
In a bid to reassert control over election oversight, North Carolina Republicans are advancing a bill that would limit the power of Governor-elect Josh Stein over election-related matters. The move comes after Republicans likely lost their veto-proof majority in the state House, meaning they will no longer have the ability to override vetoes without the help of Democrats.
The proposed legislation would transfer the responsibility for appointing members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) from the governor to the state auditor, a Republican, Dave Boliek. This shift would give Republicans more control over the state’s election administration, especially as they work to implement changes in response to concerns about election integrity.
🚨 #BREAKING: North Carolina Republicans just passed a new law taking away power from the incoming Democratic governor that would allow him authority over the State Elections Board – NBC
They also just shortened how long voters have to "fix" mail-in ballot errors and increased… pic.twitter.com/3ZXde28OOB
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 22, 2024
Under the bill, the NCSBE would remain an independent agency, but the state auditor would have oversight over its budgeting and appointments. This change would likely result in a Republican-dominated board, with a 3-2 majority. The bill also gives the auditor the power to appoint the chairs of the 100 county boards of elections, further consolidating Republican influence.
The new legislation also includes measures aimed at increasing the security of absentee voting, including shortening the time for voters to correct issues with their absentee ballots. Currently, voters have up to a week after Election Day to fix issues like missing signatures or witness addresses, but the new bill would reduce this period to two and a half days.
North Carolina State House Passes Bill Limiting Democrat Governor’s Emergency Powers https://t.co/kH94F40nE3 pic.twitter.com/Gti7E5qBUZ
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) March 31, 2021
Despite the expected veto from Governor Cooper, Republicans are prepared to override the veto in early December, taking advantage of their still considerable legislative power. The bill’s passage highlights the ongoing battle over election control in North Carolina and could have lasting implications for future election administration in the state.