By Erin Smith
With an investigation into voting irregularities still ongoing, the results of three races have yet to be certified by the NC State Board of Elections and Ethics. Bladen County Commissioner Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presented a resolution to the board calling for the State Board of Elections to certify the results of the election while continuing their investigation.
The board voted 5 to 4 in support of the measure. Those casting “no” votes were Commissioners Michael Cogdell, Ashley S. Trivette, Arthur Bullock, and Ophelia Munn-Goins.
Two of the three races which have not been certified by the State are the Bladen County Commissioner District 3 race which was unofficially won by Russell Priest and the Bladen County Soil and Water District Board which was unofficially won by Earl Storms.
The Bladen County Board of Elections certified the results of the election during the vote canvass on November 16. No protests were filed by any candidates or other officials. In a surprise move, The NC State Board of Elections and Ethics voted 7-2 to not certify the results of the US Congress District 9 race, the Bladen County Commissioner District 3 race and the Bladen County Soil and Water District Board during the State’s Vote Canvass.
According to Chairman Peterson, the three races named above are the only races in North Carolina which have not been certified. He said, “Due to the possibility of a prolonged process to resolve this matter, there is a real concern that citizens of Bladen County and other counties in the 9th Congressional District will not be represented when Congress convenes in January.”
The resolution calls on the State Board of Elections to “immediately certify the election in the 9th Congressional District just as the results have been certified by every county board of elections within the 9th District.”
Chairman Peterson stressed the intent of the resolution is not to impede the investigation by the State Board of Elections but rather ensure the citizens of the 9th District have representation in Congress.
“Another reason I didn’t put on here, you know we just went through a hurricane and we got FEMA all over the County trying to look at the dike (White Oak Dike in Kelly) trying to look at how to divert the water in Bladenboro and there is a good chance we won’t have anybody to call to represent us in the 9th Congressional District,” said Chairman Peterson.
Commissioner Michael Cogdell said, “The only concern I have is we are doing a resolution, the intent to me, the way I read it, is to supersede the authorization of the legislature, the Governor’s Office, the State Board of Elections and you are trying to supersede their authority here at the local level.”
Commissioner Cogdell stated the State officials decided not to certify the elections and there is an ongoing investigation. He added the legislature has agreed with the State Board of Elections.
Commissioner Cogdell continued, “I know we got a person sitting here and other people who did not get their certifications and we don’t know the full reasons why the investigation has not been terminated and for us to come in now…who is going to take the office and fill the seat?”
Commissioner Cogdell also argued the board does not yet know all of the facts surrounding the investigation and called the resolution premature.
Chairman Peterson replied the Commissioners are not attempting to supersede anyone’s authority. Commissioner Cogdell asked again whose names would be submitted to fill the seats.
Chairman Peterson replied once again there were only three races in North Carolina which were not certified by the State. He once again itemized those races and argued the Bladen County Board of Elections did certify the results.
Commissioners Arthur Bullock asked about Rep. Robert Pittenger and Chairman Peterson stated that in January, Rep. Pittenger’s term will end. Chairman Peterson added that the law is different on the local level where the person holding the seat before the election can remain until the results of the election are certified.
“You say we are harming the citizens. How are we doing that?” asked Commissioner Bullock.
“We don’t have no representation in Washington for a potential year,” said Chairman Peterson.
“If they (the State Board of Elections) do what they are saying, they are going to open it up for people to refile, then you have to have a primary, if it is close enough you have to have a run off, and after that you have got to do a general election. It will be a year before that seat is seated,” said Chairman Peterson.
After further discussion, Commissioner David Gooden made a motion to approve the resolution and Commissioner Daniel Dowless seconded the motion.
Commissioner Ophelia Munn-Goins argued, “We can’t say he (Mark Harris) won.”
Commissioner Ray Britt stated he served on the Bladen County Board of Elections for 16 years. He said there are some questions and he was waiting to see the outcome of some of the investigations.
“I’m personally sitting in the wings waiting to see how it all flushes out,” said Commissioner Britt.
Commissioner Ashley S. Trivette said she had only learned about the resolution on Monday and had spent the day trying to read up on the investigation but felt unprepared to vote on the measure.
After further discussion, Chairman Peterson called for the vote. The referendum passed 5-4 with Commissioners Michael Cogdell, Ashely S. Trivette, Ophelia Munn-Goins and Arthur Bullock casting the “no” votes.
Following the discussion and vote on the resolution, Commissioner Russell Priest stood and asked to be recognized. Once Chairman Peterson gave him the floor, Commissioner Priest stated he did not know why his race was not certified by the State Board of Elections. Commissioner Priest said he has called and inquired of State Election Officials as to what was done incorrectly by his campaign. Commissioner Priest said he has not received any answers.
Commissioner Priest said he was unaware of any irregularities with absentee ballots until the election was over. He did say he saw an individual with numerous absentee ballots in their vehicle during the election.
Commissioner Priest told those in attendance that during the election he and his wife, Doll, would go and knock on doors and ask the residents for their support and talk to them to learn their concerns and things they wanted to see in Bladen County.
He said both he and his family are upset that the County Commissioner District 3 race has not been certified by State officials.
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