 90 minutes but did not issue a ruling. This case is unique as it involves a sitting judge (Griffin), and the decision could lead to further appeals. The outcome is pressing, as the term for the Supreme Court seat was supposed to start in January, yet Riggs continues to serve while Griffin holds his position on the Court of Appeals. Additionally, there are calls for a potential new election if the disputed ballots are discarded, aiming to ensure election integrity.