Federal Judge Orders Certification of North Carolina Supreme Court Election
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- May 6
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Center
Why: The reporting presents facts from both sides, including legal arguments and reactions, without favoring either party.
Key Decision: Certification Mandated
On May 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled that disputed ballots in North Carolina's 2024 Supreme Court race must be included in the final count. This decision effectively secures a narrow victory for Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs over Republican challenger Judge Jefferson Griffin.
Riggs leads by 734 votes following two recounts. The judge ordered the North Carolina State Board of Elections to certify the results but delayed enforcement for seven days to allow for a possible appeal.
Background: Ballot Challenges
Griffin contested the legitimacy of thousands of ballots, particularly from overseas voters and those lacking required identification, claiming they were unlawfully cast. His challenges targeted ballots from predominantly Democratic areas.
State courts largely rejected these protests. Judge Myers emphasized that altering election rules post-election undermines public trust and constitutes an unconstitutional burden on voters.
Legal Reasoning: Constitutional Protections
Judge Myers stated that removing ballots six months after Election Day would violate constitutional due process and equal protection rights. He noted that changing election rules after the fact can only produce confusion and turmoil, threatening to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Reactions: Parties Respond
Riggs expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "Today, we won. I'm proud to continue upholding the Constitution and the rule of law as North Carolina's Supreme Court Justice." Griffin's legal team is reviewing the decision and considering next steps.
Implications: Political Landscape
Riggs' victory maintains Democratic representation on the seven-member North Carolina Supreme Court, which currently holds a 5-2 Republican majority. Securing an eight-year term, Riggs's presence could influence the court's balance in future decisions.
Next Steps: Potential Appeal
The seven-day delay in enforcement allows Griffin to appeal the ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The outcome of any appeal could have broader implications for election law and the handling of disputed ballots in future races.
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