RITE has challenged North Carolina’s unconstitutional law that allows individuals who have never lived in the state—or even in the United States to vote in all state races. The state constitution explicitly ties voting eligibility to residency, ensuring that only those with a true stake in North Carolina’s future can participate in its elections. Allowing non-residents to vote undermines the sovereignty of the state’s electorate, stripping citizens of their exclusive right to shape their government without outside interference. Moreover, this practice goes far beyond the requirements of federal law, which does not grant voting rights to individuals who have never resided in a state. Even though these “never resident” voters are ineligible to begin with, to make matters worse, North Carolina officials have also disregarded verification and identification requirements applicable to them. RITE seeks a court order prohibiting the State Board of Elections from processing ballots from non-residents, requiring election officials to segregate such ballots, and ensuring that only lawful, constitutionally eligible voters determine North Carolina’s elections.
RITE filed its complaint on October 2, 2024 and moved for preliminary injunction on October 11. On October 21, the trial court denied the motion. The motion is currently pending on appeal in the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
Complaint (Oct. 2, 2024)
