Today, Governor Cooper sent a letter to the two major party political chairs requesting nominations for the State Board of Elections by close of business today. These members will serve until a new board is convened on January 31, 2019 per HB 1029.
NC Republican Party Chair Robin Hayes stated publicly this afternoon that he would not submit new names. In response, Governor Cooper’s General Counsel William McKinney sent Chairman Hayes a letter reiterating current state law and urging him not to impede an ongoing investigation into potential election fraud.
Governor Cooper’s spokesman Ford Porter issued the following statement:
"The Governor is following the law and the Republican Party Chairman should, too. His refusal to submit nominees and his directive to stop potential nominees from accepting appointment is an attempt to impede and obstruct an ongoing investigation. Empty chairs on the Board of Elections help no one."
Read General Counsel McKinney’s Letter Here.