In North Carolina, a tight race for a seat on the state Supreme Court remains unsettled months after the 2024 election. Democratic Justice Allison Riggs was declared the winner over Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin following two recounts. However, a legal challenge has pushed the dispute to the state’s highest court, where the final decision could shape how future elections are handled in the state.
Recount Confirms Riggs as Winner by 734 Votes
Justice Allison Riggs won the North Carolina Supreme Court seat by a margin of 734 votes, according to official recounts held after the November 5, 2024 election. Her opponent, Judge Jefferson Griffin, contested the results and filed a legal challenge. This led to a review by the North Carolina Court of Appeals, which issued a 2-1 decision in Griffin’s favor on April 4, 2025.
The decision allowed Griffin’s legal claims to move forward, sparking further debate about election processes in the state. The North Carolina Supreme Court, where Riggs currently serves, will now determine the outcome of the dispute.
Legal Focus on 65,000 Challenged Ballots
Griffin’s challenge focuses on more than 65,000 ballots. Most of these ballots had minor clerical issues related to voter registration records, such as mismatched data. Critics say the timing of the challenge—after the election and recounts—raises concerns about the intent behind the legal action.
On April 11, 2025, the state Supreme Court ruled that about 60,000 of these votes should be counted. These voters were verified under North Carolina’s voter ID law, and errors were found to be administrative, not fraudulent. However, up to 7,000 ballots from overseas and military voters are still at risk if voters do not correct (or “cure”) their ballots within 30 days of notification.
Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement
Voting rights advocates say that the voters affected by the challenge were more likely to belong to specific demographic groups. Data from election monitors revealed that Black voters were twice as likely as white voters to have their ballots questioned. Young voters aged 18 to 25 also saw a higher number of challenges.
Military and overseas voters were included in the challenge, even though Judge Griffin himself previously voted by mail while serving in the National Guard.
Election analysts note that these trends are important, as they reflect which groups are more vulnerable to being disenfranchised when election laws are used to challenge ballots after voting ends.
Election Officials Defend Verified Ballots
North Carolina’s voter ID law, passed in recent years, was designed to strengthen election integrity by verifying the identity of all voters. Officials say the 60,000 affected voters passed this verification process. Errors in their files came from simple data mismatches, not fraud.
State election officials have confirmed that voters flagged in the challenge were eligible to vote and had submitted valid identification when required. “These are legitimate votes from qualified North Carolina citizens,” said a spokesperson from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Supreme Court Decision Will Set a Precedent
The case now lies in the hands of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Since Griffin is a candidate for the court, the outcome raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Currently, Republicans hold a majority on the state’s highest court.
Observers say the decision could impact how close elections are handled in the future, not just in North Carolina but in other states facing tight races and ballot challenges.
Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said during an April 10 press briefing, “Today, it’s about one Supreme Court seat. But tomorrow, it could be a race for the U.S. House or Governor. This sets the stage for how close elections are treated going forward.”
What Happens Next?
Military and overseas voters whose ballots were flagged have 30 days to fix any errors and confirm their eligibility. If they do not respond in time, their votes could be thrown out. The state Supreme Court’s final decision is expected after that window closes.
Until then, the North Carolina Supreme Court race remains the only unresolved statewide election from 2024.
Election Disputes Highlight Need for Reform
This case highlights how post-election legal challenges can delay outcomes and affect voter trust. Voting rights groups have called for clearer rules about when and how ballot protests can be filed.
Legal experts suggest that changes could help prevent similar disputes in future elections. “The longer the uncertainty, the more it risks undermining public confidence,” said Dr. Elena Roberts, a professor of election law at UNC-Chapel Hill.
