RALEIGH, N.C. — In his final weeks as North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper vetoed sweeping legislation on Tuesday that would strip significant powers from Democrats newly elected to statewide office. Among the controversial provisions, the bill would remove the governor’s authority to appoint the state elections board, further escalating a long-running battle over control of state governance.
The vetoed bill, hastily passed during a lame-duck session by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, seeks to weaken Gov.-elect Josh Stein and other incoming Democratic officials, including the attorney general, state schools superintendent, and lieutenant governor. Critics have labeled the legislation a blatant attempt to entrench GOP power before the party loses its veto-proof majority.
Governor Cooper’s Rejection
In a strongly worded statement, Cooper condemned the legislation as unconstitutional and a distraction from urgent needs, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
“This legislation was titled disaster relief but instead violates the constitution by taking appointments away from the next Governor for the Board of Elections, Utilities Commission, and Commander of the NC Highway Patrol,” Cooper said. “It lets political parties choose appellate judges and interferes with the Attorney General’s ability to advocate for lower electric bills for consumers.”
The bill does contain hurricane relief provisions, but critics argue that the funding is insufficient and cannot be deployed until the General Assembly reconvenes next month.
Power Struggles Over the State Elections Board
A focal point of the bill is the restructuring of the State Board of Elections. Currently, the governor appoints board members, with the governor’s party holding the majority. Under the new legislation, beginning in May, appointments would instead be made by the state auditor—soon to be Republican Dave Boliek. This change would likely secure Republican control of the board, a move that could ripple down to county election boards.
Efforts by Republicans to alter the board’s structure have faced legal challenges in the past, including a 2023 law struck down by courts for unconstitutionally shifting appointment power from the governor to the General Assembly.
Judicial Appointment Restrictions
The bill also seeks to limit the governor’s ability to fill judicial vacancies, mandating that the governor can only appoint candidates nominated by the outgoing judge’s political party. This measure further curtails executive power while ensuring partisan influence in judicial appointments.
Post-Election Deadlines and Vote Count Efficiency
In response to Republican complaints over delayed vote counts in recent elections, the legislation proposes moving up post-election deadlines beginning in 2025. Proponents argue this will lead to quicker results, but critics see it as another attempt to exert control over election processes.
Republican Override Attempt Looms
The vetoed bill will now return to the General Assembly, where Republicans are expected to mount an override effort. However, with three House Republicans voting against the measure earlier—citing concerns over rushed decision-making and the lack of disaster relief for their flood-affected districts—success is uncertain.
Starting in January, Democrats could effectively block such measures if they maintain party unity in the legislature, potentially enabling Gov.-elect Stein to veto GOP-driven bills with greater confidence.
A Legacy of Resistance
Governor Cooper’s veto is the latest in a series of confrontations with the General Assembly, reflecting his administration’s steadfast opposition to what he and many others perceive as partisan overreach.
As the bill’s fate unfolds, North Carolina’s political landscape remains a battleground for governance and power, with implications that could shape the state’s future well beyond 2024.
For ongoing coverage of North Carolina politics, stay tuned to the Bull City Citizen.
