State Board of Elections denies Kinston election protests
The North Carolina State Board of Elections on Wednesday dismissed both election protest appeals related to Kinston’s 2025 municipal races, allowing the city’s election results to move forward toward final certification.
The board considered appeals tied to a Kinston City Council race and the Kinston mayoral contest during its regularly scheduled meeting in Raleigh. In both cases, the State Board upheld the decisions previously made by the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
The appeal, filed by Quarla Blackwell, challenged the outcome of a Kinston City Council contest in Lenoir County. After review, the State Board denied the appeal, upholding the decision of the Lenoir County Board of Elections.
In its discussion, the State Board acknowledged that Blackwell’s voter registration occurred during a period when North Carolina’s election policies regarding voting eligibility for individuals with felony convictions were in flux. The board noted that changes in judicial interpretation and administrative guidance at the time created uncertainty for some voters. The board also expressed regret that Blackwell got caught up in the judicial changes that affected election policy. However, the board determined that the circumstances did not rise to the legal threshold required to overturn or alter the election results.
The State Board also dismissed the mayoral election appeal filed by Maria Washington-President. During the meeting, documentation related to the case was presented by Kareem Moore and shared with board members. However, the State Board ruled that the protestor did not follow the required statutory process by submitting a new or amended protest to the State Board of Elections.
As a result, the board limited its review to the official record and evidence considered by the Lenoir County Board of Elections and did not take into account new information or materials submitted outside that process. The board then voted to affirm the county board’s decision.
One member of the State Board recused themself from consideration of the Kinston mayoral appeal.
With both appeals now dismissed, the remaining procedural steps toward certification may proceed, clearing the way for newly elected officials to be sworn in and assume office.
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