Republicans Seize Control of North Carolina Elections Board

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News Summary

In a significant political shift, the North Carolina State Board of Elections now has a Republican majority for the first time since 2016. This change follows the appointment of three Republicans by State Auditor Dave Boliek, influenced by a controversial court ruling stripping the Democratic Governor’s power in board selections. The new board may impact upcoming legal challenges related to the 2024 state Supreme Court race, drawing attention from both parties regarding election integrity and governance.

Republicans Take Control of North Carolina Elections Board

In a noteworthy shift in North Carolina politics, the State Board of Elections now has a Republican majority for the first time since 2016. This change comes after State Auditor Dave Boliek appointed three Republicans to the board, marking a significant moment in the state’s electoral landscape.

Meet the New Appointees

The newly appointed members are Francis De Luca, Robert Anthony Rucho, and Stacy Clyde Eggers IV. Each of these individuals brings a unique background and experience to their new roles:

Francis De Luca hails from Wilmington and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He previously served as the president of the Civitas Institute and held a position on the State Ethics Commission, demonstrating a robust track record in governance.
Robert Anthony Rucho is a seasoned politician from Catawba County, having been a state senator for nearly 17 years. His extensive experience in the legislative arena is bound to influence his decisions on the board.
Stacy Clyde Eggers IV, who is from Boone, currently serves on the State Board of Elections and is a practicing lawyer. His legal expertise could prove invaluable in guiding the board through complex electoral issues.

A Surprising Court Ruling

This shakeup followed a controversial ruling from the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The court’s decision allowed a new law to take effect that stripped the Democratic Governor, Josh Stein, of his power to select members for the elections board. Now, the board has a composition of three Republicans and two Democrats, with the Democrats being Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen, both of whom were appointed by former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper.

This development has led to strong reactions from Democratic leaders. The chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party characterized the situation as a “hostile takeover” and an “abuse of power”, suggesting potential consequences for the integrity of elections in the state.

Possible Impact on Legal Challenges

The newfound Republican-controlled elections board is likely to play a pivotal role in upcoming legal challenges related to the 2024 state Supreme Court race. This race pits Democrat Allison Riggs against Republican Jefferson Griffin. The board has previously resisted Griffin’s efforts to discount thousands of ballots from a past election loss, showcasing the stakes involved as this power shift unfolds.

A Unique Power Dynamic

Interestingly, the law giving Boliek the authority to make these appointments exists uniquely in North Carolina, as no other state auditor in the U.S. has such power over elections. This change marks a major departure from the traditional system that revolved around gubernatorial appointments for over a century—where governors maintained a majority from their party.

Republicans argue that this new system maintains executive power without violating the state constitution, but Democrats have been vocal in their opposition. They have vowed to challenge the law and continue their legal battles regarding electoral board control and the implications for election integrity.

What’s Next?

The North Carolina Supreme Court declined to intervene to stop the appeals court ruling, allowing Boliek’s appointments to move forward. Boliek emphasizes that the goal of these changes is to instill confidence in elections and enhance professionalism in managing electoral processes moving forward. As North Carolina navigates this political transition, many will be watching closely to see how these changes affect upcoming elections and electoral policy in the state.