North Carolina GOP Expands Power, Sidelines Democrats

North Carolina Republicans have passed Senate Bill 382, transferring the power to appoint state and county election board members from the governor to the state auditor, effectively shifting control to the GOP. This move follows a rejected attempt by Republican Jefferson Griffin to discard votes in a state supreme court race he lost. The bill, passed during a lame-duck session, is seen as a power grab to maintain Republican influence over election administration, despite protests and a veto from the Democratic governor. The legislation is expected to face legal challenges.