South Raleigh News

A state Senate bill aimed at changing election rules in North Carolina has led to Governor Roy Cooper suing Republicans. 

"The Courts should follow their own clear precedent and the clear voice of the people," Gov. Cooper said in a post on platform X. 

The lawsuit was filed against President Pro Tempore Phillip Berger, Speaker of the House Timothy Moore, and the state of North Carolina itself. According to The Hill, Cooper claimed that the Republican leaders showed a "flagrant disregard" for the principles of the constitution. The lawsuit seeks to protect constitutional powers that Cooper believes the party is not upholding.

The lawsuit comes as a result of Republican legislative leaders allegedly violating powers in the state. The changes were part of Senate Bill 749, which Gov. Cooper had originally vetoed. The bill seeks to establish an eight-member State Board and a four-member county board, as well as divide members of the General Assembly along partisan lines. Cooper described the bill as an attempt to "gridlock North Carolina elections and violate the separation of powers," according to the lawsuit filed in Wake County Superior Court.

One of the main reasons behind the lawsuit is the removal of Gov. Cooper's ability to appoint members to the State Board of Elections. NC Newsline reported that the lawsuit filed on Tuesday is in response to a law that changes the structure of the state elections board and local boards before the 2024 elections. Despite Cooper's veto, the Republicans overruled it, prompting the governor to take legal action.

The lawsuit filed by Gov. Cooper against Republican leaders in North Carolina seeks to protect constitutional powers and address what he perceives as a disregard for the principles of the constitution. The changes made through Senate Bill 749 have raised concerns about the separation of powers and the ability of the governor to appoint members to the State Board of Elections. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for election rules and the balance of power in North Carolina.