North Carolina's uber-close Supreme Court race is going to a recount
Jefferson Griffin, the Republican candidate for North Carolina Supreme Court, has officially requested a recount in what has become one of the closest elections of the year. This could change, as two counties have yet to certify their final vote totals, but right now, incumbent Democratic Justice Allison Riggs leads Griffin 50.01% to 49.99%, or a margin of 625 votes.
The recount will begin tomorrow and conclude by next Wednesday, Nov. 27. Unlike most races that go to recounts, this one is actually within the range where the recount might plausibly change the result: According to FairVote, statewide recounts since 2000 have shifted an average of 551 votes, or 0.03 percentage points.
Republicans currently have a 5-2 majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court, so control of the court isn't at stake in this election. But if Riggs loses, Democrats will be at a stiff 6-1 disadvantage.