Republican Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland clarified his comments about potentially allocating North Carolina’s presidential electors to Donald Trump before the votes were counted, stating that his remarks were taken out of context. The comments were made during a conversation at a Republican Party dinner where a pro-Trump activist suggested that legislatures in various states, including North Carolina, could convene on Election Day and allocate their state’s electors to Trump. Harris mentioned the counties in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene, suggesting that disenfranchised voters in those areas could make a difference in the election.
Despite the discussion at the dinner, it does not appear to be possible under current North Carolina law for the legislature to allocate electors before vote counting is complete. The state’s law on awarding presidential electors limits the General Assembly’s role to extenuating circumstances after the election if other steps in the process aren’t met. Any attempt to subvert the will of the voters and promote an alternate slate of electors may violate the Electoral Count Act passed by Congress after Trump’s attempts to stop the certification of the 2020 election.
The offices of North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore, both Republicans, did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Harris issued a statement clarifying his comments, emphasizing that every legal vote should be counted. Bipartisan efforts have been made to improve voting access in the counties affected by Hurricane Helene, with the State Board of Elections unanimously approving a resolution expanding opportunities for absentee ballot pickup and increasing flexibility for local boards.
Early voting in North Carolina, particularly in areas impacted by the hurricane, has been robust and efforts have been praised by the state elections board. The Republican-controlled General Assembly passed legislation to expand voting access in the affected counties. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, responded to Andy Harris’ comments, stressing the importance of free and fair elections and leaders who respect the democratic process. She emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize the best interests of the American people in the electoral process.
Overall, the conversation at the Republican Party dinner sparked discussions about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of state legislatures in allocating presidential electors. While the idea of preemptively allocating electors before the votes are counted may raise concerns about manipulation of election outcomes, it is essential to uphold the democratic principles of free and fair elections. The bipartisan efforts to improve voting access in North Carolina demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the electoral process and have their voices heard. Leaders at all levels must prioritize the integrity of elections and uphold the democratic values that form the foundation of American society.
