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"If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
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NEWS
First Female African American Chief Justice of N.C. Supreme Court Fights to Keep Seat
Cheri Beasley, appointed Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2019, is waiting for the results of a recount to determine if she will retain her seat. In the unofficial vote count before the recount Beasley trailed her challenger Paul Newby by 406 votes among 5.4 million cast in the race, according to an article in Slate. A recount started last week that could possibly overturn that result in Beasley's favor. New Hanover recounted the votes starting at 1 pm on Friday and is expected to finish on Monday morning. On Sunday night, Chief Justice Beasley had gained two votes and Justice Newby gained five votes. Further small adjustments were expected today. On incomplete results from other counties on Sunday night, it appeared unlikely that Chief Justice Beasley would pick up the 406+ votes she needs to win the election.
Also pending are protests filed by Justice Newby and Chief Justice Beasley which have the potential to affect the vote count. Justice Newby's protest was heard and rejected by the New Hanover County Board of Elections on November 16th on a 3 to 2 party line vote last Tuesday. Justice Newby has protests pending in other counties. Chief Justice Beasley's protest was considered by the Board on Friday November 20th and the Board allowed it to proceed on a 3 to 2 party line vote. The protest will be heard by the Board of Elections this Wednesday at 1 pm, in a hearing expected to last for 4 hours. Chief Justice Beasleys protest challenges approximately 2800 rejected votes statewide, and 108 in New Hanover County.
Governor Roy Cooper appointed Beasley as Chief Justice in 2019 after the previous Chief Justice stepped down. Beasley was first elected to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2008, becoming the first Black woman to be elected to any statewide office in North Carolina without first being appointed by the governor. Gov. Bev Perdue elevated Beasley to the state Supreme Court in 2012, and she won reelection to the seat in 2014. The Slate article said Newby, a conservative, held a grudge against the Democrat Beasley that has simmered for years. When Chief Justice Mark Martin stepped down in 2019, Gov. Roy Cooper selected Beasley to replace him, creating a 6–1 liberal majority. Cooper’s decision angered Newby, who believed he was entitled to the chief justiceship as the most senior member of the court. Read the rest of the Slate article here.
EVENTS
Beasley Protest Hearing -- November 25
When: Wednesday November 25th at 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: New Hanover County Board of Elections, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 34
The Board of Elections will consider Justice Beasley's protest, which contends that 108 votes in New Hanover County were wrongfully rejected.
Thanksgiving -- November 26
Have a safe, happy Thanksgiving! Remember this year that health officials caution against travel and large gatherings with extended family and friends this year due to the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.
Best,
Richard Poole, Chair
News Content by James Cummings
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NHCDP
PO Box 3446
Wilmington, NC 28406
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