The Republican National Committee (RNC) filed a lawsuit claiming that allowing overseas voters who have never lived in North Carolina to cast ballots is unconstitutional. However, the North Carolina Court of Appeals rejected the RNC’s petition, allowing these voters to participate in the 2024 election.
The appeals court upheld a lower court’s decision to deny the RNC’s request for a preliminary injunction, stating that the Republicans failed to provide substantial evidence of voter fraud. The court also refused to grant a temporary injunction.
Republicans have been challenging a North Carolina law that permits overseas voters with no prior residency in the state to vote. They have requested that ballots from such individuals be segregated and not counted.
According to North Carolina law, individuals with a parent or legal guardian who once lived in the state can vote by mail if they have not registered to vote elsewhere. The RNC argued that the state’s Board of Elections is allowing unqualified non-residents to participate in North Carolina elections.
The Democratic National Committee and the board defended the current voting regulations, arguing that they comply with the state’s Constitution.
Judge John W. Smith ruled against the RNC’s claims, stating that there was no substantial evidence to support the allegations of voter fraud. The North Carolina Court of Appeals did not provide a detailed explanation for rejecting the RNC’s appeal.
In related cases, a Michigan judge recently denied a request to block family members of overseas voters from casting ballots, while a federal judge in Pennsylvania dismissed an RNC lawsuit targeting certain overseas voters due to lack of evidence and timing issues.
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