By Rep. Kevin Crutchfield (R-Cabarrus, Rowan), Rep. David Willis (R-Union)

As elected Republicans serving North Carolina, we are compelled to speak out against a proposal that could undermine one of the fundamental principles of our democracy: the right of the people to vote. Recent comments by Rep. Andy Harris, head of the House Freedom Caucus, suggesting that the North Carolina legislature should consider awarding its electoral votes to Donald Trump, even before the votes are counted, is troubling and antithetical to conservatives. beginning. We say this as strong supporters of President Trump and as people who I believe in his vision of the future of America. But our support for the president cannot reach the cost of fundamental democratic norms. The notion of precertifying voters without counting them The ballots not only risk violating state and federal laws, but also set a dangerous precedent. He erodes the integrity of the electoral process and ultimately threatens the foundations of a free and fair democracy. fair elections, something that conservatives must always defend.

Even after Hurricane Helene, the General Assembly has worked hard to ensure access to fair elections for those affected. We have fought diligently to ensure the participation of our state’s voters. integrity, as it is our duty as elected officials to facilitate the process and ensure that each Eligible voters can cast their ballot, regardless of who they support. But alter the process by which electors are selected before the votes are counted is not the solution: it is a step towards government overreach and a dangerous deviation from our constitutional responsibilities.

Republicans have long defended the rule of law. It is what differentiates us from those who are in the radical left, often embracing the law and using government as a weapon to achieve political goals. ends. However, we believe in law and order, accountability and equal application of the law.

The proposal to deliver North Carolina’s electoral votes before the votes are counted looks similar the same tactics we often condemn when used by the left. Lawfare and weaponry government to win an election is what radical leftists do, not Republicans. instead of looking If we look for ways to circumvent the electoral process, we must focus our efforts on helping those affected. communities recover from the storm and ensure that voters can exercise their rights. That is the conservative and constitutional approach. If Republicans begin to adopt the tactics we criticize, We risk losing the moral high ground and alienating the very voters who put us in office.

Additionally, voter precertification would have far-reaching implications, not just for our state but for the entire nation. Such a move would damage public trust and fuel accusations of choice. interference and deprivation of rights. We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our elections in the name of political expediency. If Republicans support such actions, we risk becoming what we oppose. Our party defends freedom, not manipulation. For integrity, not shortcuts. By the Constitution, not by political schemes. We understand the urgency from this moment. We must ensure that President Trump is treated fairly and we must be prepared to address any legitimate concerns about the 2024 elections. But precertification electors (effectively choosing winners before voters have spoken) is not the way to go. He It is neither fair nor conservative, and it is not how we win elections.

If the 2024 election results are challenged, there are legal avenues to ensure a fair review of the process. Let’s use those established mechanisms, instead of preventive measures that trample on North Carolinians’ right to make their voices heard. Republicans must continue to be the party of law and order, not that of anarchy and disorder. We call on our colleagues to reject any attempt to subvert the electoral process and to stand firm on what is right: count every vote and respect the will of the people. Only then can we preserve the trust that voters place in us as their representatives.

In North Carolina, we don’t play with democracy. We count votes, we follow the law and We defend the Constitution, regardless of the circumstances. This is how the Republicans should win elections: not by changing the rules, but by gaining the trust and support of the people who attend.