First:
Democratic Justice Allison Riggs defeated her opponent, state appeals court Judge Jefferson Griffin, by 734 votes in November’s election. But Griffin is refusing to concede – and instead has launched a multi-pronged attack on voters in both state and federal court. He’s trying to litigate away his loss by silencing over 67,000 voters, disproportionately from Black North Carolinians, and overturn the results of the election. Justice Riggs’ victory is the last uncertified race in this country.

Then:
The case ping-ponged between federal and state courts.

(In federal court) The Fourth Circuit heard oral arguments and ordered that the case stay in state courts for now. The court retained some federal jurisdiction, which means the case may go back there later. 

(In state court) In a particularly egregious move, Griffin suggested that the court, as a first step, disqualify only overseas voters—including active military personnel and their families—but only from six heavily Democratic counties. Normally, Republicans attempt to hide it better when they cherrypick votes to suppress, but he is saying the quiet part out loud. 

In Wake County Superior Court, the judge ruled against Griffin. 

Griffin appealed to the Court of Appeals. This is the very court he sits on, but he has not recused. Neither has his friend and $5000 campaign donor, Judge Thomas Murry.  

Even Republican Senator Phil Berger, the leader of the NC Senate (and father of NC Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger, Jr.), feels Griffin has taken it too far. ““The equities are with the voters there,” he said.

April 7, 2024:
The Supreme Court issued a stay in Jefferson Griffin v. the Board of Elections. Last week, the Court of Appeals ruled that voters would have to re-prove their voter registration in order for their vote to be counted. Now, that decision will not go into effect until after the Supreme Court hears the case – and it may not go into effect at all until after the Supreme Court and subsequent appeals in federal court are finished. The North Carolina Democratic Party is standing squarely behind Justice Riggs—and behind every single voter whose rights are under attack. We will continue fighting in court and in every community across the state to defend our democracy.