The article centers on the contested 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election between Democrat Allison Riggs and Republican Jefferson Griffin. Riggs initially won by a narrow margin, but Griffin challenged over 60,000 votes, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals initially sided with Griffin, but the state Supreme Court largely rejected his challenges, though some ballots were flagged. The case highlights partisan divisions, with legal experts citing conflicts between Griffin's arguments and federal law. Riggs appealed to a federal court.
Riggs views the legal challenges as an attack on the fundamentals of democracy, arguing that the ability of those in power to disregard election results undermines public trust. She emphasizes that the delay damages voter faith, suggesting that voters may lose their faith in their votes mattering.
Riggs' journey from microbiology student to Supreme Court justice is detailed, highlighting her involvement in civil rights and voting rights advocacy, particularly fighting against GOP-backed laws perceived as targeting Black voters. She argues that her work transcends partisan divides, aiming to ensure every vote is counted regardless of affiliation.
Griffin's challenge specifically targets votes in heavily Democratic counties, leading Riggs to criticize the inconsistency with claims of election integrity. While some prominent Republicans criticized Griffin, many remained silent or supportive. The article compares Griffin's actions to past similar partisan election disputes.
The article concludes by highlighting the lasting damage to democracy caused by the ongoing delay and the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome. The decision rests with Republican justices, who must choose between their party member and the voters' choice.