Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have passed a controversial bill that strips key powers from the state’s incoming Democratic governor and attorney general. The bill, which was written behind closed doors and introduced quickly, grants the authority to appoint members to the state’s election board to the state auditor, a Republican. This move has been long sought after by Republicans, who have faced resistance from the courts in the past. The bill also includes provisions that shorten the time for voters to fix ballot errors and require counties to count ballots more rapidly. The legislation faces criticism from Democrats, with Governor Roy Cooper calling it a “power grab.”
The bill also proposes limiting the attorney general from taking legal positions contrary to those of the Legislature, which could impact the incoming Democratic attorney general’s ability to defend laws passed by the Legislature. The bill further weakens the governor’s power in filling judicial vacancies and creating new Superior Court positions nominated by legislative leaders.
Republicans are expected to lose their veto-proof supermajority in the Legislature, making it harder for them to override future vetoes from the attorney general without Democratic support. The bill has sparked controversy and accusations of political retribution, with Democrats arguing that the focus should be on helping communities in need instead of consolidating power.
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