North Carolina Republicans Push Controversial Election Changes Amid Disaster Relief Bill
In a decisive move before the year’s end, North Carolina’s Republican-led General Assembly passed Senate Bill 382 late Tuesday, which aims to increase disaster recovery funding while simultaneously shifting election oversight power from the governor to the state auditor. The bill, which passed with a 63-46 vote in the House, allocates an extra $227 million to the Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Fund for western counties, reduces regulatory barriers for infrastructure recovery projects, and allows school districts greater calendar flexibility.
However, a significant provision in the 137-page bill strips the governor of administrative authority over the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE), transferring that authority to the state auditor, a position set to be filled by Republican Dave Boliek in January. While the NCSBE will retain some independence, the auditor will gain budget oversight starting July 1, 2025, and the power to appoint board members, likely shifting election oversight into Republican hands.
Democrats have criticized the maneuvers, with Rep. Julie Von Haefen accusing Republicans of using disaster relief legislation to amplify their political influence. Governor Roy Cooper is expected to veto the bill, but the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly may override it before the session ends, as they face a loss of some legislative power come next year.
The bill also impacts local election boards, initiating a shift in membership appointments and consolidating the auditor’s role in election oversight across the state. As the Senate prepares to finalize the legislation, the implications for North Carolina’s electoral landscape grow increasingly contentious.
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