Article Summary –
Voter ID laws and Tropical Storm Helene boosted provisional ballots in NC’s 2024 election, impacting tight races like Swain County’s commissioner race and the state Supreme Court contest. Provisional ballots, often needed due to ID issues or voter roll errors, are being meticulously reviewed before results are finalized.
Impact of Voter ID Rules and Helene on Provisional Ballots in NC’s 2024 Election
In Swain County, 16 votes separate Board of Commissioners candidates Bobby Jenkins and Kenneth Parton. Republican Tanner Lawson has secured the top spot, but Jenkins and Parton are battling for the second position, hinging on provisional ballots.
In Swain County, 147 provisional ballots remain uncounted. “These plus additional absentee ballots could change the outcome,” Swain County Elections Director Adam Byrnes told Carolina Public Press.
Across North Carolina, county boards are scrutinizing provisional ballots to confirm their validity. The suspense ends after the canvass 10 days post-election, finalizing results.
Statewide, the closest race involves North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin, separated by under 8,000 votes. Griffin, the Republican challenger, currently leads.
According to State Board of Elections, approximately 64,000 provisional ballots were cast, potentially influencing outcomes if counted in Riggs’ favor.
This election marked North Carolina’s first implementation of the voter ID law, raising questions about its effect on provisional ballots. Additionally, Tropical Storm Helene likely contributed to increased provisional voting.
What Are Provisional Ballots and How Are They Counted?
In North Carolina, voters can cast provisional ballots if there’s uncertainty about their eligibility. These ballots undergo verification during the 10-day post-election period.
Robeson County Elections Director Tina Bledsoe said staff spend at least 20 minutes verifying each provisional ballot. This may involve checking DMV registrations or ensuring voters were not removed from rolls due to inactivity or other reasons.
In 2020 and 2024, Robeson County had the highest proportion of provisional voters, with more than 1,100 ballots to research this year.
Reasons for casting a provisional ballot include address changes, previous removal due to felony convictions, or voting at the wrong precinct. Some voters may lack a photo ID, prompting provisional voting under the new law. Voters can later validate their ID through an exception form.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections website allows voters to check their provisional ballot status.
In 2020, 33% of approximately 40,000 provisional ballots were fully counted, 7% partially, and 60% rejected.
Did More People Vote Provisionally Than Usual?
More than 23,000 additional provisional ballots were cast in 2024 compared to 2020. Most were cast on Election Day, with urban centers like Wake County leading in numbers.
Director Adam Byrnes attributed the increase to a push against voter disenfranchisement. Many voters opted for same-day registration but lacked necessary proof of residence.
The voter ID law accounted for 11% of provisional ballots, while 61% lacked registration records, and 10% voted at the wrong precinct.
Scotland County Elections Director Dell Parker noted ongoing intensive research but said provisional ballots were not more problematic than before. Tropical Storm Helene affected some voting sites, causing potential confusion.
In Buncombe County, 122 voters cited a natural disaster on their photo ID exception forms.
County canvasses will conclude by Friday, finalizing most races unless a recount is necessary, such as in the close Swain County commissioner race.
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