#North Carolina Supreme Court

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Emily Singer at Daily Kos:

The GOP-controlled North Carolina State Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked certification of liberal justice Allison Riggs' 2024 victory, allowing the Republican who lost the race to present his argument about why 60,000 ballots cast in the race should be thrown out. Riggs, an incumbent on the court, defeated Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin by 748 votes—a narrow victory that was affirmed by two recounts. But Griffin is refusing to concede and instead wants the court to throw out 60,000 ballots based on a ridiculous claim that those voters were illegally registered. Griffin claims those voters did not put their Social Security or driver's license numbers on their voter registration forms, rendering their votes invalid. State and national Republicans used that same argument to try and purge 225,000 voters from the rolls in North Carolina before ballots were cast in the 2024 election. But both the State Board of Elections and a federal judge ruled against the Republicans in that case. Now Griffin wants the court to retroactively disqualify voters—many of them Democratic—so that he can be declared the winner of a race he lost.

The Republican-majority North Carolina Supreme Court shamefully cosigns the GOP’s attempt to steal an election by refusing to certify Democratic Judge Allison Riggs’s victory over Republican Jefferson Griffin.

[saywhat-politics]

The order allows the state Supreme Court to hear a challenge by the Republican candidate in the race — who trails by just 734 votes — to have 60,000 ballots thrown out.

Jan. 7, 2025, 2:05 PM MST

By Adam Edelman

The North Carolina Supreme Court issued an order Tuesday that blocks state officials from certifying the Democratic candidate as the winner of a razor-thin race for the state’s high court.

In a 5-1 vote, all of the Republicans on the state Supreme court ruled to prevent the North Carolina State Board of Elections from certifying the results of the race, where Democratic Justice Allison Riggs holds a 734-vote lead over Republican Jefferson Griffin. Riggs recused herself from Tuesday’s order.

[gwydionmisha]

This win was essential for saving democracy and a huge relief.

[thingstrumperssay]

The (republican) supreme court in North Carolina is blocking Allison Riggs victory because they're pissed that she won and their guy lost. Because they can just do that now, I guess.

Source, since Tumblr's "link" post isn't working properly again.

Whoever says that they vote republican "for democracy" is a fucking liar.

[tomorrowusa]

Democrats have an overlooked bright spot from the election.

Many states elect their supreme court justices. At least in that area, Democrats had a decent election.

Across the country, voters also elected liberal justices to their state Supreme Courts, which function as a key backstop for civil rights and democracy as federal courts lurch rightward. Progressives didn’t win a clean sweep, but they emerged with an impressive scorecard, carrying seats in battlegrounds like Michigan and safely red states like Kentucky and Montana. Left-leaning judicial candidates even prevailed in deep-red Arkansas and Mississippi, bucking the national shift rightward. And a progressive jurist is now leading the tally heading into a recount in an extraordinarily close race for the North Carolina Supreme Court, with a victory there promising to end the left’s painful losing streak on that bench and serve as a capstone for the one piece of the 2024 election where progressives actually flourished.

Democrats in general did well in state races in North Carolina. Perhaps that deserves a post of its own. But back to the courts.

This shifting dynamic is perhaps most evident in North Carolina, a swing state that Trump carried by about 3 points. Despite Trump’s triumph at the top of the ticket, Democrats prevailed in other statewide races, including governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. And the party had another key objective this cycle: Breaking the cycle of losses on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Just four years ago, liberals held a 6–1 majority on this court. In 2020 and 2022, however, Republicans narrowly flipped four seats, establishing a 5–2 conservative majority. This year, Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat, sought to stop the bleeding by holding down her seat against a Republican challenger, Jefferson Griffin. Her victory would create a path for progressives to flip back the court in 2028. On election night, it looked like Riggs might narrowly lose. But as counties tallied provisional ballots, she took the lead and now holds an edge of about 625 votes over Griffin. There will be a recount, but right now, the odds are in Riggs’ favor.

Perhaps you recall how Wisconsin Dems flipped the Wisconsin Supreme Court last year. That caused a gerrymandered state map to get thrown out and ended the GOP supermajority in the state legislature.

A similar strategy in another battleground, Michigan, helped progressives grow their majority on the state Supreme Court this year even as Trump carried the state. Liberals currently hold a 4–3 majority on the bench, and Republicans had a chance to flip it in November. One liberal incumbent, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, faced a Republican challenger, Patrick O’Grady. And the race for an open seat pitted the progressive Kimberly Anne Thomas against Republican state Rep. Andrew Fink. On Election Day, Bolden and Thomas each won by more than 20 points, with backing from outside groups, including Planned Parenthood and the ACLU. In advertisements, these groups told voters that Bolden and Thomas could be trusted to enforce Michigan’s new constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights—while O’Grady and Fink would “take abortion rights away.” Bolden and Thomas’ blowout victories indicate that the message resonated with Michiganders who care about reproductive freedom.

Read the linked article for more good news.

People tend not to regard state government as being sexy. But it's the states which are best suited to protect our rights during a Trump presidency.

Getting involved in campaigns for state legislative and judicial offices is an excellent way to wet your feet in politics as well as protect democracy.

[jomiddlemarch]

[stephen-barry]

[autonom-us-project]

Abortion Rights in North Carolina

In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the landmark 1973 case Roe v. Wade, which had previously provided federal protections of the right to abortion.

With the responsibility of protecting the right to reproductive freedom left to the states, it can be difficult to keep track of all the constantly changing laws and regulations. To help, we’ve gathered the most important information on your state’s current laws, restrictions, and related details. Below is what you need to know about North Carolina’s current abortion legislation.

*Please note, information on this website should not be used as legal advice or as a basis for medical decisions. Consult an attorney and/or a physician for your particular case.

Where does the law currently stand on abortion in the state of North Carolina?

Abortion is currently legal but restricted in the state of North Carolina.

When did North Carolina’s current abortion legislation go into effect?

Following the overturning of Roe v Wade (1973) in 2022, the state of North Carolina enacted a 12-week abortion ban, which took effect in July of 2023. In addition to this, the state has several medically unnecessary, burdensome restrictions to abortion access in place. 

For more information on your state’s abortion legislation, see our breakdowns of various abortion bans, restrictions, and protections in the U.S.

Are there any legal restrictions to abortion access in the state of North Carolina?

Currently, abortion is banned past 12 weeks in the state of North Carolina. Past this point, there are exceptions only in the following cases:

Rape or Incest: In which the individual is a victim of rape, incest, or human trafficking, they may receive a legal abortion before 20 weeks.

Medical Necessity: If necessary to save a pregnant individual’s life or prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical damage, an abortion may be performed at any point.

Non-Viability: If the pregnancy is non-viable, or the unborn fetus would not survive outside of the womb, due to a fatal fetal abnormality, abortion is allowed before 24 weeks. 

In these cases, an abortion does not violate North Carolina law, but still must be carried out in strict accordance with the law. Otherwise, a legal abortion must occur before 12 weeks.

The specifics can be read in North Carolina Legal Code SB 20

What are the penalties regarding abortion in the state of North Carolina?

Currently, there are no criminal or civil penalties for a pregnant individual receiving or attempting to receive an abortion in the state of North Carolina.

Those who provide abortion services in violation of North Carolina law face a fine of up to $5,000, and the possible loss of their healthcare license. 

The specifics can be read in North Carolina Legal Code SB 20

I am pregnant in the state of North Carolina and wish to terminate my pregnancy. What now?

If you believe your pregnancy meets the requirements for a legal abortion in your state, (see the above on exceptions), schedule an appointment with a trusted physician as soon as possible. If not, you will need to arrange an appointment at a clinic providing abortion services out of state. Make sure the state you choose allows abortions at the gestational age your pregnancy will reach by the appointment date.

If you need financial assistance to do this, there are existing funds to help cover both the procedure and travel costs. 

Abortion funds can assist with the medical cost of the abortion itself. Practical Support Organizations, (PSOs), can assist with other costs incurred seeking an out-of-state abortion such as travel, lodging, childcare, provider referrals, emotional support, and judicial bypass for minors, among other needs. Here are a few resources available to those seeking support in North Carolina:

Carolina Abortion Fund [Fund & PSO] – Provides support for those seeking an abortion from North Carolina. Offers financial aid for abortion, transit, emotional support, childcare assistance, abortion doula services, emergency contraception (the morning-after pill). Provides Spanish language support. See their website for more information. 

Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective [PSO] – Provides support for those seeking an abortion from North Carolina. Offers aid in the form of provider referrals, emotional support, language services, and abortion doula services. Provides Spanish language support. See their website for more information. 

National Abortion Hotline [Fund & PSO] – Provides support for those seeking an abortion Nationwide. Offers financial aid for abortion, transit, and provider referrals. Provides Spanish language support. See their website for more information. 

Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project [Fund] – Provides funding for those seeking an abortion Nationwide. Offers financial aid for abortion and emergency contraception (the morning-after pill). See their website for more information. 

Abortion Freedom Fund [Fund] – Provides funding for those seeking an abortion Nationwide. Offers financial aid for abortion. See their website for more information. 

Indigenous Women Rising [Fund] – Provides funding for Indigenous individuals Nationwide seeking an abortion. Offers financial aid for abortion. See their website for more information. 

Reprocare [PSO] – Provides support for those seeking an abortion Nationwide. Offers aid in the form of provider referrals, emotional support, language services, and abortion doula services. Provides Spanish language support. See their website for more information. 

The Brigid Alliance [PSO] – Provides support for those seeking an abortion Nationwide. Offers aid in the form of provider referrals, emotional support, language services, and abortion doula services. Provides Spanish language support. See their website for more information. 

Regardless of the legislation your state currently has in place, remember that safe and legal options are always available. The most important tool you can arm yourself with in these difficult times is knowledge, so stay informed about changes in legislation and policy where you live, and know that there are always resources available to help you through this ♥️

[follow-up-news]

The Supreme Court said Monday it won’t review North Carolina’s decision to stop issuing specialty license plates with the Confederate flag. As is typical, the court did not comment in declining to hear the case, which challenged the state’s decision. The dispute was one of many the court said Monday it would not hear. It was similar to a case originating in Texas that the court heard in 2015, when it ruled the license plates are state property. The current dispute stems from North Carolina’s 2021 decision to stop issuing specialty license plates bearing the insignia of the North Carolina chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The chapter sued, claiming that the state’s decision violated state and federal law. A lower court dismissed the case, and a federal appeals court agreed with that decision.

[punk-rock-quagsire]

[lubranmedia]

US Supreme Court ends affirmative action, drawing protests from students and civil rights groups

An end to affirmative action in college admissions, sets of a wave of emotion on both sides of the issue.

Highest court rules against affirmative action initiatives at Harvard and the University of North Carolina Protesters for and against the Supreme court’s decision to end affirmative action programsat Harvard University and the University of North Carolina rally in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June, 29. By Toni Mitchell eXpress News&Views— In a divided ruling on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme…

[captainxtra]

Some GOP fuckery in North Carolina State Supreme Court Race:

Yeah, scummy as hell.

[dixiedrudge]

22 Year Anniversary Historic March Across Dixie

(A big salute to HK and all of those who participated. Maybe it’s time to do this again. Since we’re all a bit older maybe we could do 10 miles a day instead of 20? – DD) View Source: Sunday, October 13, 2024 would mark to the day the 22 year anniversary held at the Landmark Crown Jewel of the City of Asheville “the Zebulon Baird Vance Cenotaph ” that a gathering of citizens, organizations,…

[nationallawreview]

Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action and Impact on Companies’ DEI Programs

In June 2023, the US Supreme Court voted 6-3 in a decision that significantly changed the way colleges and universities used affirmative action in their admissions. The targets of the lawsuit were Harvard University and University of North Carolina for alleged racial discrimination in admissions. The Ruling  The Court ruled that race conscious college admission policies aimed at maintaining…

[anistarrose]

Please don't tune out when you get to the non-partisan section of your ballot this November. First off, where state Supreme Court justices are elected, Republicans are trying their darndest to elect candidates who will destroy reproductive freedom, gut voting rights, and do everything in their power to give "contested" elections to Republicans. Contrast Wisconsin electing a justice in 2023 who helped rule two partisan gerrymanders unconstitutional, versus North Carolina electing a conservative majority in 2022, who upheld a racist voter ID law and a partisan gerrymander that liberal justices had previously struck down both of.

Second, local judicial offices will make infinitely more of an impact on your community than a divided state or federal legislature will. District and circuit courts, especially, are where criminalization of homelessness and poverty play out, and where electing a progressive judge with a commitment to criminal justice reform can make an immediate difference in people's lives.

It's a premier example of buying people time, and doing profound-short-term good, while we work to eventually change the system. You might not think there will be any such progressive justices running in your district, but you won't know unless you do your research. (More on "research" in a moment.)

The candidates you elect to your non-partisan city council will determine whether those laws criminalizing homelessness get passed, how many blank checks the police get to surveil and oppress, and whether lifesaving harm reduction programs, like needle exchanges and even fentanyl test strips, are legal in your municipality. Your non-partisan school board might need your vote to fend off Moms for Liberty candidates and their ilk, who want to ban every book with a queer person or acknowledgement of racism in it.

Of course, this begs the question — if these candidates are non-partisan, and often hyper-local, then how do I research them? There's so much less information and press about them, so how do I make an informed decision?

I'm not an expert, myself. But I do think/hope I have enough tips to consist of a useful conclusion to this post:

Plan ahead. If you vote in person, figure out what's on your ballot before you show up and get jumpscared by names you don't know. Find out what's on your ballot beforehand, and bring notes with you when you vote. Your city website should have a sample ballot, and if they drop the ball, go to Ballotpedia.

Ballotpedia in general, speaking of which. Candidates often answer Ballotpedia's interviews, and if you're lucky, you'll also get all the dirt on who's donating to their campaign.

Check endorsements. Usually candidates are very vocal about these on their websites. If local/state progressive leaders and a couple unions (not counting police unions lol) are endorsing a candidate, then that's not the end of my personal research process per se, but it usually speeds things up.

Check the back of the ballot. That's where non-partisan races usually bleed over to. This is the other reason why notes are helpful, because they can confirm you're not missing anything.

I've seen some misconceptions in the reblogs, so an addendum to my point about bringing notes on the candidates: I strongly suggest making those notes a physical list that you bring polling place with you. Many states do allow phones at the polling place, but several states explicitly don't — Nevada, Maryland, and Texas all ban phones, and that may not be an exhaustive list. There may also be states that allow individual city clerks to set policies.

You should also pause and think before you take a photo of your ballot, because even some states that don't ban phones still ban ballot photographs. But whether it's a photo, or just having your phone in general — in an environment as high-risk for voter suppression as the current one, you don't want even a little bit of ambiguity about your conduct. Physical notes are your friends.