Lenoir elections board denies third protest filed by Quarla Blackwell
Former Kinston City Council candidate Quarla Blackwell filed her third election protest this week, prompting a preliminary consideration meeting Thursday by the Lenoir County Board of Elections. The board unanimously voted to deny the new protest, concluding there was not enough evidence to advance it to a full hearing.
Blackwell argued there was a failure in the state’s voter database, saying she was able to register and vote in 2024 despite being on active probation. She also raised residency concerns involving former candidates Milton Foster and Ashley Kornegay. In her written protest, Blackwell said the board failed to uphold North Carolina law and claimed she continues to be listed as an eligible voter.
After the board denied her third protest, Blackwell said she plans to pursue legal action.
Separate protests filed against mayor-elect Kareem Moore and councilman-elect Les Lipford are scheduled for hearings on Monday, November 24 at 5:30 p.m.
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