NCGOP, RNC Win Never Resident Lawsuit to Secure Election Integrity

RALEIGH - The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) and Republican National Committee (RNC) prevailed in a critical lawsuit after a Wake County Superior Court reaffirmed a state law allowing Never Residents to vote was unconstitutional.

NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said of the decision:

"This ruling confirms the state constitution forbids voting by individuals who have never lived in North Carolina. The Court of Appeals and Supreme Court decisively ruled on this previously and the decision reaffirms the common-sense principle only North Carolina citizens can vote in North Carolina elections."

"We are appreciative of Chairman Gruters and the RNC for their partnership to safeguarding the ballot nationwide."

Background:

• The previous Democrat-controlled N.C. State Board of Elections issued a directive to allow Never Residents to vote in federal and state elections.
• After the N.C. Supreme Court's decision, the North Carolina Board of Elections stopped allowing non-residents to vote for state offices but continued to allow them to vote in federal elections.
• The NCGOP and RNC brought the case to make sure only North Carolina residents can vote in the state's elections. The N.C. Supreme Court's decision was clear: individuals who do not live-and have never lived-in North Carolina are not allowed to choose who represents the people of the state.
• The court's ruling does not affect voters who qualify under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), which applies to U.S. citizens who have previously lived in a state or who are currently serving overseas.