The North Carolina State Board of Elections faces a second lawsuit within five days as the Republican Party challenges the board's handling of voter registration procedures.
According to The Center Square, the lawsuit, filed on August 26, 2024, alleges that the board failed to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requirements.
The GOP claims that approximately 225,000 individuals registered to vote without providing the necessary information mandated by HAVA. The party argues that the State Board of Elections did not follow up with these registrants to rectify their incomplete applications, raising concerns about the integrity of the voter rolls.
The lawsuit, filed in Wake County Superior Court, targets the State Board of Elections as a whole, individual board members, and the executive director. Jason Simmons, chairman of the state GOP, expressed frustration with the board's handling of voter registration procedures.
Simmons stated, "This state board continually has problems ensuring voter rolls only have verified citizens. This lawsuit will remedy their ongoing refusal to collect the required information from those who want to take part in North Carolina elections."
Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee and former state chairman, echoed these concerns. He accused the board of failing to keep noncitizens off voter rolls, which he claims is "fueling distrust and jeopardizing our elections."
Patrick Gannon, communications director for the State Board of Elections, responded to the allegations, arguing that the lawsuit misinterprets the data and exaggerates potential issues with voter registrations. He explained that the absence of certain information in the voter registration database does not necessarily indicate improper registration.
Gannon stated:
Despite being aware of their alleged claims months ago, the plaintiffs have waited until two weeks before the start of voting to seek a court-ordered program to remove thousands of existing registered voters. Federal law itself prevents such removal programs if they take place after the 90th day before a federal election, which was August 7. So, the lawsuit is asking for a rapid-fire voter removal program that violates federal law.
The board maintains that it has acted in compliance with federal regulations and that the timing of the lawsuit conflicts with legal restrictions on voter roll maintenance close to an election.
This latest legal challenge comes at a crucial time in North Carolina's election calendar. Absentee-by-mail voting is set to begin on September 6, with early in-person voting starting 52 days later. The general Election Day is scheduled for 71 days from the filing of this lawsuit.
The State Board of Elections has faced multiple controversies in recent months. In July, the board was involved in two court cases, a congressional investigation and a General Assembly oversight inquiry. Initially, the board denied three petitions for party recognition but later approved two and was court-ordered to approve the third.
These legal challenges and controversies have put the State Board of Elections under increased scrutiny as North Carolina prepares for the upcoming election cycle. The outcome of this latest lawsuit could have significant implications for voter registration procedures and the management of voter rolls in the state.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections faces a second lawsuit from the Republican Party regarding voter registration practices. The GOP alleges noncompliance with the Help America Vote Act, claiming 225,000 incomplete registrations. The board defends its actions, citing federal law and questioning the lawsuit's timing. This legal challenge adds to the board's recent controversies as the state approaches critical election deadlines.
