North Carolina's Supreme Court has again blocked a law that would strip new Gov. Roy Cooper of gubernatorial powers to oversee elections.

The high court on Monday stepped into the ongoing fight over the law approved by Republican lawmakers two weeks before the Democratic governor took office. A lower appeals court briefly allowed the law to take effect, which led to a revamped state elections board meeting for the first time Friday.

It's one of the changes passed in late December that shifts power over running elections away from governors.

The law stops Democrats from holding majorities on all state and county elections panels and evenly divides the slots between major-party partisans. Republicans would control elections during even-numbered years, when big races for president, legislature or other major statewide offices are held.

The measure also merges the state ethics and elections boards into one.

Cooper is also fighting the legality of another new law that requires Senate confirmation of his Cabinet secretaries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate