Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, recently suggested that the North Carolina Legislature consider awarding its electoral votes to Donald Trump before ballots are counted in 2024, citing anticipated voting challenges from Hurricane Helene’s impact on western counties expected to vote heavily for Trump. Speaking at a Maryland GOP dinner, Harris stated that such a move could prevent disenfranchisement, arguing, “You statistically can go and say…‘You know what that vote probably would have been.’”
Harris’s comments followed a speech by pro-Trump activist Ivan Raiklin, who proposed that Republican-led legislatures in other states could adopt similar approaches if they see potential election issues. Raiklin, a vocal supporter of controversial electoral strategies, posted his speech online. Harris’s remarks prompted strong responses, with Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) calling the idea “misinformed” and emphasizing that state officials are working to ensure fair voting access despite storm damage. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the leading Democrat on the House Administration Committee, condemned the suggestion as a threat to democratic norms.
North Carolina election officials have already introduced measures to address storm-related voting disruptions, including additional early voting sites and expanded absentee ballot access for displaced residents.
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