Sneak Preview: The RFK Jr Ballot Mess in North Carolina Was Just the Beginning
Oct 2, 2024
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Justice Allison Riggs, a member of North Carolina's State Supreme Court and advocate for civil rights, joins the discussion on pressing voting issues. She sheds light on her re-election campaign and the broader implications of North Carolina’s court dynamics. The conversation dives into the impact of climate change on election logistics, especially in flood-prone areas. Additionally, they tackle the legal intricacies surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign and its ripple effects on voter rights and election laws.
Climate-related challenges in North Carolina are severely disrupting electoral processes, necessitating effective mobilization of election officials and resources.
The RFK Jr. case illustrates the complexities of election law, emphasizing the tension between voter access and logistical challenges in ballot management.
Deep dives
The Impact of Climate Change on Voting in North Carolina
The severe climate-related challenges in North Carolina are complicating the electoral process, especially in the wake of significant flooding that has disrupted infrastructure and communication in many counties. The situation demands that election officials mobilize effectively to ensure that voting can be conducted smoothly, despite the ongoing devastation. Justice Riggs emphasized the importance of supporting election administration during such crises, motivating the need for funding and resources to ensure operational efficiency at local levels. The historic frequency and severity of hurricanes, exacerbated by climate change, underscore the necessity for a robust response from both the state and local election bodies.
Legal Challenges and Ballot Controversies
The recent RFK Jr. case posed significant challenges regarding the management of ballots in North Carolina, where the court had to balance voter confusion against the costs and logistics of reprinting ballots. The decision to allow the removal of Kennedy's name from the ballot, just days before absentee ballots were to be mailed, created a delay in mail-in voting, prompting concerns over access to the electoral process. Justice Riggs expressed her dissent, arguing that the interests of voters seeking access to absentee ballots should have taken precedence over an individual's right to change ballot information. This case highlights the complexities of election law and its implications for voters amidst urgent deadlines and administrative burdens.
State Supreme Courts are vital to the functioning of American democracy. They are also where voting rights are enforced or eviscerated. This is especially true of North Carolina’s State Supreme Court, a battleground court in a battleground state. On a special bonus episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Stern (your Amicus Plus dream team) are joined by Justice Allison Riggs of North Carolina’s State Supreme Court for an in-depth interview on what’s at stake in North Carolina this year, and the path forward for progressive priorities and jurists in state courthouses.
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