My Turn: Respecting the Rule of Law: North Carolina Must Count Every Vote – Salisbury Post

By Rep. Kevin Crutchfield (R-Cabarrus, Rowan), Rep. David Willis (R-Union)

As elected Republicans serving North Carolina, we are compelled to speak out against one proposal that could undermine one of the core principles of our democracy: the people’s right to to vote. Recent comments from Rep. Andy Harris, head of the House Freedom Caucus, suggesting that the North Carolina legislature should consider awarding its electoral votes to Donald Trump before the votes are even counted are troubling and antithetical to being conservative principles. We say this as loyal supporters of President Trump and as individuals who do the same believe in his vision of America’s future. But our support for the president cannot come in the nick of time at the expense of basic democratic norms. The idea of ​​pre-certifying voters without counting ballot measures not only risk violating state and federal laws, but also set a dangerous precedent. It erodes the integrity of the electoral process and ultimately threatens the foundation of free and unfettered elections fair elections – something we conservatives must always defend.

Even in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the General Assembly worked hard to ensure this access to fair elections for those affected. We fought diligently to secure our state’s voters integrity, as it is our duty as elected officials to facilitate the process and ensure that everyone eligible voter can cast their vote – regardless of who they support. But the process continues to change which voters are chosen before the votes are counted is not the solution – it is a step in the direction governmental overreach and a dangerous deviation from our constitutional responsibilities.

Republicans have long championed the rule of law. It’s what sets us apart from those on the radical left, who often embrace the practice of law and the weaponization of government to achieve political results ends. However, we believe in law and order, responsibility and equal application of the law.

The proposal to transfer North Carolina’s electoral votes before votes are counted is similar It is precisely these tactics that we often condemn when employed by the left. Legal affairs and armaments government to win elections is what radical leftists do, not Republicans. Instead of watching If we want to find ways to circumvent the electoral process, we must focus our efforts on helping those affected communities recover from the storm and ensure voters can exercise their rights. That is the conservative, constitutional approach. If Republicans start embracing the tactics we criticize, we risk losing the moral high ground and alienating the voters who brought us to power.

Furthermore, pre-certifying voters would have far-reaching consequences, not just for our state but for all the people. Such a move would damage public confidence and fuel accusations of electioneering interference and deprivation of rights. We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our country elections in the name of political opportunism. If Republicans approve such actions, we risk become the very thing we are against. Our party stands for freedom, not manipulation. For integrity, no shortcuts. For the Constitution, not for political plans. We understand the urgency of this moment. We must ensure that President Trump receives fair treatment, and we must do so prepared to address any legitimate concerns about the 2024 election. But certify in advance voters – essentially choosing winners before the voters have spoken – is not the way forward. It is neither fair nor conservative, and it is not the way we win elections.

If the results of the 2024 election are contested, there are legal options available to ensure a fair review of the process. Let’s use those established mechanisms, instead of preventative measures trampling on the rights of North Carolinians to have their voices heard. Republicans must Remain the party of law and order, and not of lawlessness and disorder. We appeal to our colleagues to reject any attempt to undermine the electoral process and stand firm for what is right – count every vote and respect the will of the people. Only then can we maintain conservation trust that voters place in us as their representatives.

In North Carolina, we don’t play games with democracy. We count the votes, we follow the law and we uphold the Constitution – no matter the circumstances. That’s how Republicans should win elections: not by changing the rules, but by winning the trust and support of the people we have serve.