NC Supreme Court puts brakes on ballot dispute, leaving thousands of voters in Limbo
More than 60,000 North Carolinians, including nearly 500 voters in Davidson County, are watching anxiously as a high-stakes election dispute makes its way through the state’s highest court. On Friday, the North Carolina Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on a Court of Appeals decision that would have required voters to verify their identities and registrations—months after they cast their ballots.
“We’re still in a holding pattern,” according to Davidson County Board of Elections director Anderw Richards.
Several bi-partisan statewide protests have been held. No local political party leaders have issued official statements.
The case centers around the razor-thin 2024 race between Republican Jefferson Griffin and Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs for a seat on the NC Supreme Court. Despite two recounts confirming Riggs’ win, Griffin has challenged the results, claiming that thousands of ballots were submitted by voters with incomplete registrations or other irregularities.
“This is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet—this is about real people who followed the rules, voted in good faith, and are now being told their voice might not count,” said one longtime Lexington resident and retired teacher whose ballot is among those in question. She says her address has not changed in more than 30 years. “It makes you wonder if your vote is ever really safe.”
NC Supreme Court {Public Use}
Local Impact: A cloud over voter confidence
According to data reviewed by Davidson Local, almost 500 ballots in Davidson County could be affected by Griffin’s legal challenge. These ballots were cast during early voting or absentee-by-mail—two options that have become increasingly popular in the area, especially among elderly and first-time voters.
Several impacted voters expressed frustration and confusion in conversations with Davidson Local.
One Thomasville voter said he showed his ID, verified his information at the polling site, and did everything correctly—yet now fears his vote might not count. Another voter from Welcome said she was asked to verify her address again and doesn’t understand why.
“I’m doing all of that,” she said. “I did that once already. At this point I feel like it’s based on who I voted for—and I give up.”
In a previous statement to Davidson Local, officials from the Davidson County Board of Elections recommended that all voters update their DMV registration online or in person at the BOE office, especially if they’ve changed addresses or haven’t voted in several election cycles. Official say that being proactive can help prevent issues down the line,.
Legal Tug-of-War
Griffin, who currently serves on the Court of Appeals, filed suit after the State Board of Elections dismissed his complaint earlier this year. His case alleges that certain ballots should not have been counted due to issues like incomplete voter registrations or mismatches in identification.
A Wake County Superior Court judge upheld the Board’s decision in February, stating that it was made through “lawful procedure” and not in violation of constitutional or statutory law. The appeals court reversed that ruling—until the Supreme Court intervened late last week.
What’s next?
The state Supreme Court’s intervention does not mean the case is over—but it does buy time. Legal analysts suggest the high court may review the constitutionality of invalidating ballots retroactively, especially in light of due process and voter protection concerns.
“It’s disheartening,” said the retired teacher. “I’ve voted in every election since 1978. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like it might not count.”
