This summer, the Republican Party and the Republican National Committee have brought the North Carolina State Board of Elections under fire. The critique stems from allegations of the Board’s failure to competently expunge noncitizen voters from the voter rolls, thus compromising the integrity of our democratic process. For instance, situations arise where potential jurors—identified as non-citizens—may find their information communicated to the State Board.
On Thursday, legal proceedings were initiated in Wake County Superior Court. Named defendants include the Board collectively, individual members such as Chairman Alan Hirsch, Jeff Carmon, Stacy Eggers, Kevin Lewis, and Siobhan Millen, along with Executive Director Karen Bell. These developments came amid a challenging July for the Board, characterized by two court cases, a congressional investigation, and an oversight inquiry from the General Assembly.
The State Board had initially rejected three petitions for party recognition. However, following deliberations and a court order, the Board approved two and was consequently obliged to grant the third. Matt Mercer, the communications director for the North Carolina Republic Party, underscored the urgent necessity of enhancing safeguards. Mercer argued that someone identified as a noncitizen while serving on a jury should be subsequently reported to election boards for voter eligibility disqualification, as mandated by SB747.
Pat Gannon, the Board’s communications director, asserted inaccuracies in the suit. In a statement sent to the Center Square, he denied allegations that the State Board was deliberately ignoring Section 44 of Session Law 2023-140. According to Gannon, the State Board and the clerks of Superior Court have been collaborative since this provision came into effect last month.
Addressing compliance challenges, Gannon stated that they are striving for compliance whilst grappling with a competing federal law that prohibits the State from removing voter registrants if the cleanup process is not completed within 90 days before a federal election. The 90-day countdown for the latest federal election started on August 7. Gannon confirmed that the Republican legislative staff have been informed about these compliance procedures since as early as last November.
Moving forward, Gannon highlighted that the State Board has not denied any requested agency records. He contended that the ‘agency responds to these numerous requests as it is able to do so.’ He further emphasized that plaintiffs must follow due process and attempt negotiation before seeking to sue a state agency, something they seemingly failed to do in this case.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley issued a strong statement directed at the Board, asserting the fundamental principle that ‘only Americans should vote in American elections’. If an individual claims non-citizenship status, he insisted that they ought to be immediately withdrawn from the voter rolls in compliance with the law. In his view, the State Board has flagrantly disregarded this mandate, thus jeopardizing the sanctity of our elections.
Whatley further accused the Board of openly disregarding the law, undermining core election measures, and consequently negating key pillars of electoral integrity. He pledged to ensure that the North Carolina State Board of Elections adheres to and enforces these critical safeguards, a stance backed by both the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina GOP.
Senate Bill 747, also referred to as ‘Elections Law Changes,’ came into effect on January 1st. This bill, sponsored by Republican Sens. Warren Daniel, Paul Newton, Ralph Hise, Kevin Corbin, Carl Ford, and Todd Johnson, successfully contested Governor Roy Cooper’s veto in the General Assembly without any support from Democrats.
This legislation positioned North Carolina among 30 other states that demand all absentee ballots to be in election board offices by Election Day. More so, this bill has boldly prohibited the use of private funds to administer elections, a stance that clearly re-articulates the discourse on impartial electoral processes.
Moreover, the legislation serves to empower poll observers and embarks on a trial project in certain counties to implement signature verification software for absentee ballots. This highlights the Republicans’ determination to safeguard electoral integrity and their uphill battle against Democrats, who seem to overlook such essential measures.
The bill also propounds improved voter registration roll upkeep techniques and effectively seals off a loophole related to same-day registration. This underscores the Republicans’ commitment to refining the voter registration process while consistently championing the cause of maintaining the integrity of American elections.
In the wake of these events, it becomes apparent that the Republicans, armed with an unwavering commitment to fair and democratic elections, are confronting a potentially apathetic Board and lukewarm Democrats. Ensuring that ‘only Americans should vote in American elections’ is a non-negotiable right and responsibility that cannot be compromised.