NC Sen. Berger Files Protests, Cites Ballot Errors

The Globe and Atlas

Summary

NC Senator Phil Berger protests election, citing ballot errors.

Why this matters

The outcome of this electoral dispute could have implications for election integrity and confidence, showcasing the legal processes in place to address voting concerns.

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger filed four election protests, claiming that some voters either received incorrect ballots or faced registration issues. The main protest involves Guilford County, where Berger alleges that some voters were given ballots for the wrong Senate district. Seven voters filed affidavits supporting these claims. Official results show Berger trailing his opponent, Sam Page, by 23 votes.

Per North Carolina law, protests backed by substantial evidence can modify results, prompt a recount, or instigate a new election. Berger requested that Guilford County voters who received incorrect ballots be allowed to recast them after an investigation. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the state’s Board of Elections.

In Rockingham County, Berger filed a protest to count a provisional ballot from a voter who claimed attempts to update her registration were unsuccessful. Another protest contests that certain voters changed their preferred party ballots, and another addresses claims of registration not being updated in time.

Berger’s campaign spokesman, Jonathan Felts, said these protests, affecting 13 ballots, could impact election outcomes, especially when combined with votes potentially added during the recount. Page’s spokesman, Patrick Sebastian, countered these assertions, expressing doubt that the protests could overturn the election results.

The recount follows accusations from both campaigns of pressuring voters. Page’s team alleged Berger’s campaign sought false affidavits about incorrect ballots, while Berger’s campaign alleged voter intimidation from Page.

Guilford County largely supported Berger with 67% of the vote, contrasting with Rockingham County, which favored Page by a similar margin. Former State Board of Elections chair Josh Howard highlighted the importance of reviewing ballots in light of such discrepancies.

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  • NC Sen. Berger Files Protests, Cites Ballot Errors
    North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger filed four election protests, claiming that some voters either received incorrect ballots or faced registration issues. The main protest involves Guilford County, where Berger alleges that some voters were given ballots for the wrong Senate district. Seven voters filed affidavits supporting these claims. Official results show Berger trailing his opponent, Sam Page, by 23 votes. Per North Carolina law, protests backed by substantial evidence can modify results, prompt a recount, or instigate a new election. Berger requested that Guilford County voters who received incorrect ballots be allowed to recast them after an investigation. Additionally, he filed a complaint with the state’s Board of Elections. In Rockingham County, Berger filed a protest to count a provisional ballot from a voter who claimed attempts to update her registration were unsuccessful. Another protest contests that certain voters changed their preferred party ballots, and another addresses claims of registration not being updated in time. Berger’s campaign spokesman, Jonathan Felts, said these protests, affecting 13 ballots, could impact election outcomes, especially when combined with votes potentially added during the recount. Page’s spokesman, Patrick Sebastian, countered these assertions, expressing doubt that the protests could overturn the election results. The recount follows accusations from both campaigns of pressuring voters. Page’s team alleged Berger’s campaign sought false affidavits about incorrect ballots, while Berger’s campaign alleged voter intimidation from Page. Guilford County largely supported Berger with 67% of the vote, contrasting with Rockingham County, which favored Page by a similar margin. Former State Board of Elections chair Josh Howard highlighted the importance of reviewing ballots in light of such discrepancies.
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