This week, the captive North Carolina Court of Appeals issued a cowardly, unsigned per curiam opinion — a move designed to hand a critical North Carolina Supreme Court election to a corrupt candidate.
Why? Because Republicans know they can’t win under fair rules.
They’re desperate to lock in control of the state Supreme Court before the next round of legislative gerrymandering. They need the court in their pocket to keep rigging the General Assembly — because they can’t win in a truly democratic system.
The Court’s decision threatens to throw out over 65,000 legally cast ballots — votes submitted in full compliance with all rules in place on Election Day. These ballots come disproportionately from Black, AAPI, military, and young voters (ages 18–25).
The ruling mandates a so-called “cure process” that has not even begun — blocked by a stay from the NC Supreme Court. It’s an unprecedented attack on voters and the integrity of our elections.
This ruling sets a dangerous precedent for how future losing candidates can undermine the will of the people.
Emancipate NC has joined 18 organizations in condemning this anti-democratic power grab. Our statewide coalition is prepared to fight — in court, in communities, and at the ballot box — to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice is heard.
We urge all North Carolinians to act:
🔎 Check if your vote (or someone else’s) is being challenged. Use the Griffin look-up tool to find out if your ballot is on the 65,000+ voter challenge list.
📞 Contact your County Board of Elections. Use the NC voter look-up tool to get in touch with your local board. Ask if your vote was challenged, and how to update your registration. (Note: Updating now may not fulfill the “cure” requirements once they’re set.)
📲 Need help? Call the voter protection hotline: 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683) to speak with an election expert.
Only through true judicial independence can we protect the right to vote — in North Carolina and across the country. The legitimacy of our democracy depends on it.