Post-Cotham party switch, NC Democrats to unveil bill requiring party switchers to return donations, face special election

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats will unveil a so-called "Voter Fraud Protection Act." The proposal comes after Rep. Tricia Cotham left the Democratic Party and joined the GOP in April.

North Carolina state Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Republican and former Democrat who represents Mecklenburg County, attends the first day of a new legislative session on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.

Exactly two months after Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County switched parties and gave Republicans veto-proof control of the House, Democrats announced that they’d introduce a bill to prevent a repeat of such circumstances.

Senate Democrats on Monday said they’d release a measure on Tuesday to compel elected officials who switch political parties to refund campaign contributions and face a special election.