North Carolina court allows election board appointments by auditor amid controversy

In North Carolina, a significant legal ruling occurred on April 23, 2025, when an appeals court decided that a new law, which transfers the power to appoint members of the State Board of Elections from the governor to the state's Republican auditor, could be enforced while legal challenges continue. This decision came shortly after trial judges had found the law unconstitutional, leading to a division of opinion between Democrats, led by Governor Josh Stein, and Republican legislative leaders. The appointment authority has traditionally rested with the governor, a practice observed for more than a century, with the expectation that three out of the five board members are from the governor's party. The appointment shift is set to provide a majority of positions on the board for Republicans, which the Democrats argue undermines election integrity and represents a blatant attempt by the GOP to consolidate power. Governor Stein and his predecessor had previously contested similar laws targeting the authority of the governor, with multiple attempts to revoke such powers being blocked by the courts in recent years. On May 1, 2025, the Republican auditor Dave Boliek began making appointments to the new board, moving forward with the transition as the legal situation unfolds. This could lead to a major change in how elections are managed in the state. The board plays a crucial role in overseeing elections, particularly relevant in the context of ongoing disputes over election outcomes. Given the heightened scrutiny of election processes, the implications of this ruling and the subsequent appointments are being closely monitored by both parties, as they could significantly influence the political landscape in North Carolina leading into future electoral contests.