Article Summary –
In North Carolina’s tight Supreme Court election, Justice Riggs leads Judge Griffin by 623 votes out of 5.5 million. A recount is ongoing, and Griffin challenges over 60,000 ballots. This underscores the significance of each vote, amid challenges like voter suppression and baseless fraud claims.
North Carolina’s Supreme Court election, pivotal for abortion rights and democracy, is hinging on 600 votes.
Just how crucial are 600 votes?
Every election cycle, we’re bombarded with messages like “every vote matters” and “your vote counts.” These may feel repetitive, but repeatedly, the power of a single vote proves significant.
Over the last 20 years, presidential elections often come down to slim margins, and state and local races are even tighter.
READ MORE: Riggs declares victory in NC Supreme Court race as opponent contests 60,000 votes
North Carolina voters experienced this in the 2020 state Supreme Court race between Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Republican Paul Newby. After two recounts, the North Carolina State Board of Elections declared Newby the winner by 401 votes out of nearly 5.4 million.
This year, North Carolinians are again seeing why every vote matters, especially in state court races.
Currently, a statewide recount is taking place for the state Supreme Court race between Justice Allison Riggs and Judge Jefferson Griffin. Some counties have finished counting, with others to conclude soon.
Justice Riggs is ahead of Judge Griffin by 623 votes out of about 5.5 million—a 0.02% difference.
Griffin has filed numerous election protests, aiming to disqualify over 60,000 ballots—equivalent to the population of Chapel Hill.
Griffin may request a recount, and state election officials should be supported in counting every vote. However, unfounded fraud claims and attempts to intimidate voters undermine democracy. Griffin’s efforts may not succeed.
Despite voting obstacles—restrictive laws, gerrymandering, and arbitrary rules—North Carolina voters turned out in droves.
Every vote is a voice, and whether a margin is 10, 600, or 10,000, those voices matter.
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