North Carolina’s Crucial 2024 Election
TL/DR –
The upcoming North Carolina Supreme Court race is considered crucial for the democratic process in the state due to the ongoing issue of gerrymandering. North Carolina is reportedly the most gerrymandered state in the nation, a partisan practice where politicians redraw voting districts to favor their own party. The current 5-2 Republican majority on the NC Supreme Court has previously supported this practice, arguing that while the state constitution guarantees elections, it does not promise fair elections, which has led to a skewed political representation in the state.
The North Carolina Supreme Court election holds high stakes for the democratic process, surpassing the governor’s race and the presidential election in importance.
A controversial governor candidate and a presidential aspirant known for inciting a violent attack on the Capitol dominate the headlines. Yet, the Supreme Court race could have a more profound impact on the state’s future.
Despite a potential larger voter turnout for Democratic candidates, Republicans are expected to retain control of the state legislature and possibly their supermajorities. This is largely due to North Carolina being the most gerrymandered state in the nation.
Republicans on the court argued that the NC Constitution guarantees us elections, but it doesn’t promise us fair elections.
Gerrymandering, a partisan practice where politicians redraw voting districts to their party’s advantage, was greenlit by a 5-2 Republican majority on the NC Supreme Court in an infamous 2023 decision.
The Republican justices argue for the provision of elections, but not necessarily fair ones, undermining the democratic process. Such actions contribute to the fear of a democracy without meaningful elections and courts lacking impartiality.
Understanding NC’s Supreme Court
Seats on the state Supreme Court are elected positions, held for eight years. Though most voters prefer non-partisan races, they have been partisan since 2016. The court, composed of seven seats with five held by Republican justices, has one seat up for re-election this year.
Incumbent Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat, is up against Republican Jefferson Griffin. The remaining seats will be up for re-election in 2026 and 2028.
If North Carolinians hope to alter the partisan leanings of the court by 2028, and end gerrymandering, supporting Riggs this year is crucial. Despite the lack of media coverage, the stakes could not be higher for the future of democracy in North Carolina.
—
Read More US News; North Carolina News