Bipartisanship or gridlock? Republicans advance bill to create evenly split local and state elections boards

If enacted, Gov. Roy Cooper would lose his appointment authority. Instead, state lawmakers of both parties would nominate and select elections officials.

North Carolina state Rep. Destin Hall, a Republican who represents Caldwell and Watauga counties, attends a committee hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

On Tuesday, North Carolina House Republicans voted a bill out of a committee that stands to greatly impact election administration in the state.

Under Senate Bill 749, the North Carolina State Board of Elections would move from a 3-2 Democratic majority to a 4-4 evenly split board. Meanwhile counties, would drop from five members to four. The governor’s appointment powers would be fully transferred to the legislature under the bill.