Asheville Citizens Unravel Election Ballots in Supreme Court Race Recount
Asheville, NC – In an atmosphere of anticipation and debate, several dozen citizens and election officials gathered at the Buncombe County Board of Elections headquarters recently. Their mission? The arduous task of manually recounting thousands of 2024 election ballots. The spotlight of this busy gathering highlights a close race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Determining Election Integrity
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A tight electoral race has led the state Board of Elections to prepare for a crucial ruling that could potentially invalidate 60,000 ballots statewide, including about 1,600 from Buncombe County. The North Carolina Republican Party, led by candidate Jefferson Griffin, asserts that election boards across all 100 counties might have improperly counted ballots from ineligible or unverified voters. This claim calls into question the integrity of the election process, resulting in Griffin demanding a “hand-to-eye” recount across the state. With the original count showing Griffin trailing his Democratic opponent Allison Riggs by 734 votes out of over 5.5 million cast, the pressure to ensure every vote is legitimate is palpable.
Counting Down the Hours
The uniqueness of this recount stems from its timing—officials must complete this hand recount within a tight five-day window. Meanwhile, Griffin’s team asserts they will explore every legal avenue to reverse the election outcome. State Republican Party spokesperson Matt Mercer emphasized, “Our priority remains ensuring that every legal vote is counted,” highlighting the importance of public trust in the electoral process.
However, Riggs’s campaign manager, Embry Owen, criticized Griffin’s actions as a “last-ditch effort to deny the will of voters across the state.” The challenge over the legitimacy of certain ballots adds a layer of complexity and could lead to delays in final results.
The Challenge of Voter Eligibility
Among the ballots in question are those of Riggs’s own parents, who are included in the list of potentially invalid voters. The Republican Party’s claim indicates various reasons for disqualification: attempting to vote as a felon, casting an absentee ballot postmortem, or lacking proper identification data. Under North Carolina law, voters were required to present proper identification which includes their Social Security number or driver’s license.
Interestingly, several local voters, including John R. Nicolay, expressed their surprise upon discovering their ballots were being challenged. “I’m flattered to be included, but I have no idea what that’s about,” Nicolay shared. He noted that he followed all voting procedures, demonstrating the confusion and frustration felt among some who are suddenly entangled in the recount’s ramifications.
A Closer Look at the Process
The recount process began in earnest, with election workers and observers receiving training on how to effectively execute a “hand-to-eye” count. In Buncombe County alone, four teams of election workers, consisting of an equal split between Republicans and Democrats, were assembled to ensure the integrity of the process. Each counter is paid $17 an hour for their participation.
The majority of the ballots being examined were from the ExpressVote XL touchscreen machines, which provided a clearer reading during the initial recount phase. This technology contrasts with hand-marked paper ballots that often lead to misinterpretation of voter intent due to the many variables that can arise, like smudges or cross-outs.
Community Engagement and Transparency
While the hand recount appears to be a mechanical exercise, Corinne M. Duncan, the Buncombe County Elections Director, states, “The thing that is tough is that the law doesn’t keep up with technology.” The community is engaged and watching, with the process even being streamed online for transparency.
Throughout this process, it appears that despite deep political divides, those counting the votes share a mutual respect and drive towards upholding the integrity of democracy. “This election process is a sacred rite,” said Jake Quinn, the Buncombe County Board of Elections Chairman. His sentiments echo the collective aim among the counters: to serve the public service by ensuring that every vote is fairly evaluated.
A Legislative Backdrop
Interestingly, these recount events unfold against a backdrop of legislative changes that may influence future elections in North Carolina. A recent vote by the Republican-dominated state senate may strip certain powers from the governor regarding appointments to the Board of Elections—a development that could have long-standing implications for electoral oversight.
Looking Ahead
The unfolding drama in Asheville not only reveals the excitement surrounding the electoral process but also highlights serious questions about ballot integrity and the responsibilities of election officials. With eyes carefully observing the outcome of the recount, Asheville citizens remain engaged in the critical conversations surrounding their democracy. In a race so close, every ballot truly counts.
