NCGOP Statement regarding State Board's Lack of Authority on Congressional Candidate Challenges

NCGOP Statement regarding State Board's Lack of Authority on Congressional Candidate Challenge

February 14, 2022

For Immediate Release

The hyperpartisan N.C. State Board of Elections— hand-picked by Gov. Cooper — is yet again attempting to exceed their legal authority. This time, by invading a function squarely entrusted to Congress. At a time of dismal voter confidence, this Board’s partisan actions continue to undermine trust.  

Under Article 1 § 5 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is uniquely vested with the power to determine the qualifications of its members. However, now, Cooper’s State Board has gone so far as to say, they have the “authority to police” whether a candidate should be disqualified under the Constitution. This is a blatant attempt to usurp the power of Congress to determine the qualifications of its members. 

"This massive overreach by this State Board of Elections cannot stand. Congressman Cawthorn has not been charged, much less convicted of anything. There is no basis for the State Board’s claimed ‘authority to police’ candidates in this manner,” stated NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "Unfortunately, Democrat activists are creating a smear campaign to leverage an overtly partisan Board in a brazen attempt to secure political gains they cannot win through honest elections."