Fact Check: Republicans control all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina.

Fact Check: "Republicans control all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina"

What We Know

As of May 2025, Republicans have gained control of all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina. This shift marks the first time since 2016 that the Republican Party has held majorities on these local election boards. The change occurred after the State Board of Elections, under the leadership of State Auditor Dave Boliek, appointed a new slate of county election officials, resulting in a 3-2 Republican majority on each board (News Observer).

The North Carolina State Board of Elections is responsible for overseeing the administration of elections in the state, and it operates in conjunction with the county boards to ensure fair and lawful elections (North Carolina State Board of Elections). The new appointments were part of a broader overhaul of North Carolina's election administration, which included legislative changes that transferred appointment powers from the governor to the state auditor, a Republican (NC Newsline).

Analysis

The claim that Republicans control all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina is supported by multiple credible sources. The North Carolina State Board of Elections confirms the structure and responsibilities of the county boards, while the News Observer details the recent appointments that solidified Republican control.

The reliability of these sources is high; the North Carolina State Board of Elections is an official state agency, and the News Observer is a reputable news outlet with a history of covering North Carolina politics. Additionally, the transition of power was reported by NC Newsline, which provides further context about the legislative changes that facilitated this shift.

Critically, the change in control has been controversial, with some arguing that it represents a partisan power grab. A court ruling allowed the law enabling this shift to take effect, despite initial challenges to its constitutionality (State Court Report). This context is important as it highlights the contentious nature of the political landscape in North Carolina.

Conclusion

The claim that Republicans control all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the Republican Party has secured majorities on these boards following recent appointments and legislative changes. This development reflects a significant shift in the state's electoral administration and has implications for future elections.

Fact Check: Republicans control all 100 county boards of elections in North Carolina.