NC State Senator Ralph Hise questions value of runoff elections amid budgetary concerns (it's state law)
Plus documents & data with Cops & Congress commentary
Today I highlighted in my recent reporting what happened at the Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee [watch on YouTube here], held in Raleigh earlier this afternoon.
North Carolina State Senator Ralph Hise raised concerns today about the unexpected costs incurred by smaller counties he represents in the 47th Senate district, due to runoff elections not budgeted for in the current fiscal year. His district covers nine counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey. Hise highlighted the disparity between the anticipated low voter turnout for runoffs, estimated at around 2%, compared to the low turnout during general elections. There was a 24.1% turnout statewide in the March 2024 primary, according to state data. State law explains more detail about runoffs (read it here).
Expressing skepticism about the necessity of maintaining the standard 17 days of early voting for runoffs, Hise questioned whether such extensive provisions were justified for elections with minimal participation. He emphasized the need for guidance and suggested reevaluating the value of runoff elections altogether, given the lower voter engagement.
Hise proposed greater flexibility in election administration, advocating for counties to have the option to reduce the number of polling sites and early voting days to align with anticipated turnout levels. This, he argues, would enable counties to better manage their resources and allocate funds more efficiently.
As discussions around election processes and budget allocations continued, Hise's remarks underscored the ongoing debate over the necessity and cost-effectiveness of runoff elections in North Carolina.
Hise recently told the Small Town America podcast (formerly Hollercast), that he does not like runoff elections, due to his experience watching his mother, Shirley Hise, face a runoff for Mitchell County Commissioner (she lost). It’s a lengthy discussion, you can read an unedited transcript on my DocumentCloud account (and/or search keywords) here.
In response to Hise's remarks today, Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE), emphasized the importance of early voting in the state's electoral process. She highlighted the increasing preference among North Carolinians for early voting, noting that it provides voters with a convenient option to cast their ballots.
Brinson Bell acknowledged the challenges posed by recent changes to early voting laws, particularly regarding the set hours for polling sites. She underscored the importance of flexibility in determining the operating hours and locations of polling sites to accommodate the diverse needs of communities across the state. Drawing from her experience as a Transylvania County elections director before her current role, she emphasized the value of allowing counties to tailor their early voting plans to suit the unique circumstances of their communities.
Absentee voting has begun for statewide Republican second primary election
All North Carolina registered Republicans and some unaffiliated voters are eligible to vote in second primary elections to be held Tuesday, May 14, in all 100 counties. Visit ncsbe.gov to learn more.
Cops & Congress commentary
As discussions continue surrounding early voting policies in North Carolina, stakeholders are urged to consider both the budgetary concerns raised by Senator Hise and the necessity of preserving accessibility and flexibility in the electoral process, as advocated by Brinson Bell. Balancing these considerations will be crucial in ensuring that North Carolina's elections remain fair, inclusive, and efficient.
Runoff elections in North Carolina serve as a mechanism to ensure that candidates secure a clear majority of votes when no single candidate receives a majority during the initial election. This is particularly crucial in races with multiple candidates, where a candidate can win with a plurality but not a majority.
The runoff election allows for a second round of voting between the top two candidates from the initial election, ensuring that the eventual winner has the support of the majority of voters. This promotes democratic representation and legitimacy in the electoral process.
Additionally, runoff elections provide voters with a continued opportunity to participate in the selection of their representatives, offering a fair chance for candidates to present their platforms and engage with voters on important issues before the final decision is made. While runoff elections may incur additional costs and logistical challenges, proponents argue that they are essential for upholding the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that elected officials have a clear mandate from the electorate.
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