RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina’s elections board has ordered Durham County to recount tens of thousands of ballots cast during early voting, reversing the decision of the county board a couple of weeks ago.
The state board’s 3-2 decision Nov. 30 after close to three hours of arguments could delay further final results in the North Carolina governor’s race. Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, who trails Democrat Roy Cooper by more than 10,000 votes, supported the recount request filed by a GOP attorney.
The board’s three Republican members voted to reverse the Durham board’s previous decision to throw out the protest.
Wednesday’s hearing focused on alleged irregularities in the election night tallies.
GOP state board member James Baker said he didn’t know if a recount would change the vote totals in Durham but said having one would help allay the public’s perception of problems with Durham voting.
