ACLU of North Carolina Responds to Anti-Democracy Bill SB 382

Raleigh – The North Carolina House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 382 today, which would limit the powers and authorities granted to the governor and state attorney general.

Changes made by the bill include the following:

• Moving authority over the state’s Board of Elections from the governor to the state auditor’s office
• Banning the attorney general from taking stances in court that don't align with the opinions of state legislative leaders.
• Requiring the governor to fill judicial vacancies from a list of recommendations provided by the political party of the departing judge.
• Shortening the ballot curing period from nine days to three.

In response to the passage of SB 382, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the ACLU of North Carolina Liz Barber issued the following statement:

“North Carolina voters have the right to choose who represents them, not politicians unhappy with the results of an election. Choosing our own representation is the cornerstone of our democracy, and that right should be respected. However, Senate Bill 382 is a blatant power grab that would strip away the powers of the Governor and Attorney General.

“The politicians pushing this legislation were not able to secure the results they wanted through the election, so they are attempting to enforce their will through political strong-arming. This is a clear attempt to undermine the voices of North Carolina voters. Stripping the incoming governor and attorney general of power undermines the fundamental principle that voters choose their elected officials, not politicians.”

The North Carolina Senate is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow (November 20) at 2 p.m.

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