Federal Appeals Court Keeps NC Supreme Court Race in State Court

A federal appeals court ruled that the ongoing dispute over North Carolina's Supreme Court election will remain in state court, allowing Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin to contest approximately 65,000 ballots. Griffin lost to incumbent Democrat Allison Riggs by 734 votes after two statewide recounts and is challenging the validity of ballots from voters with incomplete registrations and overseas citizens. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined that state courts must first address the election challenges before any federal involvement, although federal courts can still intervene if violations of federal election laws arise. The Wake County Superior Court is set to hear the case soon, as Griffin continues to seek remedies after the State Board of Elections dismissed his initial protests. Riggs' allies have accused Griffin of trying to disenfranchise voters without substantial evidence. This ruling emphasizes the complexities of election law in North Carolina and the potential for further legal battles ahead.