RALEIGH—A controversial move by Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin has thrust North Carolina into the national spotlight once again, sparking outrage and mobilizing activists to take a stand. Griffin, a Wake County judge, has filed a legal challenge seeking to retroactively disqualify more than 60,000 ballots from the 2024 election, arguing that voters without a Social Security number or driver’s license number on file should not have been eligible to vote.
Critics, including civil rights groups and election law experts, have labeled Griffin’s legal challenge as extreme and baseless. While state election officials confirmed that all challenged voters were registered and had presented valid photo identification to cast their ballots, Griffin contends that their incomplete records violate state law. This assertion has been met with skepticism—even from members of Griffin’s own party. Republican state Supreme Court Justice Richard Dietz called the argument “almost certainly meritless” during preliminary hearings.
Activists Plan Daylong Protest
In response to Griffin’s legal push, advocates for voting rights will hold a marathon event on Tuesday, January 14, across from the state Legislative Building in Raleigh. The gathering will feature the public reading of the names of all 60,000-plus voters whose ballots are at risk of being thrown out. Organized by a coalition of grassroots groups, the event aims to draw attention to what they describe as an attempt to suppress the voice of thousands of registered voters, many of whom have been active participants in elections for decades.
The reading will begin at 6:00 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 11:00 p.m., underscoring the magnitude of the number of voters affected. In addition to the public readings, speakers will address the crowd periodically throughout the day, discussing the broader implications of Griffin’s efforts for democracy in North Carolina. The event will also be live-streamed on YouTube to reach a wider audience.
A Familiar Pattern for North Carolina
This latest controversy comes as North Carolina continues to grapple with its national reputation for contentious legislation. From the notorious “bathroom bill” that targeted transgender individuals to past efforts to restrict the acknowledgment of climate change’s effects, the state has faced repeated criticism for polarizing policies. Critics argue that Griffin’s move to disqualify ballots fits into this pattern of undermining democratic norms and human rights.
The issue has also drawn comparisons to broader national debates over voting rights and election security. While Griffin’s legal team argues that their effort is about enforcing election laws, opponents contend that the move is part of a larger trend of targeting vulnerable populations—such as minority and low-income voters—for exclusion from the electoral process.
A Mobile Billboard and Public Awareness Campaign
Adding to the day’s activities, a mobile billboard began circling the state Legislative Building on Monday, January 8, drawing further attention to Griffin’s efforts. The billboard, sponsored by advocacy groups, features bold messaging that highlights the number of ballots at stake and urges residents to oppose what it describes as “an attack on democracy.”
“This is not just about 60,000 voters. It’s about protecting the right to vote for every single North Carolinian,” said Sarah Thompson, a spokesperson for the League of Voters, one of the event’s organizers. “We’re here to remind the public that these voters followed the rules, showed their ID, and had their ballots counted. To disqualify them now is unconscionable.”
What’s Next?
Griffin’s challenge remains tied up in the courts, with legal experts predicting a prolonged battle. For now, the 60,000 voters whose ballots hang in the balance represent a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle over the integrity and inclusivity of the state’s electoral system.
As the story continues to develop, The Bull City Citizen will be on the front lines, bringing readers in-depth coverage of this issue and its implications. For updates, analysis, and more on this and other critical stories affecting North Carolinians, subscribe to The Bull City Citizen. Democracy depends on an informed public—and we’re here to keep you informed.
