North Carolina Republicans Pass Bill Restructuring Election Oversight and Limiting Incoming Officials' Powers
The North Carolina GOP has passed a bill transferring election oversight to the auditor, weakening the power of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general.
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Summary
During a lame-duck session, North Carolina Republicans approved a sweeping bill that transfers oversight of the state’s elections to the auditor, appointed by Republicans. This move limits powers of incoming Democratic officials, challenging election integrity. The bill shortens the time for voters to correct ballot issues and alters election board appointments to likely lead to GOP control. Criticized as a partisan power grab, the legislation aims to expedite election outcomes but raises concerns over potential voter disenfranchisement and accusations of undermining democracy.
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From the Left
The North Carolina Republican-controlled legislature is attempting a power grab by passing a bill that reduces the governor's authority over elections, particularly by transferring the power to appoint the state board of elections to the state auditor, a Republican.
The bill is seen as a reaction to recent Democratic electoral successes, including a narrow win in the state supreme court race, and aims to limit opportunities for voters to correct their mail-in ballots by shortening the cure period from more than a week to two and a half days.
Critics argue that the rushed passage of this bill, which was introduced shortly before a vote and undermines the public's ability to weigh in, represents an attempt to manipulate election processes in favor of Republicans. This is part of a broader trend of Republicans in North Carolina trying to secure power despite losing recent elections.
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