News Summary
Pat McCrory, former Governor of North Carolina, has condemned recent legislative moves by Republican lawmakers as an unconstitutional attempt to undermine the incoming Democratic administration. He argues that these changes threaten electoral integrity and public confidence in the voting process. McCrory, involved with the group Right Count, advocates for transparency in elections, warning against potential voter disenfranchisement and emphasizing the importance of bipartisan efforts to secure the electoral framework as new elections approach.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Former Governor Pat McCrory has expressed strong criticism of recent legislative initiatives by Republican lawmakers in North Carolina, labeling their actions an “unconstitutional power grab” aimed at undermining the authority of the incoming Democratic Governor and Attorney General. This legislation would shift power in the appointment of the state’s Board of Elections from the Governor to the state auditor, who is a Republican, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process within the state.
McCrory, who was the only Republican governor in North Carolina in the last two generations, believes that these changes will foster public distrust in the electoral system and erode essential checks and balances that are crucial for fair governance. His remarks come amidst a broader movement focused on election integrity, in which he is actively involved through his participation in a group called Right Count.
Right Count is dedicated to promoting transparency in elections and educating voters about critical issues like election laws and administrative changes, including new voter ID requirements and the use of paper ballots. McCrory emphasizes the importance of clear communication regarding how elections are conducted to alleviate confusion, especially during close races, and has expressed concern about how varying state laws might lead to misunderstandings about voting results across the country.
During his tenure as Governor, McCrory implemented significant reforms including tax legislation, regulatory changes, and improvements to unemployment insurance. He garnered praise for his crisis management during Hurricane Matthew. However, since leaving office eight years ago, he has struggled to maintain a prominent profile, engaging in roles such as radio hosting, business advising, and currently leading a PBS show in Charlotte. His decision to pursue a Senate seat rather than a less competitive House race ultimately ended unsuccessfully, contributing to his ongoing efforts to find relevance in North Carolina’s political landscape.
In the aftermath of his own electoral defeat in 2016, McCrory initially sought a recount but later accepted the results after reviewing the evidence. This experience has informed his current advocacy work, especially regarding the need for bipartisan cooperation to safeguard the electoral process. He has called on current Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin to concede his recent Supreme Court election loss to bolster the integrity of the electoral framework.
McCrory warns that as Republicans push for changes that could potentially disenfranchise voters and alter the power dynamics within the state government, it is crucial for both political parties to prioritize the preservation of electoral integrity over short-term partisan advantages. He argues that fostering public confidence in the electoral system should be paramount, and aims for Right Count to serve as a cohesive coalition, enlisting law enforcement and both current and former elected officials to advocate for transparency and fairness in elections.
As the state approaches new elections under this contentious legal climate, the discussions surrounding McCrory’s critiques and the initiatives of Right Count highlight the ongoing tensions and complexities of maintaining a trustworthy electoral process in North Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Opinion on Recent Legislative Changes
- ABC11: Pat McCrory Critiques GOP Legislative Actions
- News & Observer: Election Integrity and Recent Changes
- NC Newsline: Ads Opposing GOP Ballot Measures
- CBS17: McCrory Calls for Concession in Supreme Court Election
- Wikipedia: Electoral Reform
- Google Search: North Carolina Election Integrity
- Google Scholar: Election Transparency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google News: North Carolina Politics
