North Carolina Republican lawmakers have passed a bill that would strip the state’s incoming Democratic governor and attorney general of key powers before the GOP potentially loses its veto-proof majority in the Legislature. The bill grants the state auditor, a Republican, the authority to appoint members to the state’s election board, a power that currently lies with the governor. It also includes provisions to shorten the time for voters to fix ballot errors and requires counties to count ballots more rapidly. The legislation, part of a 131-page bill that includes hurricane relief funding and other Republican priorities, was written behind closed doors and passed quickly in both GOP-controlled chambers.The bill has been criticized as a “power grab” by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and State Board of Elections staff, who were not consulted about the legislation. The bill also proposes limiting the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to those of the Legislature and stripping the governor of some powers in filling judicial vacancies. Democrats have expressed concerns about the bill and its implications for the upcoming elections. With Republicans on track to lose their supermajority in the Legislature, they would need Democratic support to override any future vetoes from the attorney general. The bill is seen as a way for Republicans to maintain control and enact their agenda before potentially losing their majority.
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GOP lawmakers in North Carolina vote to revoke powers of incoming Democratic leaders
