Maryland Republican Andy Harris, leader of the Freedom Caucus, suggested that North Carolina’s legislature should consider awarding Electoral College votes to former President Donald Trump before counting citizens’ votes, citing disenfranchisement in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. However, Harris later clarified that every legal vote should be counted. North Carolina’s State Board of Elections has taken measures to allow victims of the hurricane to vote, highlighting the importance of a fair election process. North Carolina is a battleground state with 16 electoral votes that could impact the presidential election. Legal experts have criticized the idea of state legislatures awarding electoral votes instead of voters, noting that constitutional challenges would likely prevent such actions. North Carolina has Republican supermajorities in its legislature and a Democratic governor, making it unlikely for such an initiative to pass. The state’s electoral votes are awarded based on the winners chosen by the voters and certified by the State Board of Elections. Governor Roy Cooper will finalize the winner of the presidential race, and the Electoral College will convene to cast votes on December 17. Overall, the suggestion to award electoral votes to Trump before counting citizens’ votes has been met with criticism and skepticism regarding its legality and feasibility.
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