By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin conceded his challenge to North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs’s election victory, declining to appeal a federal court ruling. Griffin’s six-month-long legal battle, involving multiple unsuccessful appeals, aimed to disqualify legally cast ballots. This case, criticized by various groups for potentially setting a harmful precedent, ultimately tested the limits of post-election litigation and raised concerns about future election challenges. A federal judge, ultimately rejecting Griffin’s attempt at retroactive ballot invalidation, cited due process violations.
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A serious attempt in North Carolina to subvert the democratic process recently failed, but this should not be cause for complacency. The attempt, spearheaded by Republicans, involved a multifaceted strategy designed to undermine election integrity and seize power. While ultimately unsuccessful, the sheer audacity and near-success of the plot highlight the fragility of democratic institutions and the persistent threat posed by those who would dismantle them.
The immediate focus was on a contested election where the Republicans, having lost, sought to overturn the results. This involved not just challenging the outcome through legal means, but also a concerted effort to manipulate the electoral machinery itself. This wasn’t a clumsy, haphazard attempt; it was a carefully orchestrated plan that leveraged existing legal loopholes and partisan power structures. The fact that it fell short of its goal should not diminish the gravity of the threat.
The attempt to remove the head of elections and replace her with a partisan operative was a calculated move to control the electoral process from within. Similarly, stripping the Governor of appointment power and handing it to a Republican State Auditor represented a significant power shift, allowing the Republicans to control the composition of the State Board of Elections and potentially influence future elections. These changes, though ostensibly about administration, fundamentally altered the balance of power, tilting it decisively in favor of the Republican Party.
While the immediate challenge to the election results failed, the larger power grab that occurred alongside it largely went unnoticed. This stealthy seizure of control over electoral bodies highlights a sophisticated strategy aimed at subtly shifting power over time, allowing for future manipulation of election results and long-term influence on the political landscape. The focus on the failed election challenge obscured the more significant change in the structure of electoral administration itself. The Republicans successfully altered the composition of the State Board of Elections, giving them a longer-term, structural advantage.
The limited success in halting the blatant attempt to throw out votes should not be mistaken for a complete victory. The ongoing gerrymandering in North Carolina continues to skew election results, providing Republicans with a significant advantage even beyond the newly acquired control over the Board of Elections. The Republican Party’s enduring grip on the state Supreme Court further cements their dominance, creating systemic barriers to fair and representative governance. The judicial system’s willingness to allow such extensive delays only strengthens the impression that this type of tactic could prove successful in the future.
Even if the blatant attempt to influence the election was thwarted this time, the underlying issues remain. This “failure” should serve as a stark reminder that the fight for democratic integrity is far from over. The Republicans involved appear to have learned valuable lessons in strategy and tactics and they may well refine their methods for future attempts. The financial resources available to those actively trying to destabilize the democratic process are vast and seemingly inexhaustible, making sustained vigilance all the more crucial.
The lack of serious consequences for those involved in this attempted power grab is alarming. Without substantial repercussions, the temptation to repeat these actions—with improved strategies—will remain strong. A lack of accountability essentially provides a license for future attempts, creating a chilling effect on democratic participation and free and fair elections. Unless significant punitive actions are taken, this will likely be viewed as a successful pilot program.
The headline proclaiming a “crash and burn” is overly optimistic. While the most blatant attempt failed, the underlying power shift and the lack of accountability remain significant threats. This near-miss should serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need for continued vigilance, enhanced safeguards against electoral manipulation, and strong legal repercussions for those who attempt to undermine democracy. The fight to preserve democratic norms continues, and the stakes are high.