North Carolina Republican Party and Republican National Committee Secure Legal Victory Over Never Residents

Today, the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) prevailed in a lawsuit in Wake County Superior Court reaffirmed a state law allowing Never Residents to vote was unconstitutional.  

"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,” said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. “We are appreciative of Chairman Gruters and the RNC for their partnership to safeguarding the ballot nationwide." 

Here is the background on the case. 

• 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. 

 “This is a clear win for fair and lawful elections,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. “The court upheld the North Carolina Constitution and made clear that only North Carolina residents can vote in the state. The RNC will keep fighting to ensure only eligible citizens can vote."