North Carolina Election Board Modernizes Systems Amid Vote-buying Allegations
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The North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) is together pursuing a major overhaul of its data systems and addressing allegations of a vote-buying scheme in New Hanover County,highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining election integrity. Early voting is already underway for the November 4 municipal elections, with over 157,000 ballots cast statewide as of Friday.
Modernization Efforts Underway
On Friday, the NCSBE launched an initiative, in partnership with the State Auditor’s office, to modernize the state’s election Details Management System and Campaign Finance Reporting Software. According to NCSBE Executive Director Sam Hayes, both systems are currently outdated and in need of significant upgrades.
“Vendors with expertise in those areas can submit bids on the projects, and the public can submit comments on the website,” Hayes stated, directing interested parties to the newly created website, ncsbe.gov/rfi. County board members, directors, and election integrity activists are encouraged to participate in the process.
Addressing Voter Registration Issues
alongside the system upgrades, the board continues to address a backlog of incomplete voter registrations. Currently, approximately 75,000 voters remain on the Registration Repair List, a 27% reduction from the initial 103,000. This list comprises individuals whose registrations lack either a driver’s license number or the last four digits of their social security number.
Hayes reported that a second mailing will be sent to those still on the list. he also noted a high rate of accomplished registration corrections at polling sites, with only 3 out of approximately 200 voters on the list having their votes not count in recent municipal elections. A technical glitch did cause approximately 1,000 voters in less than 10 counties to recieve unnecessary registration letters, but officials confirmed this did not impact voter eligibility.
Vote-Buying Allegations Under Investigation
Friday’s regular business was overshadowed by allegations of a vote-buying scheme in New Hanover County. The NCSBE entered a closed session to discuss a request from the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) to investigate alleged efforts to purchase votes from individuals for Wilmington City Council candidates. A registered voter in New Hanover County claims to have been offered $100 in cash for their vote via text message.
As of Friday, no decision had been announced regarding the investigation.
Streamlining Early Voting and Internal Processes
The board also passed a resolution establishing permanent deadlines for county early voting plans. Counties must now submit their plans six weeks before absentee voting begins, a practice already in place. Specific deadlines were set for the 2026 primary (December 5, with a possible extension to December 19) and the 2026 General Election (mid-July).
Recognizing potential staffing challenges, the resolution recommends that smaller counties aim for at least four emergency election assistants, while larger counties should have at least eight.
Moreover, the NCSBE approved a reorganization of its numbered memos – internal policy guidance documents for counties – to improve accessibility and clarity. Secretary and board member stacy “Four” Eggers IV explained the goal is to “cull those that are not useful and leave those that are,” categorizing memos as “Current Guidance,” “Outdated,” or “Rescinded.”
Periodic Rule Review and Complaint Dismissal
The board unanimously adopted staff recommendations following a periodic review of its rules, a process conducted every 10 years. Approximately 160 public comments were received, with most existing rules reaffirmed as necessary.
the board dismissed a complaint alleging bias against an Orange County Board of Elections member based on social media posts. While the complaint lacked sufficient evidence, the board cautioned election officials to exercise discretion when using social media. Board member Jeff Carmon cast the sole dissenting vote